From Taverner to Today: Christ Church Cathedral Choir at 500

Christ Church Cathedral Choir continues its 500th anniversary celebrations in a programme that showcases the rich musical legacy of a unique Foundation – jointly Oxford’s Cathedral and a College of the University - from its beginnings with John Taverner, appointed by Cardinal Wolsey as the first Informator Choristarum, to more recently associated musicians and composers.

A newly commissioned cantata marking the anniversary by Composer in Residence, Nico Muhly, receives its premiere. The Shadow of the Sun is a multi-movement exploration of how poetry, art, and especially glass can act as a membrane between the visible world and the divine. The piece is in seven short sections, with texts ranging from the 16th-century writer William Gager, an anonymous 17th century poem in praise of stained glass, the hymns of Charles Wesley, and the poetry of George Herbert. A recurring theme, both textual and musical, is that windows, poems, and paintings can frame and focus the sacred, but never fully capture it.

Programme

John Taverner Christe Jesu, pastor bone
John Taverner Western Wynde Mass

Interval

William Harris Bring us, O Lord God
Judith Weir A Wreath
William Walton A Litany (Drop, drop, slow tears)
Nico Muhly The Shadow of the Sun (world premiere)
John Taverner Mater Christi sanctissima

Accessibility

There is step free access to the venue and accessible toilets are available. The nearest blue badge parking spaces are directly in front of the entrance on St Aldates, and in Pembroke Street over the road.

An induction loop is in operation in the Cathedral.

Travelling Here

By Train: There are direct rail services to Oxford from locations including Birmingham, Manchester, Hereford, Worcester, Newcastle, and York. A direct service operates between London Paddington and Marylebone stations. The station is a 15-minute walk from Christ Church. Taxis are available at the main entrance.

By car: There is no visitor parking at Christ Church. Visitors travelling by car are encouraged to use Park and Ride buses. Note that the Botley Road is closed at the railway bridge until August 2026.

By bus and coach: There are bus stops on St Aldates for local buses connecting Oxford with the city centre. The Oxford Tube leaves London at Victoria (Buckingham Palace Road), Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate and Shepherd’s Bush arriving at St Aldates and Gloucester Green Bus Station. Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)