St Peter’s College has an enviable reputation as one of the most energetic and exceptional musical communities found in Oxford.

The Choir of St Peter’s College, University of Oxford is one of the finest mixed-voice choirs in the University. It comprises around 25 auditioned students and has an established reputation in Oxford, and further afield, for its choral excellence, diverse repertoire, and collegiality. During University term, it sings two Choral Evensongs in chapel a week, under its director, Quintin Beer. The Choir can also boast one of the most cherished acoustics in Oxford in the impressive College Chapel.

The College also encourages diverse forms of music-making outside chapel services. There has long been a culture of students from all subjects performing concerts in chamber groups, jazz ensembles, orchestras, and as solo recitalists.

All the music at St Peter’s, both within and outside of Chapel services, is overseen by the College’s Director of Music, Quintin Beer.

The St Peter's College Choir

Former members of our choir have gone on to be leaders both in the music industry as artists and managers and within other high-profile professions.

a person singing in a choir

The main focus of the choir’s work is providing twice-weekly Choral Evensong in the College Chapel, which has been done at St Peter’s since its foundation. The choir sings an impressive array of sacred choral music at these services.

The regular weekly choir schedule is:

  • Sundays: 4.00pm Rehearsal, 6.00pm Evensong
  • Thursdays: 4.30pm Rehearsal, 6.15pm Evensong, followed by Formal Hall

In addition to the services, the choir performs concerts in the College Chapel and elsewhere, often including orchestra. The choir also tours and makes commercial recordings most years.

Those who auditioned as part of the Choral Awards process may be awarded a scholarship. Scholars receive a financial reward from the College and are entitled to wear a Scholars’ gown. It is often possible to be upgraded to a Choral Scholarship if singers show true talent and commitment during their time in the choir.

All members of the choir receive a number of free singing lessons per term from professional teachers. They also receive free Formal Hall on Thursdays in term time, in return for singing the College Grace at the beginning of the meal.

Music this term

Each week during term, our Choir and organ scholar(s) present the music at Sunday and Thursday Evensong services in the College Chapel.

To learn more about the music you will hear at our Evensong services, download the music list for Trinity term 2023 below.

Hilary term 2024 music list

View all College events

Stained glass window

Evensong at St Peter's College

21 April 2024, 6-7pm

View event
Stained glass window

Evensong at St Peter's College

21 April 2024, 6-7pm

View event
Stained glass window

Evensong at St Peter's College

25 April 2024, 6:15pm-7pm

View event
Stained glass window

Evensong at St Peter's College

25 April 2024, 6:15pm-7pm

View event

Our Music Director

an image of a man directing a choir

Mr Quintin Beer

  • Director of Music
View profile

Learn More

Learn more about music at St Peter's College and ways to be involved.

Where to next?