Three of our exceptional Directors of Music (Tim Uglow (Worksop), Ben Sampler (Taunton), Tony Coupe (Ellesmere)) brought members of their choirs together to sing Evensong at The Queen’s College in Oxford. We are very grateful to them for the time, effort, and energy they put into the event.
Timothy Uglow, Director of Music at Worksop College, writes:
At the very heart of every school founded by Nathaniel Woodard lies its Chapel, and at the heart of the Chapel, its choir. These choirs are not only central to school life, but living, breathing communities of musical and spiritual excellence. Opportunities to inspire and sustain them are therefore vital, and this recent gathering of choirs from Ellesmere College, King’s College Taunton, and Worksop College proved to be just such an occasion.
The day began in convivial style with a shared lunch at a local Italian restaurant, setting the tone for collaboration and friendship. From there the focus shifted to the breathtaking setting of The Queen’s College, Oxford, where our singers took part in a truly memorable musical experience. Working under the expert direction of Professor Owen Rees, the combined Woodard choirs joined forces with the renowned undergraduate choir of The Queen’s College. This rare opportunity not only allowed our pupils to perform alongside musicians of the highest calibre, but also offered invaluable musical insight and inspiration, raising aspirations and deepening their understanding of choral artistry. The rehearsal culminated in polished and confident performances of all the music for Choral Evensong. The timing of this service meant that it also formed part of the prestigious Fettiplace Gaudy, one of the College’s annual feasts celebrating the legacy of a significant benefactor. Singing at such a distinguished occasion added an extra sense of purpose and occasion to what was already an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the music, pupils were able to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Oxford, exploring its historic streets and visiting the remarkable collections of the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
The service was live-streamed, allowing friends, family, and the wider community to share in the occasion: Fettiplace Gaudy Choral Evensong with Woodard Schools Live from Queen’s on Wednesday 20 May 2026 – YouTube
This exceptional day would not have been possible without the vision and organisation of the Senior Provost, Matt Bullimore, to whom we extend our sincere thanks. We are also grateful to Dr Sam Teague for all of his invaluable help at The Queen’s College. We are also deeply grateful to the Woodard Corporation for their generous financial support, ensuring that this enriching opportunity was accessible to all.
An inspiring day of music, fellowship, and ambition – one that will resonate with our singers long into the future.
