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A performance in St Mary's, Cholsey. Songs of Summer
Experienced singer or newcomer: we're the choir for you!
Remember how you loved singing at school? Are you keen to find your voice once again?
Or have you caught the singing bug more recently? Are you looking for a friendly place to build up your confidence?
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a recent convert, South Oxfordshire Choir is the answer.
We’ve been around for a while (originally as Cranford Choral Society), performing all kinds of gorgeous music from major choral works to musicals. We’re a friendly bunch, with different levels of ability, and there’s no audition before you join.
But while we have a lot of fun, we’re also passionate about getting better. We want to make South Oxfordshire Choir the go-to place for people who love to sing.
So why not give us a go…and see if we’re right for you. We offer three free sessions so you can try us out before you join!
Crawford Wiley sets our music direction
A good choir heavily depends on its musical leader for success. We’re delighted to introduce you to our lovely Music Director, Crawford Wiley. A native of Florida, Crawford took his Master's degree at the University of Notre Dame, studying organ with Craig Cramer, Professor Emeritus, and conducting with the late Dr Carmen-Helena Téllez.
Since moving to Oxford in 2021, Crawford has become a bass lay clerk in Christ Church Cathedral Choir. He also sings with the prestigious Oxford Schola Cantorum and the Delius Singers. When not sorting music as the choir librarian at Christ Church, he enjoys hiking, reading and poking around churches.
We like to perform all kinds of music, and Crawford encourages us in that imaginative approach.
This year he introduced us to a range of beautiful short songs written by top composers best known for complex symphonies. Our Songs of Summer concert in June 2023 was the result – a joyful celebration of lesser-known songs by Elgar, Schumann, Vaughan Williams, and Whitacre. We even commissioned a new work by Piers Connor Kennedy!
When and Where Do We Meet?
We sing together every Monday from 8 to 9.30 pm, rehearsing for our regular concerts.
From the end of August 2023 we will be changing our rehearsal venue to St Mary's Church, Wallingford.
A performance in St Mary's, Cholsey. Songs of Summer
Anne Light, our wonderful pianist
