About the choir
The Chapel Choir was created at the time of the foundation of Royal Holloway in 1886. Originally a choir for women’s voices, the choir now comprises 24 Choral Scholars which are generously funded by Banco Santander as a part of the Santander Universities Scheme. Past members of the choir include the international soloists Dame Felicity Lott and Susan Bullock and many others who now sing with ensembles including The Sixteen, The Gabrieli Consort, The Tallis Scholars and Polyphony. Past organ scholars have attained prominent positions in many British cathedrals and public schools.
In recent years the Choir has made numerous CD recordings. Their latest recording will be released on Hyperion records later this year and features the music of Latvian composer Rihards Dubra. During 2009 the choir gave première performances in both London and Boston of a major new oratorio from Carson Cooman based on the writings of the early English mystic Julian of Norwich. This work will also be available on disc soon.
The choir has travelled to most European countries and has been featured in music festivals including the Riga Early Music Festival and the Langlais Centenary Festival. During 2008-10 the choir will undertake several tours to the USA. In the UK the choir has performed with orchestras including Florilegium and the London Mozart Players and with soloists including James Bowman and Patti Boulaye.
The choir is also regularly asked to sing services in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle as well as other English cathedrals. They also broadcast on BBC Radio and have been featured on BBC 'Songs of Praise' as well as European radio and television.
The choir is supported by three organ scholars, a choral administrator and full-time Director of Choral Music and College Organist, Rupert Gough.