Oxford College Chapels & Organs

The city of dreaming spires is home to a remarkable number of organs, each defined by the personality that made them, the aesthetics of the time in which they were built, the space within which they resound, and the uses to which they are put. These instruments have become part of the very subtle alchemy that makes each college special.

Our 2021 tour will explore several of the organs and colleges of Oxford – showcasing a breadth of architectural styles, from medieval times to the 19th century, and a variety of organs, from the Romantic to postmodern interpretations of much earlier instruments. Our expert Tour Directors will give private recitals on each organ.

We begin our tour with a visit to Hertford College Chapel, built in 1908 by the architect Thomas Graham Jackson, who was also responsible for designing the Bridge of Sighs over New College Lane. This will be followed by a visit to Corpus Christi College, to hear the 1880 Hill & Son organ – an impressive instrument in original condition, created by a hugely influential builder whose magnum opus can be heard in Sydney Town Hall, Australia.

Outside the city itself, we will enjoy a morning excursion to UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, one of England’s largest houses and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The Long Library organ was built by perhaps the most famous British builder, ‘Father’ Henry Willis, who was also responsible for many cathedral and concert organs, including those of St Paul’s and the Royal Albert Hall. We will enjoy a guided tour of the palace as well as an introduction to the organ and a private recital. With 2300 pipes, it is the largest such instrument in a private house in Europe, and as an F Willis organ in original condition, is particularly rare.

Further highlights of the tour will include a visit to Worcester College Chapel, a striking 18th century building which is home to an 1865 Nicholson organ; subjected to various changes since its creation, the organ reflects the shifting aesthetic tastes of the past 150 years. Meanwhile, Lincoln College contains one of the best organs in Oxford; built by William Drake, it is a magnificent 21st century homage to British organ building of the 17th century.

The chapel at University College, one of Oxford’s oldest colleges (1249), was originally built without an organ, but today is home to another 19th century instrument which tells the story of changing fashions over time: an 1866 Walker which saw major work in 1955 and 2020. The building tells an interesting history too, including a refurbishment in the late 19th century by George Gilbert Scott.

Finally, we will enjoy a visit to Exeter College – also by Scott, and designed after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The organ, too, whisks us away to France, being a 20th century interpretation of the masterpieces of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the most famous of all French builders. This will be a thrilling way to round off our rich and varied exploration of Oxford’s organs and college chapels.

We will stay at the four-star Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel, a converted coaching inn conveniently located in central Oxford.

This tour will be led by organist and concert pianist John Bryden, MA, who has also played the organ on tours in Cambridge, Edinburgh and Saxony, and Nicholas Wearne, BA, MPhil, an international competition prize-winner and previously Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford.