Who we are
A group of singers who mostly (but not necessarily) have some links with the Open University as past or present students, graduates, tutors or other staff.
We offer a genuinely warm and inclusive welcome to experienced singers who would like to join our regular members in singing great church music in the inspiring surroundings of some of the most beautiful cathedrals.
What we do
We normally meet three times a year. The two main tours are usually the weekend after Easter and sometime in August. We sing in one of the (Anglican) cathedrals and lead the music in the services scheduled for that weekend. That is typically Evensong services Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the Eucharist on the Sunday morning. Some places still have sung Matins and, if required, the choir will also sing at that service.
We also do a shorter tour in February when we sing services on the Saturday and Sunday only.
Click the link to see the dates for Future Tours.
How it works
Invitations to a particular Tour are sent to all who are on the current mailing list. The mailing includes all the details about accommodation, costs, music list and order form. Singers who wish to apply for a place on the tour specify any accommodation requirements and any music needed for purchase.
The tour information is usually sent out about 3-4 months before the tour and the closing date for applications is governed by the deadlines for hotel deposit / balance payments. That timescale also allows time for the purchase / printing of music and distribution to the participants.
The acommodation package typically includes Bed and Breakfast. Dinner is sometimes included in the deal, or separate dinner arrangements may have been made for the group. It is not mandatory to dine with the group but most people enjoy the opportunity to socialise under more relaxed circumstances. Any non-resident members can usually book ‘dinner only’ if they so wish.
Places on the Tour are allocated and confirmed, and deposit cheques banked, after the specified closing date when the composition of the choir can be determined, ensuring balance of voices. The size of the choir depends on the venue but is typically between 30 and 40 singers. Further details are then sent out with the music ordered. Singers are required to learn the music before the tour so that it can be polished during the weekend. There are no rehearsals prior to the tour.
The Tour itself
We meet on the Thursday evening for a first rehearsal session and dinner. Friday is spent rehearsing, and if Evensong is included in the schedule then rehearsal in the choir stalls followed by the service. Saturday and Sunday follow similar patterns with rehearsals and services as indicated in the timetable for the Tour.
Costs
There is no joining fee or membership fee. Participants pay the costs specified for the particular tour. The costs vary from tour to tour because they are based on the rate charged by the hotel. Participants are free to arrange their own accommodation and apply for a place as Non-Resident. Non-singing partners are welcome to join the tour subject to accommodation being available. There is also a ‘share of general costs’ component paid by all participants: singers, non-singers and non-residents.
The Music
The repertoire is selected to be appropriate to the particular services, both in content and style, i.e. standard Anglican cathedral music. Only authentic copies of music may be used. OUCC is happy to bulk-buy and pass savings on to members. Some of the same repertoire is likely to be used in the future.
Note
Participation in one tour does not mean that singers are committed to join future tours. Many singers attend regularly, some less frequently, depending on personal circumstances and commitments.
Click the link for information about Membership and how to join: Membership Link to: History