Oxford choir brings harmony to the island

An Oxford choir will perform in Jersey this month, bringing close-harmony classics and traditional choral music to island audiences as part of a New Year celebration.

Lilium, an ensemble drawn from the choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, has been invited to perform by the Jersey charity Music in Action.

The choir is one of the UK's most historic choral institutions, with a singing tradition dating back to 1480.

James Mews, chairman of Music in Action, said the visit was part of the charity's mission to bring exceptional musical experiences to the island.

"The choir of Magdalen College is renowned worldwide," Mr Mews said.

"People may not realise they've already heard them – they've featured on programmes like Blue Planet with Sir David Attenborough, as well as major films."

Choir member, Jack Boley, 19, is Jersey-born.

Mr Mews said it was "lovely to bring a remarkable young local talent back home".

He said the concerts appealed to people who might not usually attend classical performances, describing them as "exuberant, uplifting and fun."

The programme will blend close-harmony arrangements of well-known pop music, including songs by The Beatles and Elton John, with more traditional choral works.

The choir will perform twice on Saturday 10 January at St Helier Methodist Church.

On Sunday, they will take part in a traditional morning church service, showcasing a different side of their repertoire.

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