"Lay Clerkships (Alto & Tenor)"

The Queen’s College, Oxford, seeks to appoint up to four Lay Clerks to join its renowned choir. Directed by Professor Owen Rees, the Choir of The Queen’s College is among the finest university ensembles in the UK. The Lay Clerks sing for the three choral services a week in term-time, and participate in the Choir’s rich programme of concerts across the UK, international tours, broadcasts, and recordings.

The choir consists of approximately 30 singers, most of whom are undergraduate and graduate choral scholars. The Lay Clerks provide musical leadership and stability to the ensemble, ensuring that it performs to high professional standards.

Founded in 1341 by Robert de Eglesfield, chaplain to Queen Philippa of Hainault, The Queen’s College is one of Oxford’s oldest colleges. At the heart of the College stands its Chapel, an elegant 18th-century space which is one of Oxford’s most notable buildings. The Chapel is noted for its wonderful acoustics which, together with the famous Frobenius organ, creates an ideal setting for worship and choral performance. It remains a focal point of College life, hosting regular services during term time as well as concerts.

Queen’s is a vibrant academic community of approximately 330 undergraduates and 170 graduates, distinguished by its strong performance in both the humanities and sciences. The College is particularly renowned for its musical excellence, anchored by its world-class choir. The Choir has an extensive discography, with recordings that have received critical acclaim, and frequently collaborates with distinguished ensembles, including an annual performance of Messiah with the Academy of Ancient Music. The award-winning Shulman Auditorium at Queen’s provides a further venue for rehearsals, concerts, and recitals, enriching the College’s musical life.

Contract Type: One year fixed-term

Applications to be sent to: choir@queens.ox.ac.uk via the above 'Apply' button

Auditions: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition in person on Monday 11 May 2026.

download further particulars