OP Chorus

The Oxford Philomusica Chorus was established in 1999 to work with the Oxford Philomusica. The chorus evolved from Southwark Voices, formed by Andrew Stewart in 1989 to appear at the Southwark Festival where, among other conductors, it worked with Richard Hickox, Simon Joly and Stephen Layton. Its membership comprises experienced amateur singers from such leading symphonic choirs as the London Symphony Chorus, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the London Philharmonic Choir. In recent seasons, the Oxford Philomusica Chorus has performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Verdi’s Requiem in Oxford’s New Theatre, and the Requiem settings by Mozart and Fauré.

Chorus Master - Andrew Stewart

Andrew founded the Southwark Festival in 1989, serving as its artistic director until 1993. He prepared the Southwark Festival Chorus and the London Philharmonic Choir for a BBC Proms performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No.13 with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth in 1992. He has since conducted performances of Handel’s Messiah and Israel in Egypt, the Requiem settings of Fauré and Duruflé, Vivaldi’s Gloria and a wide range of other works with his professional chamber choir, Southwark Voices. Southwark Voices has also performed with Luciano Pavarotti, Nigel Kennedy, Andrea Bocelli and such popular classical artists as Russell Watson, Aled Jones, Katharine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra. Andrew is currently working with the Blackbird Leys Choir, of Channel Fiveπs Singing Estate fame, preparing the group for its forthcoming Oxford Philomusica debut performance.