Wadham College Chapel Choir Tour Report – Belfast 2025

Wadham College Chapel Choir recently returned from a joyful and enriching tour to Belfast, sharing their music with new audiences, deepening friendships, and experiencing the warmth and beauty of Northern Ireland. Below, Wadham Director of Music, Hannah Zaki, recounts the trip.

"We began with a full day of rehearsals on 30th June, using the time to prepare our programmes and ensure we were ready for the week ahead. With voices warmed up and spirits high, we set off bright and early on 1st July, eager for the journey ahead and excited to share our music beyond Oxford.

Our programme was a rich mix of choral gems, featuring works by William Byrd, Judith Weir, Orlando Gibbons and Imogen Holst, alongside music by Irish and Northern Irish composers such as Charles Wood, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Oliver Heath — a fitting tribute to the places we visited.

Our first performance took place at St Finnians' Church — the home church of one of our altos, Eva Hayward. The concert was particularly special thanks to the wonderful local support and the hospitality of Eva’s parents, who provided tea and homemade refreshments for the whole group. We even got to sample a Northern Irish delicacy called a fifteen, which was a definite hit with the choir. It was a warm and generous welcome that set the tone for the rest of the tour.

The following day featured two performances. A lunchtime concert at the magnificent St Peter’s Cathedral showcased our repertoire in a spectacular setting, with glorious acoustics and a magnificent organ played by Brookman Scholar, Ryan Bloxsom. That evening, we headed to St George’s Church for our second concert of the day — another beautiful venue where we were once again met with kindness and enthusiasm. It was a joy to chat with audience members after each concert and hear how much they enjoyed the music.

Outside our musical commitments, we made time to enjoy the city and its surroundings. With two Belfast locals among our choir, we explored the city’s famous murals, soaked up local culture, and sampled the best Guinness in town. A full-day trip along the North Coast included a windswept and magical visit to the Giant’s Causeway and a stop at the historic Carrickfergus Castle — a dramatic and scenic finale to a fulfilling week.

This tour was truly special, and we all created fond memories that we’ll carry with us forever. Returning to Oxford on 5th July, we were tired but filled with pride—from the music we shared to the friendships we deepened—and grateful for the opportunity to represent Wadham College in this way. It was a privilege to perform in such inspiring spaces, and a joy to experience the warmth and generosity of everyone we met along the way."

Consider supporting the choir by donating to the Katie Pardee Choir Fund.