formerly Warriner Choral Society

Cherwell Choral Society

  - Choral Excellence in North Oxfordshire

About Us

Cherwell Choral Society is North Oxfordshire's largest choral society with over 70 regular members. Formed in 1972, and until November 2019 performing under the name of Warriner Choral Society, the choir now boasts singers from five counties.  Over the 48 years of its history the society has had eleven Musical Directors.  

1972 - 1977                David Spencer
1977 - 1985                David Lock

1985 - 1986                James Morgan

1986 - 1989                David Lock  
1990 - 1991                Diana Pogson
1992 - 1993                Ian Biggs
1993 - 1997                Adam Murdin 
1997 - 1999                Gordon Wood
1999 - 2004               Matthew Smallwood                                  

2004 - 2020               Martin Quinn

2021 -                        Paul Hedley        

The choir was originally formed from staff and pupils at the Warriner School in Bloxham, but as the musical reputation of the choir grew, links with the school decreased, although rehearsals continued to be held in the school's lecture theatre. The society plays an active part in the life of Bloxham and Deddington villages, with its performances alternating between St. Mary's Church, Bloxham and The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Deddington.  It has acquired a reputation for producing high quality performances, supported by professional musical director, accompanist, orchestra and soloists. 

Our most recent and longest serving Musical Director, Martin Quinn, has taken the society to new heights.  He has overseen the choir through over 50 concerts in 16 years (45% of the choir's entire 120 concert history!) Under his guidance and direction, the society has been fortunate to have used soloists from The Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Scottish Opera, along with rising international Opera and Concert singers.  Under Martin's baton members have widened their musical repertoire still further, performing popular opera choruses, a concert performance of Carmen, along with the challenge that is Sondheim as well as tackling complex major oratorios.

We said a sad farewell to Martin at the end of December 2020, and are looking forward to welcoming our new Musical Director,        Dr Paul Hedley, in January 2021.

A full list of all concerts can be found on our concert history page.

Many of the best-loved choral works have been sung by Cherwell Choral Society, ranging from the Requiems of Fauré, Mozart and Duruflé to Vivaldi's Gloria, Bach's St John Passion and, of course, Handel's Messiah. 

The choir has occasionally joined other singers in the area for special events: in 2000 they performed Handel's Zadok the Priest, Parry's 'I Was Glad' and the finale of Beethoven's Choral Symphony in a Millennium Concert at St Mary's church in Banbury. Subsequently they led a "Messiah for Hospices" concert at the same venue. In 2012 they combined with Banbury Choral Society to celebrate their 40th Birthday with a 'Last night of the Proms' style concert in Bloxham.  


There have been several 'come and sing' events organised as part of the Deddington Festival, and a very successful workshop day in 2018, culminating in a performance of Rutter's Requiem.


We meet every Tuesday evening to rehearse from 7.45 - 9.30. Visit our membership page for more details.
We welcome all enthusiastic singers, especially tenors and basses, so do please join us!