Oxford choirs shortlisted for Gramophone Awards 2026

Two Oxford college choirs have been shortlisted for the Gramophone Awards 2026, celebrating their recordings of two English composers.

The album from the Choir of New College, directed by Professor Robert Quinney, is the only UK choir shortlisted in the Early Music category. The recording explores the rich and complex world of William Mundy, a key figure in 16th-century English music.

One of two British ensembles represented in the Choral category, the Choir of Merton College, directed by Benjamin Nicholas, has been shortlisted for its recording of music by Edmund Rubbra, marking the 40th anniversary of the composer's death.The choir is joined by tenor Benjamin Hulett and instrumentalists from Britten Sinfonia for Cantata di Camera (Crucifixus pro nobis), the title track of the album, and the first recording made of the work.

Congratulations to both choirs on this recognition.