University College Oxford Record 2020

life, normally so strong at Univ, was still being
maintained. It was heartening to see how well the
students adapted to their new existence, and that
the sense of togetherness was still so strong at
the heart of the College.
It wasn’t just in the virtual Chapel where music
was being made. UCMS, led by Sarah Chapman,
put together a rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy,
with audio and video being provided by students,
staff, and even the Director of Music dusting off
his clarinet. All the lockdown videos are available
to watch via the Univ website. There were even
remote open mic nights and Master’s Lodgings
concerts, with pre-recorded offerings as well as
some live music.
At the time of writing, there are still some
musical projects at the editing stage. The
members of The Martlet Ensemble, including
Elsa Shah (second violin) have recorded all four
movements of Haydn’s string quartet Op. 33, no.
5, affectionately known as the “How do you do”
quartet. UCVC (University College Virtual Choir),
including some intrepid old choir members, have
recorded Thomas Tallis’ motet, If ye love me. Both
these videos should be up on the website by the
time you read this (bit.ly/univ0653). They show
just what can be done while we are separated,
but nothing can replace live music, when the
creativity of music-making in the flesh is almost
palpable. Having spoken to many musicians over
the last 16 weeks, what performers miss most is
ensemble, and the simple pleasure of being in the
room with other musicians.
With that in mind therefore, the College looks
forward to seeing you all at a service or a concert
in the new academic year, and if a second wave
arrives, then it is comforting to know that music
will still be playing in Univ, at least virtually.
If you would like to know more about musical
events at Univ, then please contact
Giles Underwood, Director of Music
(Giles.Underwood@univ.ox.ac.uk)
or Julie Boyle in the Domestic Bursary
(Julie.Boyle@univ.ox.ac.uk).
If you would like to donate to the future of musicmaking
at Univ, either generally, or for specific
projects, then please contact the Development
Office (Development@univ.ox.ac.uk).
GILES UNDERWOOD
University College Record | October 2020 49