The History of the OUCC
The Open University Chapel Choir (OUCC) was founded in 1987 by Phil Baxter (a former OU music tutor) when a cathedral Choral Evensong unit was included in the early A102 course. This course eventually disappeared, but the OUCC continued to expand its church music experiences by meeting once or twice a year in various parts of the country to sing services, mainly Evensong.
Soon, however, OUCC tours began to take place in England and France in alternate years. In 2000, Phil decided to concentrate on French tours and he launched a new but still "open" group to concentrate on tours in France.
Colin Ashworth was the Music Director of the OUCC from 2001 to 2006. After a change of job he decided to hand over the reins after the Chester Tour.
Our August 2007 tour in Cambridge was directed by Philip Baxter and celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the choir. The choir celebrated the 25th anniversary in 2012 when Guest Conductors led the tours.
David Knight was the regular Music Director from 2008 to 2011. The following three tours were directed by Guest Conductors. John Naylor, with Willow Northeald as accompanist, has directed the tours from August 2013.
Soon, however, OUCC tours began to take place in England and France in alternate years. In 2000, Phil decided to concentrate on French tours and he launched a new but still "open" group to concentrate on tours in France.
Colin Ashworth was the Music Director of the OUCC from 2001 to 2006. After a change of job he decided to hand over the reins after the Chester Tour.
Our August 2007 tour in Cambridge was directed by Philip Baxter and celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the choir. The choir celebrated the 25th anniversary in 2012 when Guest Conductors led the tours.
David Knight was the regular Music Director from 2008 to 2011. The following three tours were directed by Guest Conductors. John Naylor, with Willow Northeald as accompanist, has directed the tours from August 2013.
