Pilgrims

WINCHESTER COLLEGE CHAPEL

In 1382, William of Wykeham, Chancellor of England and Bishop of Winchester, founded Winchester College alongside New College, Oxford. The original foundation included 70 scholars and 16 boys called ‘Quiristers’ whose duty was to sing in the Chapel. There are still 16 Quiristers today, upholding a tradition over 600 years old and they have come to school at Pilgrims’ since 1966. 

The Quiristers are led by Dónal McCann and along with senior Winchester College boys and girls and members of staff, form the Winchester College Chapel Choir.  They practice every day and sing at choral services in the College Chapel during term time.

The boys also perform in their own right across the UK and abroad.   

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Life as a Quirister

PAST QUIRISTER PROJECTS INCLUDE :

  • recording for BBC Radio 3 at Abbey Road Studios
  • recording  with the London Mozart Players  
  • concerts in Birmingham Symphony Hall 
  • performing with the English Chamber Orchestra 
  • performing the children’s chorus in Carmina Burana at the Royal Festival Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • singing at Westminster Abbey
  • joint evensongs with Eton College Chapel Choir and Winchester Cathedral Choir 

 

Choir School