Visit a selection of beautiful colleges, churches, chapels and organs in and around the city of Oxford, with a particular focus on the Oxford Movement
Enjoy recitals on a variety of instruments from accomplished organist Nicholas Wearne, including at Oriel, Keble and Exeter
Discover the newly re-opened Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at the superb Schwarzman Centre, followed by an evening performance of Handel’s dramatic oratorio, Theodora
“A thoroughly enjoyable tour, uplifting and energising - a highlight of the year!”
- ACE customer on a previous Oxford College Chapels & Organs tour with Nicholas Wearne
The city of dreaming spires is home to a remarkable number of organs, defined by the personalities that made them, the aesthetics of their time, the spaces within which they resound and the uses to which they are put. These instruments have become part of the very subtle alchemy that makes each college special.
Our tour will explore several colleges with private recitals given in each. Particular focus this year will be given to places associated with the Oxford Movement, the 19th century Church of England revival that sought to restore older theology and liturgy to Anglicanism. This fascinating subject often goes under-explored, and we will pitch the discussion to suit both those with existing knowledge and none, alongside a lively introduction to the organs themselves. The University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and the chapels of Oriel, Keble, Corpus Christi, Christ Church and Exeter will all feature; while brand new visits will include Pusey House, named after Edward Bouverie Pusey, who had a leading role in the Oxford Movement, and the nearby Catholic Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga.
“Handel’s great oratorio is one of the most celebrated choral works of the 18th century. A radical vision of faith and freedom”
– Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
A key highlight will be the much-awaited, brand-new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, where we plan to explore the rehomed Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. The centre's sumptuous concert hall is also the venue for a performance of Handel’s Oratorio, Theodora, by the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists with a line up of exceptional singers, including acclaimed countertenor Iestyn Davies, conducted by Christophe Rousset.
A MEETING POINT FOR THE HUMANITIES
Adeptly geared towards the culturally and intellectually curious, Oxford’s brand-new Schwarzman Centre is a state-of-the-art and energy-efficient space, designed to bring together the latest ideas and research and make them accessible for all – “Created with inclusivity at its core, the building’s design itself makes sure the invite extends to everyone”. The centre’s public programme launches in 2026, showcasing superb collections and exhibitions alongside cinema, music and theatre. Taking full advantage, we are delighted to be featuring not just a visit to the acclaimed Bate Collection of Musical Instruments in its new home, but also Handel’s oratorio Theodora in the centre’s wonderful Sohmen Concert Hall.
Outside the city itself, we look forward to visiting St Mary & St Nicholas Church in Littlemore for the first time. St John Henry Newman, sometime Vicar of the University Church and perhaps the leading figure of the early Oxford Movement, founded a religious community here and used it as an escape from the city. Littlemore also witnessed Newman’s ultimate conversion to Catholicism.
No visit to Oxford would be complete without experiencing the tranquillity and musical excellence of the city’s leading choral foundations, and we are pleased to be including opportunities to attend Evensong at both New College and Magdalen during our tour.
Our tour will be based at the four-star Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel, occupying a 17th century building in the heart of historical Oxford and chosen for its convenient location for our visits.
Nicholas Wearne
Nicholas Wearne is an international competition prize-winner who was previously Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford and Organist at The University Church.
This tour will be led by organist Nicholas Wearne, BA, MPhil, an international competition prize-winner who was previously Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford and Organist at The University Church. Since then his career has taken in church music in Edinburgh and at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square; teaching at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he is Senior Tutor; and a busy career as an international soloist. Nicholas is a former ACE Bursary student.
CO-LEADER
We are delighted that Nicholas Wearne will be supported by co-leader Nic Linton, MA, during this tour. Nic returned to ‘the city of dreaming spires’ 10 years ago, following 20 years organising tours in China. He is an accredited Christ Church guide and uses his rich knowledge and experience guiding in the city, in addition to his master’s degree in English, to offer a rewarding experience for travellers across a variety of themes. He is particularly pleased to be focusing on the Oxford Movement, as a complement to the tour’s musical content, during this specially-crafted itinerary.
4
£1575
OCCO-26
Limited places remaining - please contact the office on 01223 841055 to enquire.
Included: accommodation based on sharing a privilege twin or double bedded room, performance as described, three breakfasts, two dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, privilege double room for single use supplement £295.
