This year’s Community fund contributes towards our new Chapel and Music campaign, culminating in 2026: the year Keble Chapel celebrates its 150th birthday. A cornerstone of our community, Chapel and Music has remained integral to College life since its foundation, with J. H. Newman and E. B. Pusey’s vision to provide an inexpensive university education on Church of England principles forming an important part of Keble’s identity today. In its 150 years, The Chapel has become an inclusive space for all students, staff, and the wider community, underpinned by Chaplain Fr Max Kramer’s message: ‘whatever you do or don’t believe, you are welcome here’.

We are delighted that Keble Chapel Choir continues to be one of the top mixed-voice choirs in Oxford. The College is thus keen to ensure the maintenance of high musical standards here, which will help to recruit exceptionally talented young singers and provide the facilities and opportunities required to nurture their talent and musicianship while they are with us. The outstanding annual cost needed to support Choral Scholarships at Keble is currently c.£19,500. 

As well as supporting our Choral Scholars, we are also raising key funds to enable the choir to resume their international touring and recording schedule post-covid. This year’s tour takes the choir to north-east Italy, and with tours scheduled to Hong Kong and Singapore in 2025 and New York in 2026, we are looking forward to raising the funds required to make sure every choir member is able to go on tour and take part in CD recordings, regardless of their financial situation.

This community fund will also support regular services in Chapel throughout the academic year, as well as a vibrant programme of activities for the student community. Events such as ‘Max’s Lunch’ form a vital part of Keble’s welfare programme, giving students and staff the opportunity to connect with different social groups, while engaging with a wide variety of topics and discussions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Despite the challenging financial landscape we currently face, we are committed to offering future generations of students the same unparalleled opportunities through Chapel and music afforded to so many before them. 

Should you wish to support a choral scholar, their touring and recording schedule, new commissions, or the chaplain’s programme through the community fund this year, you will undoubtedly help to secure the continuation of Keble’s long tradition of excellence in liturgical and secular music. We hope this message will resonate with you, and that you will consider helping us with this important and timely campaign.