Wadham College Chapel

The chapel is a wonderful concert venue, and little-used despite having a full performing licence (unless the Holywell Music Room is out of action, in which case concerts are normally relocated to this chapel). Basic capacity in the pews is only about 80 but chairs down the (wide) aisle, around the altar area and in the large antechapel can increase capacity above 200 (chairs need to be ordered a week beforehand, and you're expected to estimate attendance when booking). Be warned - there are no electric lights in the main chapel, so in autumn/winter/spring you're relying on candles and a few discreet standard lamps for the performers. Acoustics are generous, with an especially resonant antechapel. The organ is a magnificent-sounding 1840s Willis, although the action is rather worn; there's a wireless, infra-red video camera so there are no communication problems between organist & conductor. Parking is surprisingly easy - as well as limited paid parking directly outside and on Broad St, nearby Mansfield & Savile Rd have places that are free in the evenings.

Julian Stewart (DI Reviewer), 09/06/06