In May 1998, The Band of Instruments with New Chamber Opera gave a concert of music originally composed for the Oxford Acts in the 17th and 18th centuries, ceremonies at which candidates applied for degrees. Long odes such as 'O Felix Britannia' and 'Ormond's Glory, Marlborough Arms' celebrated Britain and the fine achievements of its monarchs and generals in song, with music composed by now rarely heard composers such as Henry Aldrich and Richard Goodson. The great interest value in both the concert and recording is that they provide an insight into ceremonial life in Oxford in past centuries, and also give the listener an opportunity to hear the work of these lesser known composers, much of whose work in the concert was played for the first time since the original performances. The music has been newly edited by Andrew Skidmore, Philippa Cole and Alison Reed.

The Band of Instruments went on to record the music for ASV, sessions which make up this disc. The project was funded by the National Lottery, who generously supported the original concerts given by the Band of Instruments.

Rachel Elliott,  soprano  *  William Purefoy, countertenor

 Mark Milhofer, high tenor  *  James Gilchrist, tenor

 Matt Beale, tenor  *  Giles Underwood, bass

Gary Cooper,  director

Music from Ceremonial Oxford

 ASV CD GAU 222