THREE of Oxford’s most famous choirs came together for the first time in 30 years in an Evensong service on Saturday.

Choirs from Christ Church, Magdalen College and New College performed together, with about 100 singers, at Christ Church Cathedral.

Clare James, from the Christ Church Cathedral School, said: “It was completely packed, there were people standing because there weren’t enough seats.

“Normally the three choirs are doing their services in their own chapels or cathedral, but they performed together.

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“It was a very special Evensong, it was a much bigger noise and there was much more volume.

“The congregation had their work cut out in the last hymn singing against the 100-strong descant.”

Boys performed music by Charles Wood, Kenneth Leighton and Stanford, and organisers hope it will become an annual event. Organist and tutor at Christ Church Dr Stephen Darlington said: “It’s the first time the three great Oxford choral foundations have combined forces for 30 years.

“It’s intended to be an annual event and these choirs are renowned throughout the world for their musical excellence.

“While they exist to serve the liturgical life of their own institutions, they represent Oxford as a whole in music-making of an international standard.”