Oxford's new concert venue: a former monastery

 A former monastery church has opened its doors as a new performance venue for Oxford.

The Church of St John the Evangelist in Cowley is part of St Stephen's House, a Permanent Private Hall of Oxford University involved in training ministers for the Church of England.

Over the next few months it will host performances by classical artists Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, Trevor Pinnock and pianist Jenny Lin.

Canon Robin Ward, Principal of St Stephen's House, says: 'The Church of St John the Evangelist is one of the great undiscovered jewels of Oxford. Although thousands of people travel past on their way to work or to the University Sports Ground across Iffley Road, few have ever visited.'

 The Church of St John the Evangelist was built in 1894 for the Cowley Fathers, the very first Anglican monks, who worked amongst the poor of east Oxford.

The Grade One listed building, designed by architect GF Bodley, contains fine painted ceilings and beautiful stained glass. 

Part of the reason for making the building a concert venue was to raise money for urgent work required on the church's leaking roofs, glass and decoration.

'It seemed to us we could meet an important need in Oxford for a mid-sized concert venue that would in turn help us raise the money we require. 

The profits from our events are being ploughed back into conserving the building – which will of course continue to be a place of worship,' says Canon Ward.

Ticket information and the full programme of events can be found on the website. Here are some of the upcoming concerts:

22 November, Oxford Philomusica present 'Hail Bright Cecilia!', a centenary celebration of Benjamin Britten

11 - 15 December, Paul Gallico's Snow Goose, a son et lumiere for all ages at Christmas, with the voice of Patrick Stewart

20 December, Harry Christophers and The Sixteen

12 April, Trevor Pinnock trio