Who are we?
“The Oxford Gargoyles—jazz a cappella about as good as it gets.” Philip Lawson, King’s Singer, Grammy-winning arranger and composer.
We are The Oxford Gargoyles, Oxford’s internationally renowned jazz vocal ensemble. With a rich twenty-three-year history, we are well known for our stellar mix of black-tie class, charm, and impeccable musicality; with toe-tapping jazz standards and groovy tunes, the Gargoyles dazzle with unforgettable performances. We perform regularly in the UK, tour internationally, and before the pandemic had taken a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for fourteen consecutive years. With rave reviews from past Fringe performances (including five stars; see below), the Gargoyles are a staple of the Edinburgh a cappella scene. We are thrilled to be returning to the Fringe this August to showcase new arrangements, many of which feature in our latest album!
We need your help
To make this possible, we need your help. The pandemic had a devastating impact on the performing arts, and we were no exception. However, we worked extremely hard throughout this period to sustain musical activity: we wrote new arrangements, released virtual performances and even recorded an album (to be launched in June!) with every note penned by a Gargoyle. Our next step is the Edinburgh Fringe: everyone in this year's line-up will be making their debut as a Gargoyle at the Fringe, and we're rehearsing tirelessly to make every show unforgettable. We hope to see you there – tickets are on sale here!
But for this to become a reality, we face some big costs: travel, accommodation, venue hire, promotion and insurance for our 13 singers and a lighting technician. In particular, we are committed to eliminating the cost to individual members so that every Gargoyle can access this wonderful performance opportunity regardless of their financial position. We are doing all we can to raise funds ourselves – singing everywhere from balls to bookshops – but, ultimately, we need donations from people like you if we're to make it to the Fringe. We would be incredibly grateful for any amount you’re able to give and we have some amazing rewards lined up to express our thanks, including personalised scats and signed copies of our new album.
We cannot wait to sing and swing our hearts out in Edinburgh, and we cannot thank you enough for your support!
Our reviews
"Scintillating harmonies, swinging rhythms and superb showmanship" – Craig Revel Horwood, West End star BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge.
"The stand-out a cappella group of the Fringe." ★★★★★ – FringeReview.
"A flawless vocal performance." – Edinburgh49.
"Charm personified... delectably light-voiced, well-blended style" – Richard Morrison, The Times.
"The Gargoyles craft their a cappella sets like the best consort groups craft Bach; with meticulous attention to detail and an overwhelming love for their art. They are a stunning group who everyone should go and hear." – Greg Beardsell, Deputy Artistic Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
Listen to us:
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Share us!
We are so grateful for any donations you can make, but exposure is also key to our success! Whether or not you donate, please do spread the word as widely as possible – share this page on social media, tell your friends, your family, your hairdresser, your dog... it all counts, and it all helps. Thank you!
~The Oxford Gargoyles