Welcome from Marios Papadopoulos

Music Director

Twenty-five years ago, I acted on an unlikely dream to establish an orchestra in Oxford made up of handpicked musicians. I couldn’t have imagined that this passion project would evolve into a world-class symphony orchestra which enjoys relationships with some of the most distinguished musicians in the world.

It brings me particular pleasure that some of those musicians join us for this special season, which will see us perform in venues across Oxford and far beyond. Nigel Kennedy, Maxim Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Mischa Maisky, Evgeny Kissin, Martha Argerich, James Ehnes, Janine Jansen and Sir Stephen Hough are among those artists who combine with soloists rather closer to home to ensure there is star quality in every one of this season’s concerts.

It’s not just the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra celebrating a major anniversary this year. A certain Sergei Rachmaninov was born 150 years ago in 1873, and the composer’s monumental music threads its way through our season from start to finish. Elsewhere, we welcome back John Wilson for a feast of British music and John Rutter, whose unrivalled expertise in Fauré’s exquisite Requiem will provide an insightful and unique musical experience.

As usual, our season has something for everyone.