OPO Seasons Brochure January-August 2024 by Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Music Director Marios Papadopoulos

CONCERTS

January - August 2024

Silver Jubilee Season oxfordphil.com

Royal Albert Hall, 2023

Maxim Vengerov Thursday 11 January 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 Maxim Vengerov violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor If any symphony was worth the wait, it was Brahms’s First. Decades in the making, it stands as one of the most emotionally riveting and intellectually satisfying orchestral works of the nineteenth century and fully deserves its reputation for taking Beethoven’s mantle and charging forward with it. Before Brahms’s

compelling symphony, music of a different mood altogether. We welcome our longstanding friend Maxim Vengerov for a performance of Mendelssohn’s love letter of a violin concerto − another score that took years to complete, but this one sounding as effortlessly gorgeous as can be.

Tickets £60 £42 £32 £20 (students from £5)

The Fantastic Philharmonic Time Machine FUNomusica Family Concert Sunday 14 January 2024 Oxford Town Hall, 16:00

Alasdair Malloy presenter Join Alasdair Malloy and the Oxford Philharmonic as they programme the Fantastic Philharmonic Time Machine to take us to some fascinating periods in history including Ancient Egypt, the Inca Empire and the Era of the Dinosaurs. Discover how one famous composer needed some inspiration from the future for one of his most well-known pieces! An exciting trip through time with amazing music to match.

Tickets adults £10 children £4

Most suitable for ages 4−8 Pre-concert craft activities at 15:00

In partnership with

Berlioz and Brahms Thursday 18 January 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Berlioz Overture to Béatrice et Bénédict Berlioz Les nuits d’été, Op. 7 Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73 Sophie Bevan soprano Ryan Wigglesworth conductor The Orchestra fills the Sheldonian Theatre with Brahms’s irresistible second symphony – a beauteous, undulating orchestral journey through shadows towards light. Before it, Ryan Wigglesworth and Sophie Bevan delve into the

extraordinary musical imagination of Hector Berlioz, courtesy of the thrilling overture to his Shakespearean opera and his delectable songs on the theme of love passionate, unrequited and lost.

Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 (students from £5)

Elgar Cello Concerto Saturday 27 January 2024

John Wilson brings his conducting wizardry to bear on some of the British music closest to his heart. Punctuated with buzzing overtures by Vaughan Williams and Sullivan, we hear orchestral pictures of Nelson’s Column, Horse Guards Parade and more from Haydn Wood. Also performed is a serene interlude from Delius, as well as Eric Coates’s London reimagining of the Cinderella story, the piece he considered ‘the best thing I have done’. At the heart of the concert is Leonard Elschenbroich’s performance of Elgar’s hard-hitting Cello Concerto, a work of brittle but beauteous lyricism that would herald the end of the age of innocence with passion and anger.

Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Vaughan Williams The Wasps Overture Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Sullivan Overture Di Ballo Delius Summer Night on the River Haydn Wood London Landmarks Coates Cinderella Leonard Elschenbroich cello John Wilson conductor

Tickets £54 £40 £30 £18 (students from £5)

Verdi String Quartet Saturday 24 February 2024

Verdi’s only score for instruments alone was written in a hotel room in Naples in 1873 and never intended for public consumption. The composer’s String Quartet has all the songful melodiousness, charming wit and fluent elegance of his operas – combined with the seriousness of a musician who knew his Haydn and Beethoven. At the other end of his life, the pre-teenage Rossini wrote a set of string sonatas that combine the youthful ardour of Mendelssohn with something altogether more saucy and Italian. Join our outstanding string players for this rare chance to hear intimate chamber music for strings by Italian composers famous for operas on a grand scale.

Holywell Music Room, 19:30

Rossini String Sonata No. 3 in C major Rossini String Sonata No. 6 in D major Verdi String Quartet in E minor Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic

Tickets £30 (students £5)

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra In Dubai 4−15 February 2024

Sunday 11 February 2024

Dubai Opera, 20:00

Mendelssohn The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26, ‘Fingal’s Cave’ Alexey Shor Travel Notebook Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

Sunday 4 February 2024 Beethoven Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major,

Yekwon Sunwoo piano Christoph Poppen conductor

Op. 58

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Tuesday 13 February 2024

Frank Braley piano Sergey Smbatyan conductor

Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Alexey Shor Carpe Diem Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88

Alexey Shor Violin Concerto No. 5 in C minor Bruch Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 26 Elgar Variations on an Original Theme,

Marc Bouchkov violin Lucas Macias conductor

Op. 36, ‘Enigma’

Thursday 15 February 2024

Clara Jumi-Kang violin Anu Tali conductor

Rossini Overture to William Tell Alexey Shor Violin Concerto No. 4 in B minor Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95,

Friday 9 February 2024

‘From the New World’

Alexey Shor Childhood Memories Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Stella Chen violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor

Zee Zee piano Nabil Shehata conductor

If you would like to find out more about this tour, please contact Jemma Crossley at jemma@oxfordphil.com

Sibelius Violin Concerto Thursday 29 February 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Rossini Overture to The Barber of Seville* Side-by-Side Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 Haydn Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I:104, ‘London’ Anna-Liisa Bezrodny violin Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey conductor* Marios Papadopoulos conductor Marios Papadopoulos conducts our remarkable Co-Concertmaster FinnishEstonian violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny in music close to her heart – the violin concerto by the composer who defined Finland in sound, Jean Sibelius. The concerto Sibelius wrote as a surrogate for the virtuoso violin career he could never have is a work of inspiring focus and fortitude, the virtuosity of which is never just for show. In this concert it is joined by the overture to Rossini’s enduringly popular comic opera, and Haydn’s best-known symphony. Tickets £54 £40 £30 £18 (students from £5)

Fauré and Rutter Requiems

Thursday 28 March 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Rutter Requiem Fauré Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 (ed. John Rutter) Mary Bevan soprano Gareth Brynmor John baritone Choir of Merton College John Rutter conductor When Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem first appeared in Paris in 1888, it seemed to propose a whole new musical and religious philosophy. Far from the fire and brimstone of Verdi’s or even Mozart’s Requiems, Fauré’s is at its most powerful when at its most calm and reassuring. ‘It is dominated from beginning to end by a very human feeling of faith

in eternal rest,’ said the composer of the score’s clean lines, pure vocal textures and elegant orchestration. John Rutter, long associated with the score as its editor, leads the Orchestra and the Choir of Merton College for this performance of Fauré’s masterpiece of understatement, along with his own setting of the Latin Requiem.

Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 (students from £5)

Mozart Requiem Thursday 11 April 2024

In contrast to Fauré’s Requiem heard just two weeks earlier at the Sheldonian Theatre, Mozart’s brims with music of the utmost imposition. In truth, there’s no need for contextual intrigue to heighten the drama and poignancy of Mozart’s Requiem, because the composer delivered both and more in his music in a piece that moves from the dark clouds of fate to the piercing light of optimism. After one of the composer’s most sophisticated piano concertos, Marios Papadopoulos conducts the Requiem here with the Schola Cantorum of Oxford and an outstanding team of vocal soloists.

Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat major, K. 482 Mozart Requiem in D minor, K. 626

Alexandra Lowe soprano Rebecca Leggett mezzo-soprano Thomas Elwin tenor James Atkinson baritone Schola Cantorum Marios Papadopoulos piano/conductor

Tickets £54 £40 £30 £18 (students from £5)

Young Artists’ Platform Pre-concert recital 18:30 Supported by Dr Michael Peagram

James Ehnes Plays Schumann Saturday 20 April 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Weber Overture to Oberon, J. 306 Schumann Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 Schumann Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97, ‘Rhenish’

James Ehnes violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor Robert Schumann’s forceful imagination, his inquisitive mind, his passion for literature and his music of rare poetry exerted an influence on European creativity for decades. This concert culminates in one of the most propulsive symphonies ever written: Schumann’s captivating orchestral portrait of the deep and majestic River Rhine, complete with its splendid procession in salute to Cologne Cathedral. Before it, James Ehnes plays the composer’s Violin Concerto – a piece thought lost until it was discovered, with help from a séance, in the 1930s. In its intricate writing, Schumann’s work has been compared to the plotting characters in a play – precisely what Weber sought to achieve in the overture to his enchanting opera Oberon. Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 (students from £5)

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra In Japan 3−8 May 2024 The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra makes its debut in Japan, performing concerts in Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukui and Kanazawa. If you would like to find out more about this tour, please contact Jemma Crossley at jemma@oxfordphil.com

Friday 3 May Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa

Saturday 4 May Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa

Sunday 5 May Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa

Monday 6 May Harmony Hall, Fukui

Tuesday 7 May Sumida Triphony Hall, Tokyo

Wednesday 8 May Aichi Art Theater, Nagoya

Schubert Five Thursday 16 May 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3 in E flat major, K. 447 Wagner Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103 Schubert Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485 Radek Baborák horn/conductor In 1816, a teenage Franz Schubert briefly rebelled against the emotional overabundance of prevailing musical trends as established by Beethoven. Schubert’s musical reaction was his Symphony No. 5 – a piece in which we hear exemplified the principle of ‘dissolving in love’ which Schubert held so dear, and which seems to look backwards to the limpid, graceful and

elegantly proportioned music of Mozart. The most perfectly formed work Schubert had created is heard here alongside that of his forbear and an exquisite miniature from the master of majesty, Richard Wagner, as we welcome the Orchestra’s Solo Horn Radek Baborák as both soloist and conductor.

Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 (students from £5)

Two Celli Saturday 18 May 2024 Holywell Music Room, 19:30 Works by

Bach, Boccherini, Dvořák, Milhaud and Ireland Peter Adams cello Mats Lidström cello Nicola Eimer piano The combination of two celli with piano creates a powerful sound, close to a symphonic sound. It allows the cellists to remain within the singing register of the instrument. Our programme this

evening starts with Bach and ends with a samba and a blues, with Boccherini, Dvořák, Milhaud and John Ireland in-between, performed by the Orchestra’s two Solo Celli.

Tickets £30 (students £5)

Anne-Sophie Mutter Sunday 26 May 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Brahms Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 Wagner Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde Strauss Don Juan, Op. 20 Anne-Sophie Mutter violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor Legendary violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter makes a welcome return to Oxford in what promises to be a phenomenal performance. Passion sings its way through the second half of the concert: ecstasy courses through Strauss’s depiction of the hedonist Don Juan, while love flows through the climactic tension of the most arresting orchestral music from Wagner’s opera on infatuation and transcendence, Tristan und Isolde. Tickets £60 £42 £32 £20 (students from £5)

Beethoven Five Thursday 30 May 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Farrenc Overture No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 24* Side-by-Side Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 Javier Perianes piano Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey conductor* Marios Papadopoulos conductor Beethoven had a transformative effect on both the symphony and the piano concerto, expanding the expressive range and physical dimensions of both. Few works demonstrate this better than the composer’s pivotal Piano Concerto No. 3 – in which the composer brings new drama and tension to the form – and the symphony with the most famous opening gambit in history. Beethoven’s Fifth is both a defiantly optimistic symphony and a manifesto for a new form of musical design that couldn’t help but influence future generations, not least the equally headstrong Louise Farrenc, whose music opens this concert. Javier Perianes joins Marios Papadopoulos and the Orchestra for some of the most striking orchestral works of the 19th century. Tickets £54 £40 £30 £18 (students from £5)

Young Artists’ Platform Pre-concert recital 18:30

Sir Stephen Hough Thursday 20 June 2024

One of the great pianists of our time brings us one of the great piano concertos of all time. Sir Stephen Hough, whose recording of the Rachmaninov concerto was a Sunday Times Record of the Year, joins Marios Papadopoulos to take on the Everest of the piano literature – the Russian composer’s ardent and immense Piano Concerto No. 3. Before it, a work both menacing and mellifluent, the exquisite picture of radiant beauty and dark foreboding that is Brahms’s Symphony No. 3. It will give the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra plenty of opportunity to display both its outstanding soloists and its warm, embracing sound.

Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90 Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30

Sir Stephen Hough piano Marios Papadopoulos conductor

Tickets £60 £42 £32 £20 (students from £5)

Mischa Maisky Thursday 27 June 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Henry Le Feber Robertson Oublié * world premiere Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, ‘From the New World’ Mischa Maisky cello Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey conductor* Marios Papadopoulos conductor When Dvořák first heard America’s spirituals and plantation songs, he wrote that they would form ‘the future music of this country’. Rather sooner, the spirit of those melodies made their way into Dvořák’s most popular work. In his ‘New World’ symphony, the composer wove the songs of native America into music of intense warmth, drama and spontaneity. Nature shines through this most gregarious music, but so does the sense of sadness and longing that also colours the composer’s wistful Cello Concerto – another moving product of the Czech composer’s years spent expatriated across the Atlantic. Musical icon Mischa Maisky joins Marios Papadopoulos and the orchestra for this concert of heartfelt letters from America. The second premiere selected from last year’s Composers’ Workshop opens the concert. Tickets £60 £42 £32 £20 (students from £5)

Music on the Menu FUNomusica Family Concert Sunday 30 June 2024 Oxford Town Hall, 16:00

Alasdair Malloy presenter A fun-filled feast for all the family as master chef Alasdair Malloy leads the Oxford Philharmonic on a whisk round the kitchen and gets creative with the ingredients of the orchestra. Music to tickle your taste buds includes a healthy

breakfast from Edvard Grieg, a tea break with the Sugar Plum Fairy and a fabulous pizza and pasta feast for dinner. All this and a smorgasbord to choose from for lunch – this concert has all the right ingredients.

Tickets adults £10 children £4

Most suitable for ages 4−8 Pre-concert craft activities at 15:00

In partnership with

Beethoven Emperor Friday 5 July 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, ‘Emperor’ Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, ‘Pastoral’ Jaeden Izik-Dzurko piano Peter Tiboris conductor Peter Tiboris leads the Orchestra in this celebration of two very different sides to Ludwig van Beethoven. First, with soloist Jaeden IzikDzurko in the hot seat, the composer’s mammoth Emperor concerto − a work of heroism and virtuosity in which a soloist brings order to a

world of sound and fury, sweeping the orchestra along with it. Next, perhaps the composer’s most personal symphonic work. Beethoven returned to nature in the 'Pastoral' Symphony, his glimpse of the cheerful feelings of childhood and a thanksgiving for the wonders of the Earth.

Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 (students from £5)

Baroque Jewels Thursday 11 July 2024 Oxford Town Hall, 19:30 Tickets £38 £28 £22 £15 (students £5)

Friday 12 July 2024 St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, 19:30 Tickets £35 £30 £25 £16 £10

Pachelbel Canon in D major Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto in F major, RV 485 Bach Air on the G String from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Albinoni Adagio for Organ and Strings in G minor Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins and Cello in F major, RV 485 Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049 Bence Bogányi bassoon Tamás András violin/director Concertmaster Tamás András and members of the Oxford Philharmonic bring you captivating jewels from the musical baroque. From the contemplative beauty of Pachelbel’s Canon and Albinoni’s Adagio, to Vivaldi's exuberant bassoon

concerto played by OPO Solo Bassoon Bence Bogányi, to the energetic bustle of music by Vivaldi and Bach in which everyone is a soloist. Be swept away by music which is equal parts passion and precision.

Handel Fireworks Saturday 20 July 2024 St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, 19:30 Tickets £35 £30 £25 £16 £10

Sunday 21 July 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30 Tickets £38 £28 £22 £15 (students £5)

Bach Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Handel Water Music: Two Variations in F major, HWV 348 Telemann Trumpet Concerto in D major, TWV 51:D7 Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G major, BWV 1048 Telemann Concerto for Two Horns in E flat major, TWV 54:ES1 Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 551 Jiří Houdek trumpet Ben Goldscheider horn Radek Baborák horn/conductor The Oxford Philharmonic returns to St Martinin-the-Fields for music gleaming and glinting with baroque splendour. The Orchestra's Solo Horn and conductor Radek Baborák leads the Orchestra in some of Handel’s most stately ceremonial works – including both his Water and Fireworks music – and exquisite works by Telemann and Bach.

Jayson Gillham Saturday 27 July 2024 Holywell Music Room, 19:30

Chopin Rondo in E flat major, Op. 16 Chopin 12 Etudes, Op. 10 Chopin 12 Etudes, Op. 25 Chopin Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53 Jayson Gillham piano Tickets £30

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Sunday 28 July 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Rossini Overture to William Tell Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 Dmitry Ishkhanov piano Marios Papadopoulos conductor Tickets £48 £38 £28 £15 Supported by an anonymous donor

Barry Douglas and the Carducci Quartet Monday 29 July 2024 University Church of St Mary the Virgin, 19:30

Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34 Carducci Quartet Barry Douglas piano Tickets £30 £22 £18 £12 (unsighted)

Sergei Babayan Tuesday 30 July 2024 Holywell Music Room, 19:30 Piano transcriptions of songs by Schubert, Schumann, Liszt, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Hahn, Arlen, Poulenc, Fauré, Trenet, Gershwin

Sergei Babayan piano Tickets £30

Participants’ Recital Wednesday 31 July 2024 JdP Music Building, 19:30 The Festival’s participants take to the stage with fresh guidance from the world’s most esteemed pianists echoing in their ears. Be sure not to miss this showcase of outstanding talent from rising stars of the piano world. Tickets £12

Vikingur Ólafsson Thursday 1 August 2024 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 Schumann Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61 Vikingur Ólafsson piano Marios Papadopoulos conductor Tickets £54 £40 £30 £18 (students from £5)

Kevin Chen Friday 2 August 2024 University Church of St Mary the Virgin, 19:30

Scarlatti Sonata in D minor, K. 1 Scarlatti Sonata in B flat major, K. 266 Scarlatti Sonata in G major, K. 124 Scarlatti Sonata in B minor, K. 27 Chopin Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61 Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 Moscheles Étude caractéristique, Op. 95 No. 7, ‘Zärtlichkeit’ Schumann Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 14 Kevin Chen piano Tickets £30 £22 £18 £12 (unsighted)

Kathryn Stott Saturday 3 August 2024 Christ Church Cathedral, 19:30 Music by Bach, Boulanger, Fauré, Ravel, Grieg, Piazzolla, Shostakovich, Chopin, Grainger and Rogers & Hammerstein

Kathryn Stott piano Kathryn Stott writes: I have enjoyed the most wonderful and fulfilling career as a concert pianist, but from the end of December 2024, I will no longer be giving public performances in a professional capacity. I have curated a very personal, reflective and exciting recital programme to share with you on this final part of my musical journey. I hope you will join me! Tickets £30 £12 (unsighted)

For your diary:

Martha Argerich Sunday 23 February 2025 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Monday 24 February 2025 Barbican Hall, 19:30

Following sensational concerts in Oxford and Germany in the spring of 2023, Martha Argerich returns to perform with the Oxford Philharmonic at the Sheldonian Theatre and London's Barbican Hall. Tickets will be available from September 2024

Make an Anniversary Gift to the Orchestra (Charity No. 1084256) We are excited to present our 2023/24 season celebrating our Silver Jubilee. With a full schedule of concerts as well as ongoing education and community projects, the Orchestra has a lot of activities to fund which would be impossible to deliver without the generosity of our supporters.

Friends and Patrons Our Friends and Patrons are the backbone of the Orchestra. As a member of the Oxford Phil family, your subscription allows you to enjoy benefits including priority booking, interval hospitality and more. Visit our website at oxfordphil.com for further details.

Support our Concerts Why not support a specific aspect of an individual concert? Your support will be acknowledged in printed programmes and online. • £250 provides the printed programme • £500 supports an orchestral musician • £1,000 supports the concertmaster • £2,500 supports the participation of a choir • £5,000 supports a soloist

General Support If you would like the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra to thrive in every aspect please consider making an unrestricted gift. To donate or learn more about how to support, please contact Jemma Crossley on 01865 987 222 or at jemma@oxfordphil.com.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Since 1998, the Oxford Philharmonic has brought inspirational performances to Oxford and beyond. The Orchestra prides itself on creating unique musical experiences, bringing new and engaging interpretations to well-loved works in the classical repertoire. Its continual search for excellence is underpinned by the uncompromising standards of its Founder and Music Director Marios Papadopoulos, who with some of the UK’s and Europe’s finest instrumental musicians has shaped the Orchestra’s distinctive sound.

In addition to its annual concert season in Oxford, performances across the UK, family concerts and annual Piano Festival and Chamber Music Series, the Oxford Philharmonic is in growing demand internationally. It appeared at the Tivoli Festival in Copenhagen in June 2019 and, in June 2022, made its critically acclaimed US debut at Carnegie Hall. In February 2023, the Orchestra celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala concert at the Barbican, in which Maxim Vengerov played Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Other engagements during the Orchestra’s Silver Jubilee year included concerts in Dubai in February 2023 and a tour of Germany and Austria, where the Orchestra made its debut at Musikverein, Vienna and at Isarphilharmonie, Munich with soloist Martha Argerich. An exciting 2023/24 season will see the Orchestra return to Dubai in February for six concerts, and undertake a major tour of Japan in April/May.

The Oxford Philharmonic works regularly with some of the world’s greatest classical artists, among them Maxim Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Sir András Schiff, Evgeny Kissin and Sir Bryn Terfel. Violinist Maxim Vengerov became the Oxford Philharmonic’s first ever Artist-in-Residence in 2013 for an unprecedented four seasons. Since then, Vengerov has performed with the Orchestra across the UK and recorded the violin concertos of Brahms and Sibelius, as well as leading an ensemble of OPO Principals in a recording of Mendelssohn’s Octet.

In December 2020, the Orchestra filmed a concert in a tribute to all those working on developing a vaccine for Covid-19 at the University of Oxford, including the world premiere of John Rutter’s Joseph’s Carol, commissioned for the occasion.

Since its founding, the Oxford Philharmonic has been firmly committed to outreach work, with projects taking music to areas of social and economic disadvantage, hospitals, Special Educational Needs schools, and to the wider community through partnerships with Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. In December 2021 the Orchestra’s Sub-Principal Violin Jamie Hutchinson was awarded the prestigious Salomon Prize, a joint prize between the Royal Philharmonic Society and Association of British Orchestras, in recognition of the educational initiatives she spearheaded with the Orchestra during the pandemic.

The Oxford Philharmonic has appeared on several recordings including albums of cello concertos by Shostakovich and Solo Cello Mats Lidström on BIS Records, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy; A Merton Christmas with the Choir of Merton College; Haydn’s The Creation with the Choir of New College; the Handel/Mendelssohn Acis and Galatea with Christ Church Cathedral Choir; and works by Nimrod Borenstein for Chandos. The Orchestra’s latest CD, The Enlightened Trumpet with soloist Paul Merkelo, was released on Sony Classical. The Oxford Philharmonic recently signed a recording contract with the Apple-owned label Platoon and recorded a selection of Mozart’s symphonies in September 2023.

The Oxford Philharmonic was appointed Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford in 2002, the first relationship of its kind between a symphony orchestra and a higher education institution. In this capacity, the Oxford Philharmonic offers tuition and performance opportunities to University students, including the Side-by-Side scheme, which provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform within the ranks of a professional orchestra.

The Orchestra and its Music Director were awarded the City of Oxford’s Certificate of Honour in 2013, in recognition of their contribution to education and performance in Oxford.

Education and Community Work Education and outreach are at the heart of the work of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. We are ambassadors for music education, nurturing and cultivating young talent, and helping children and young adults of all backgrounds to become involved in music.

Residency at the University of Oxford Our unique Residency Programme at the University of Oxford offers a wide range of special benefits to the most gifted young musicians: Young Artists’ Platform Tuition Scheme Composers’ Workshop Orchestral Apprenticeship Oxfordshire Concerto Competition Side-by-Side Collaborations with University of Oxford choirs Masterclass Series

‘Opportunities like these are extremely rare, and I am very grateful for the chance to work with such distinguished and internationally proclaimed soloists and professors. An extremely inspiring experience!’ Gabrielė Brasaitė, University of Oxford alumna

Oxford Piano Festival The Festival’s objective is to inspire, support and encourage music-making at the piano of the highest quality. Welcoming world-renowned soloists and teachers each year, the Festival provides rising-star pianists from around the globe with a rare opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the world’s finest pianists and teachers, as part of a dedicated community of artists which encourages exchange over competition. 34

Primary Schools and Special Schools We are actively involved in bringing music to disadvantaged communities with high levels of unemployment, crime and social service intervention where there is often little or no music education. We run in-house programmes with Special Educational Needs schools and primary schools in ethnically diverse areas of the city. We host days of music-making and learning for children from across Oxfordshire. Here are two recent highlights: Strings Open Day 60 pupils from five local state secondary schools attended a Strings Day at St Helen & St Katharine School in Abingdon, led by Sub-Principal Violin Miranda Walton. The day offered the students an opportunity to experience a variety of music, extend their understanding of orchestral playing, and benefit from guidance from professional string players to help them with their instrumental technique. Noah’s Flood Four OPO musicians led a three-day opera project at William Morris Primary, a state school in Banbury with children from various cultural backgrounds, for many of whom English is a second language. 55 students in Years 2 and 3 participated, showcasing singing, improvisation, and choreography skills in a final performance for their families.

Hospitals Over the years we have been very active in local hospitals and have established special relationships with a number of units in Oxford. Led by Solo Flute Tony Robb, our workshops for patients of all ages, whether they are living with physical or mental conditions, continue to be recognised for their significant therapeutic effects.

‘OPO brings high quality music to those who wouldn’t normally have access to it. Music has such a positive impact on staff and patients.’ Ruth Charity, Oxford Hospitals Charity

Booking Information for Concerts in Oxford Box Office Online: oxfordphil.com Telephone: 01865 980 980 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00) Email: boxoffice@oxfordphil.com The box office at the Sheldonian Theatre opens 4 hours before each concert. The box office at all other venues opens 1 hour before each concert.

Opening Times Doors open 30 minutes before the advertised concert start time and 10 minutes before a pre-concert event.

Booking Dates for Newly Announced Concerts in July & August 2024 Friday 5 January 2024, 11:00 – Priority booking for Patrons and multi-buy purchases of 10+ concerts Monday 8 January 2024, 11:00 – Priority booking for Friends and multi-buy purchases of 6+ concerts Wednesday 10 January 2024, 11:00 – General booking

Priority booking for multi-buy purchases by telephone only

Multi-buy and Group Bookings Book 6–9 concerts and save 10%. Book 10+ concerts and save 15%. Book 10+ tickets for one concert and save 10%. Discounts cannot be combined and must be booked in one transaction. Multi-buy tickets cannot be refunded and can only be exchanged for events within the same season.

Concessions Under 18s and full-time students receive £5 tickets in the lowest price band or a £5 discount for all other price bands through generous contributions to our Ticket Access Fund for Students.

Special Requirements All our venues have disabled access and facilities. If you require a wheelchair space or have specific access or seating requirements, please call the box office so that we can advise you on the best seating arrangement for your needs.

Latecomers We will do our best to admit latecomers whenever possible at an appropriate point in the performance. Latecomers will be seated in a designated area until the interval, when they can take their allocated seat.

Unreserved Seating Unreserved seating entitles you to a seat within your chosen area rather than a specific seat. Sponsors and those with disabilities are entitled to reserved seating in these areas, allocated at the Orchestra’s discretion.

Refunds and Conditions of Sale Tickets may be exchanged for another concert or a credit voucher (valid for six months) if returned at least two weeks before the concert. An administration fee of £2 per ticket will apply. Refunds can only be given if a concert is sold out or cancelled. Please note that children under the age of 6 cannot be admitted to OPO concerts, with the exception of FUNomusica family concerts. Children over the age of 2 years require a ticket for family concerts. We reserve the right to refuse admission and to change the date, time, artist, programme or venue of any event where unavoidable. Please see our website for full T&Cs and FAQs.

Privacy Policy The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is committed to ensuring that your personal data is protected. We use the information that we collect about you in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003. This privacy policy sets out how we use and protect any information that you share with us.

Venue Information Holywell Music Room

JdP Music Building

Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3SD

St Hilda’s College, Cowley Place, Oxford OX4 1DY

Oxford Town Hall

St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ

Sheldonian Theatre

Tickets are subject to a £2.75 transaction fee when ordered over the telephone (020 7766 1100) or online.

Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Christ Church Cathedral

High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ

Christ Church, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP

Sheldonian Theatre Seating Plan DOOR

15 14 13 12 11

16 15 14 13 12 11

18 17 16

16 15 14 13 12 11

66 65 64 63

20 19 18 17

PERFORMANCE AREA

20 19 18 17

66 65 64 63

72 71 70 69 68 67

66 65 64 63

64 63 62

72 71 70 69 68 67

70 69 68 67 66

69 68 67 66 65

20 19 18 17

DOOR

4 32 31 30 32 29 31 28 27 26 32 30 29 31 28 27 31 30 26

18 17

43 42 43

42 41 40 39

44 43 42 41 40 39 42 41 40 39 43 42 41 40

G H J K L

7 8 3 37

1 2

8 9

26 28 27 26

28 27 26

8 9

20 19

18 17

20 19

6 7

5 16 1

1 13

G H J K L

5 5

6 10

51 16 1

G H J K L

2 1

4 5

2 1

5 4 3 2 1

11 1

21 20

29 28 27

1 3

0 29

32 3

51 33 3 52 3 51 54 5 52 57 56 55 53 51 55 54 52 57 56 53 51

57 56 55

56 55 57 56

36 35 34 33

36 35 34

H J

2 1

B A

16 15

31 3

35 34 33 32

33 36 33 37 34 34 35 35 36 36 37

Chairs (unreserved, cushioned chair with cushioned backrest) Row A (cushioned bench with wooden backrest) Lower Gallery (cushioned bench with cushioned backrest) Semi-Circle (cushioned bench with no backrest) Upper Gallery (unreserved, cushioned bench with wooden backrest) Area Balcony (unreserved, cushioned bench with no backrest) Stewards Gallery (unsighted & unreserved, cushioned bench with cushioned backrest) The Sheldonian Theatre was constructed between 1664 and 1669, and is a Grade I listed building. Please note that there are no lift facilities and that the majority of seats are benches, some without backrests. If you require a wheelchair space, have any access requirements or questions about seating, please contact the box office on 01865 980 980.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Patron

Advisory Council

Directors

HRH Princess Alexandra

Dr Saphié Ashtiany Multimedia Producer Marco Assetto Nihal Yesil David Haenlein Anthi Papadopoulos Dr Marios Papadopoulos MBE Planning Manager Janet Marsden

Alfred Brendel KBE

Dr Saphié Ashtiany (Chair) Emma Chamberlain OBE John Caunt Prof. Michael Earl Joanna Foster CBE Peggotty Graham Jeff Hewitt Robert Jackson Lord Krebs Dr Jill Pellew Sir Jonathan Phillips Bob Price Hilary Reid-Evans Lady Stewart Prof. Sir John Vickers Angela Wade David Whelton

Piano Festival President

Finance and Risk Committee

Life Presidents Geoffrey de Jager Harry Leventis

Honorary President The Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes, CH

Vice President Sir Victor Blank

Patron Vladimir Ashkenazy

Piano Festival Patron Sir András Schiff

Patron for New Music Marina, Lady Marks

Music Director Marios Papadopoulos MBE

Prof. Michael Earl (Chair) David Haenlein Jeff Hewitt Colin Maund Tom Purves

Honorary Members

Lord Butler of Brockwell Sir Jeremy Greenstock Conducting Fellow Lady Heseltine Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey John Leighfield CBE Oxford Philharmonic Margarita Louis-Dreyfus Dr Michael Peagram Orchestra Trust Prof. Reinhard Strohm Registered Charity Francesca Schwarzenbach No. 1084256 Sir Ivor Roberts KCMG (Chair) George Tsavliris Bruno Wang Geoffrey de Jager (Deputy Chair) Oxford Philharmonic Dr Saphié Ashtiany Orchestra Productions Ltd Marco Assetto Company No. 03592323 Raymond Blanc OBE VAT No. 208 4077 20 Prof. Michael Earl David Haenlein Lord Hall Dr Russell Hirshfield Sir George Iacobescu CBE Rasha Khawaja Dr Marios Papadopoulos MBE Sir Jonathan Phillips Prof. Sir Andrew Pollard Lord Stewart

Board Members, American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic

Joshua M Berman Russell Hirshfield Marios Papadopoulos MBE Faanya Rose Saundra Whitney Christopher Wright

Administration

Orchestra Personnel Manager Ellie McCowan

Development Coordinator Fiachra Kelleher

Development Officer Jemma Crossley

Advisory Council, American Friends Logistics Officer of the Oxford Philharmonic Ellie Rayfield Alex Gorsky Kerry Healey Sir John Hood Leila Larijani Aviad Meitar James Sherwood†, Chairman Emeritus

Executive Management Music Director

Marketing Administrator Megan Cunnington

Ticketing and Events Officer Carolina Abeledo

Education Officer William Emery

Project Consultant

Dr Marios Papadopoulos MBE Andrew Connolly

Chief Operating Officer Anthi Papadopoulos

Philanthropic Consultancy Support

Education and Community Director

Global Philanthropic

David Haenlein

Nicky Thomas Media

Press and PR Friends and Patrons Liaison John Caunt

Librarian Helen Harris

Concerts Assistant Marcello Palazzo

Stage Manager Max Howard

Donors and Benefactors Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust (charity No. 1084256) acknowledges with deep gratitude the financial contributions made over the last twelve months by the following:

Individuals

David & Lady Keene, Prof. Martin Kemp, Sir Anthony & Lady Kenny, Peter & Lorna Klimt, Mr Michael Leech OBE & Dr Joyce Leech, Mike Lester, Kaye & David Lillycrop, Anthony & Jenny Loehnis, Lord & Lady Londonderry, Eric & Clare Lowry, Roger Michel, J C Miller, Joy Morning, Andrew Norrie, Neil Pearson, Sir Nick & Lady Pearson, Mark & Jill Pellew, Dr David Pick, Derek & Muriel Pilkington, Tom & Hilde Purves, John Pool, Andrew & Bee Robb, Katherine Rodman, Michael Rouse CBE, Christine Sandall, Sander Schakelaar, Edward & Anne-Francoise Schneider, Ben & Emma Seymour, Michelle Shepherd-Barron, Alan Smith, Gregory & Susan Spence, Mark Sterling, Stephen Turner, Angela Wade, Michael & Christine Warburton, Dr Trudy Watt, Sam & Suzanne Webber, Liz Willmott

Platinum Benefactors

Geoffrey & Caroline de Jager

Gold Benefactors

Anonymous, Prof. Paul Davies & Dr Saphié Ashtiany, Marco & Francesca Assetto, Bahaeddine & Gabriella Bassatne, Prof. Raymond Dwek CBE & Mrs Sandra Dwek, David Haenlein, Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Colin & Rosemary Maund, Simon & Alison Ryde, Christopher Wood

Silver Benefactors

Jon & Julia Aisbitt, Jaquine & Robert Arnold, Sir Victor & Lady Blank, Dr John & Baroness Ruth Deech, Jeff & Pauline Hewitt, Lady Horton, Matthew James, Sir Sydney Lipworth KC & Lady Lipworth CBE, Dr Michael Peagram, Bjarne & Yvonne Rieber, Alfiya Stolyarenko, David & Elizabeth Ure, Lady Wolfson

Trusts, Foundations, Institutions and Public Sector Diamond Benefactors

A.G. Leventis Foundation, Anonymous

Platinum Benefactors

Benefactors

The Michael Bishop Foundation, John Ellerman Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, H.K. Leventis Foundation

Anonymous, Lady Aird, Henry & Ruth Amar, Damian Arnold, Raymond Blanc, John & Chris Caunt, Dr Peter Collins, Eric Coutts, Michael & Heather Dalgleish, Peter Earl, Deborah & Antony Elliott OBE, Anita Higham OBE, Alun Evans & Hilary Reid Evans, Peggotty & Andrew Graham, Verne & Andrea Grinstead, Ron & Penny Gulliver, Lord & Lady Heseltine, Robert & Caroline Jackson, Mr & Mrs Aboudi Kosta, Mr & Mrs John Leighfield CBE, Constantine Logothetis, Amanda & David Milne KC, Dafna Meitar Nechmad & Amir Nechmad, Misha & Lis Petkevich, Sir Ivor & Lady Roberts, Faanya Rose, Sarina Russo, Jeremy Sillem, Hans & Cynthia So, Lord & Lady Stewart, Mike Thomas

Gold Benefactors

Foyle Foundation, Bernard Morris Charitable Trust, The James & Shirley Sherwood Foundation, Thompson Family Charitable Trust

Silver Benefactors

Anonymous, Anonymous, Dorset Foundation, The R & S Cohen Foundation, Lord Leonard & Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation, Michael Marks Charitable Trust, Thriplow Charitable Trust, Tolkien Trust

Benefactors

Members

The Ammco Trust, Calleva Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Coln Trust, Dalgleish Trust, Doris Field Charitable Trust, JFR Charitable Trust, The Thistle Trust, The Tsukanov Family Foundation (TFF), David Ure 2013 Trust, The Wavendon Foundation

Aeonian Circle

Prof. Paul Davies & Dr Saphié Ashtiany, Maggie Copus, Hellios Information Ltd, Anita Higham OBE, David & Elizabeth Ure

Patrons

The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust, The N Smith Charitable Trust

Stefanie Adami, John & Hilary Bach, Angela Beatson Wood, Mary Beattie, Dr Karen & Dr Eric Caines, Katherine Carpenter, Leo Tong Chen, Prof. David Coleman, Peter Coleman, Dr Robert F Coles, Charles & Gisela Cooper, N Dimsdale, Edward & Lynn Dowler, Svetlana Egorova, Blair Eldridge, John Faux, Christopher & Marian French, David & Elizabeth French, David Golding, Ailsa Granne, Raymond Hartman, Valerie Hill, Dr Sally Hope, Chris & Nicola Hornby, Keith & Antoinette Jackson, Glen & Mandy James, Prof. Richard Jenkyns, Christina Kautzky, Sir

Corporates Silver Benefactors

BMW UK, Hellios Information Ltd, Santander UK plc

Benefactors

All Souls College, John & Arthur Beare, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council

American Supporters Silver Benefactors

Diamond Benefactors

BofA Securities, Paula Begoun, Samantha & Nabil Chartouni, Mary Mochary Management Trust, Natalie Pray, Woods and Erica Staton, Adam Zoia

Dr Russell Hirshfield & Leila Larijani, Pfizer Inc., Kari Jonassen Tiedemann, Rosenblatt Charitable Trust

Platinum Benefactor

Benefactors

Anonymous, Thomas A Barron, Barclays, Ruth & Joshua M Berman, Mary Jaharis, JP Morgan, Faanya Rose, Saundra Whitney, Christopher Wright

Birchtree Global, Captain Lynn Danaher, Gavin Garrett, JCC Foundation, Lili Forouraghi Charitable Trust, Helen Little, MAI VILMS Charitable Foundation, the Priebatsch Family Fund, Aniko Gaal Schott, Robert Shaw, Daisy M Soros, Barbara Tober

Gold Benefactors

Anonymous, CeCe & Lee Black, Elena & John Coumantaros, Zvi & Ofra Meitar Family Fund, Ruth Gjessing-Newman, Kallinikeion Foundation, Kerry Healey, Kristen & Kent Lucken, Mr & Mrs Blake Samuels, Dee Schwab

Patrons

Afsaneh Beschloss, Noreen Buckfire, Layla Diba, Rick Donner, Larry Miller, Antonia K Milonas, John Oden, Vernon Palmer, Linda Pedro, Peter & Mary Jeanne Tufano, Sara Rose

Contact us Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, 29a Teignmouth Road, London NW2 4EB 01865 987 222 (general) | 01865 980 980 (box office) | info@oxfordphil.com | oxfordphil.com American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Email: camilla@oxfordphil.org | Tel: + 212 729 0127 864 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10065 The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is a member of the Association of British Orchestras. This brochure is published by Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Productions Ltd. Information is correct at time of going to print (December 2023). Photography credits: Apple and Biscuit, Gudrun Mitterhauser, Marco Borggreve, F Broede, Sim CanettyClarke, Richard Cave, Benjamin Ealovega, Getty Images - David M Benett, Chris Gloag, InClassica, Samit Event Group, Grigoriy Yaroshenko, Frances Marshall, Meriotta Mendez, MidAmerica Productions, Inc., Pier Andrea Morolli, Nicholas Posner, Nick Rutter, Igor Studio, Nicholas Posner, Ari Magg, ViolaGo Photo, Carducci Quartet, Unspalsh, Freepik.

January Thursday 11 Sunday 14 Thursday 18 Saturday 27

Maxim Vengerov FUNomusica Family Concert Berlioz and Brahms Elgar Cello Concerto

Sheldonian Theatre Oxford Town Hall Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre

3 4 5 6

February Sunday 4 Tuesday 6 Friday 9 Sunday 11 Tuesday 13 Thursday 15 Saturday 24 Thursday 29

Sheldonian Theatre

OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour Verdi String Quartet Sibelius Violin Concerto

Sheldonian Theatre

Fauré and Rutter Requiems

Sheldonian Theatre

Mozart Requiem James Ehnes Plays Schumann

Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Dubai Opera Holywell Music Room

8 8 8 8 8 8 7

March Thursday 28

April Thursday 11 * Saturday 20

Sheldonian Theatre

May Friday 3 Saturday 4 Sunday 5 Monday 6 Tuesday 7 Wednesday 8 Thursday 16 Saturday 18 Sunday 26 Thursday 30 *

Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa Ishikawa Kenritsu Ongakudo, Kanazawa Harmony Hall, Fukui Sumida Triphony Hall, Tokyo Aichi Art Theater, Nagoya Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre

OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour OPO on Tour Schubert Five Two Celli Anne-Sophie Mutter Beethoven Five

15 15 15 15 15 15 16 17 18 19

June Thursday 20 Thursday 27 Sunday 30

Sir Stephen Hough Mischa Maisky FUNomusica Family Concert

Sheldonian Theatre

Beethoven Emperor Baroque Jewels Baroque Jewels Handel Fireworks Handel Fireworks Jayson Gillham Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Barry Douglas and the Carducci Quartet

Holywell Music Room

Sergei Babayan Participants' Recital

Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre Oxford Town Hall

21 22

July Friday 5 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Saturday 27 Sunday 28 Monday 29 Tuesday 30 Wednesday 31

Sheldonian Theatre Oxford Town Hall St Martin-in-the-Fields St Martin-in-the-Fields Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room

JdP Music Building

24 24 25 25 26 26 27

August Thursday 1 Friday 2 Saturday 3

Sheldonian Theatre University Church of St Mary the Virgin Christ Church Cathedral

* Young Artists’ Platform

Vikingur Ólafsson Kevin Chen Kathryn Stott

28 29 29

‘The Oxford Philharmonic is a superb ensemble… some of the finest musicians I have ever heard. And when solo moments popped up, the individual players played like gods and goddesses.’ Oberon’s Grove

‘world-class quality is what beamed from the stage at the Orchestra’s New York debut’ Blogcritics

‘The music, so melancholy and passionate, had orchestra and soloist enmeshed in soul-enriching playing of the finest quality.’ Oberon’s Grove

‘the soloist and orchestra were simply mesmeric’ ConcertoNet

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