Season Brochure 2019/20 by Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford

Orchestra

Philharmonic

Concerts September 2019 - July 2020

Oxford 1

Concerts September 2019 - July 2020

Oxford

Philharmonic

Orchestra

Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford

Welcome from Marios Papadopoulos, Music Director Last season we celebrated 20 years since the founding of the Oxford Philharmonic. As we embark on our 2019/20 season, we aim to consolidate our position as one of the UK’s leading orchestras and forge new partnerships that will provide us with further artistic stimuli to reach even greater heights. The Oxford Philharmonic’s reputation as an Orchestra of the highest calibre is maintained by some of the finest musicians in the UK and Europe, many of whom are soloists in their own right. I am delighted that during our 2019/20 season a number of them will feature as soloists, including many in our Concertmaster category as well as our newly-appointed Solo Oboe and Solo Horn, Clara Dent and Pip Eastop respectively. They are now iconic figures within the ranks who have defined the Orchestra’s own distinct sound and style of playing, eliciting high praise from some of the world’s most renowned artists who now return to perform with us on a regular basis. Among them in our current season are Maxim Vengerov and Vladimir Ashkenazy. We launch our season with Evgeny Kissin - a legendary artist - who will be making his debut with the Orchestra. Other newcomers of international repute include Lisa Batiashvili, Mischa Maisky, Sir Bryn Terfel, Angela Gheorghiu and Sir Antonio Pappano. They complement an array of younger stars such as Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Alexander Ullman. In 2020, the world celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, a composer whose music I have been closely associated with for years. As Oxford is twinned with Bonn - Beethoven’s birthplace - we are collaborating with the BeethovenHaus to bring you the most comprehensive celebration of the composer’s work anywhere in the UK. A separate brochure on our year-long Oxford Beethoven Festival in 2020 will be published soon. As part of our orchestral programme in the second half of our 2019/20 season we shall hear a number of the composer’s symphonies and piano concertos, his opera Fidelio in a concert performance, his ‘Triple’ concerto and Mass in C major. Other than Beethoven, the season places particular emphasis on the German Romantic repertoire with symphonies by Brahms and works by Richard Strauss and Wagner, as well as major 20th century works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Bartók, Vaughan Williams, Saint-Saëns and Sibelius. Education has always been at the heart of the Oxford Philharmonic’s mission. This season we will be launching a Side-by-Side scheme, whereby carefully selected school and university students from Oxfordshire will share the stage with our players in the opening work of three of our concerts under the baton of our Assistant Conductor, Hannah Schneider. A pedestrian in New York once asked a musician getting out of a cab: ‘how do you get to Carnegie Hall?’ The artist’s reply was unequivocal: ‘practice, practice, practice!’ We have been for the last 20 years and now proudly take to that famous stage on Monday 4 May 2020 for our American debut. I am most eager to welcome you to a season that promises thrills, passion and profundity - not to mention the artistry our wonderful Orchestra has come to represent.

Evgeny Kissin Saturday 5 October 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

BRAHMS Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80* (Side-by-Side) LISZT Piano Concerto No. 2 in A major, S. 125 BRAHMS Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73 Evgeny Kissin piano Marios Papadopoulos conductor Hannah Schneider conductor*

Pre-concert Talk 18:30 Welcome to the Oxford Philharmonic season, with Marios Papadopoulos and Katie Derham Free admission

A new dawn breaks with the first concert of our new season, as we inaugurate our Side-by-Side scheme for outstanding young instrumentalists (in a performance under the Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor Hannah Schneider) and collaborate for the first time with a pianist who can be safely described as iconic. Evgeny Kissin has demonstrated his unparalleled way with the poetry, drama, virtuosity and sensitivity of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2, which here comes before Marios Papadopoulos’s interpretation of Brahms’s second symphony whose gloomtinged idyll leads to a glorious fanfare. Tickets £60 £40 £30 £20 (students from £5)

Music & Maths Wednesday 16 October 2019 Saffron Hall, 19:30

Thursday 17 October 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Tickets £45 £35 £30 £25 £18

Tickets £50 £38 £28 £18 (students from £5)

For booking fees see page 30

Box Office 0845 548 7650 saffronhall.com

DEBUSSY Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, L. 86 STRAVINSKY Symphony in C BARTÓK Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, BB 114 Marcus du Sautoy presenter Marios Papadopoulos conductor University of Oxford Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science Marcus du Sautoy returns for our second exploration of Music and Maths, this time exploring 20th century works in which numbers can enlighten the notes. Balance and geometry were vital tools for Igor Stravinsky, whose Symphony in C is a work of utter mathematical sense – lucidly scored, enchantingly varied, and gloriously symmetrical. But the mathematics doesn’t stop there, as du Sautoy, Papadopoulos and the Orchestra turn their analytical gaze towards haunting Bartók and impressionistic Debussy. 44

Sheku Kanneh-Mason Thursday 31 October 2019 Cheltenham Town Hall, 19:30

Saturday 2 November 2019 Oxford Town Hall, 19:30

ROSSINI Overture to L'Italiana in Algeri *

MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21

SAINT-SAËNS Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33

MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21

ROSSINI Overture to L'Italiana in Algeri * (Side-by-Side)

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21 Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello

MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, ‘Italian’

Marios Papadopoulos conductor

Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello

Hannah Schneider conductor*

Marios Papadopoulos conductor

We are proud to welcome 2016’s BBC Young Musician Sheku Kanneh-Mason to debut with the Orchestra for these concerts in Cheltenham and Oxford filled with the vitality of youth in more ways than one. Sheku brings his sophisticated charm to Saint-Saëns’s beguiling first cello concerto, our Assistant Conductor Hannah Schneider takes the Orchestra through one of Rossini’s most mischievous and excitable overtures, and our own Music Director Marios Papadopoulos conducts symphonies by Beethoven and Mendelssohn bursting with impulse and inspiration.

Hannah Schneider conductor*

Tickets £33.50 £28.50 £17.50 £13.50 For booking fees see page 30

Box Office 0844 576 2210 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 5

Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Pre-concert Talk 18:30 With Marios Papadopoulos Free admission with ticket

The Enlightened Trumpet Thursday 14 November 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

HAYDN Symphony No. 92 in G major, Hob. I:92, ‘Oxford’* Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, Hob. VIIe:1 LEOPOLD MOZART Trumpet Concerto in D major MOZART Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K. 543 Paul Merkelo trumpet Marios Papadopoulos conductor Hannah Schneider conductor*

Pre-concert Recital 18:30 Young Artists' Platform A chance to hear talented young musicians Free admission

Paul Merkelo has been described by Gramophone magazine as ‘a player of unusual gifts’. In anticipation of his new Sony Classical album recorded with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Paul joins us for the most glittering work in the trumpet concerto repertory, Haydn’s beloved E flat concerto, and a rare gem: the D major concerto by Mozart’s father Leopold, performed here on the composer's 300th birthday. Haydn’s own spirited tribute to the University of Oxford opens this concert while we end with the first in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s final symphonic trilogy – a symphony as passionate as it is perfect. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Vladimir Ashkenazy Sunday 24 November 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 RICHARD STRAUSS Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 11 ELGAR Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, ‘Enigma’ Pip Eastop Vienna horn Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor When Edward Elgar started to improvise a little tune at his piano one day, considering how a group of his closest friends might play that tune, he gave birth to one of the greatest masterpieces of English music – a score both uplifting and resigned, humorous and profound. We welcome back our good friend and Patron Vladimir Ashkenazy to conduct Elgar’s 'Enigma' Variations and the evergreens that precede it here, including Strauss’s dashing and dreamy first horn concerto from our very own Solo Horn, Pip Eastop. Tickets £50 £38 £28 £18 (students from £5)

A Christmas Celebration with John Rutter Thursday 12 December 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

John RUTTER Visions VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Version for Strings and Organ) Carols old and new by Warlock, Chilcott, Rutter and many others Natalia Lomeiko violin Roderick Williams baritone The Choir of Magdalen College The Choir of New College John Rutter conductor Ralph Vaughan Williams was enchanted by the beauty of traditional melodies and folk tunes. The composer’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols sees him transform those tunes into something new, something festive and something uniquely atmospheric. If the Fantasia celebrates beauty in restraint, then there’s plenty of jubilant fare in our Christmas Celebration to raise the spirits. The Orchestra and Concertmaster Natalia Lomeiko are joined by Roderick Williams, two of Oxford’s finest chapel choirs and a guest from Cambridge – the King of carols himself, John Rutter. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Sir Antonio Pappano Friday 20 December 2019 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, TH 42 GLAZUNOV Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 Carmine Lauri violin Sir Antonio Pappano conductor Sir Antonio Pappano is as persuasive in Tchaikovsky as he is in Puccini. Covent Garden’s Music Director makes his Oxford Philharmonic debut in this concert featuring Tchaikovsky's gripping symphonic tussle with fate, his Symphony No. 4. Our own Concertmaster Carmine Lauri is the soloist in Glazunov’s gorgeous Violin Concerto, a sweet stream of seamless joie de vivre that will have you asking why you’ve never heard it before. It forms the centrepiece of this Russian feast at the Sheldonian Theatre, for which we are proud to bring Pappano to Oxford. Tickets £50 £38 £28 £18 (students from £5)

Lisa Batiashvili Friday 17 January 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759, ‘Unfinished’ BERG Violin Concerto BRAHMS Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 Lisa Batiashvili violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor Prompted by the death of a child, Alban Berg wrote his tender Violin Concerto ‘to the memory of an angel’. The piece is poised magically between two worlds – rich and worldly, ethereal and mysterious. To play it, we welcome a debut artist of rare integrity and imagination, Lisa Batiashvili. After Berg’s tender concerto and the tantalising torso of Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ symphony, we hear a Brahms symphony in which private feelings are given public expression. The composer’s fourth may be a structural riddle, but is one in which radiant harmonies and Apollonian perfection shine through. Tickets £50 £38 £28 £18 (students from £5)

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Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

Symphony & Concerto Cycle I Saturday 25 January 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15 Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55, ‘Eroica’ Marios Papadopoulos piano/conductor Concert introduced by John Suchet 250 years on from the birth of the man who changed the course of music forever, Marios Papadopoulos salutes Ludwig van Beethoven in the most absorbing and comprehensive way: presenting a complete cycle of the composer’s symphonies and piano concertos as both conductor and soloist throughout 2020. The Oxford Beethoven Festival launches at the Sheldonian Theatre with the composer’s clipped and courteous Piano Concerto No. 1 and his revolutionary heroic symphony that is anything but, the ‘Eroica’. Beethoven aficionado and devotee John Suchet introduces the concert. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Pre-concert Recital 18:30 Young Artists' Platform A chance to hear talented young musicians Free admission

Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

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Symphony & Concerto Cycle II

Symphony & Concerto Cycle III

Thursday 6 February 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Thursday 13 February 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58

Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Marios Papadopoulos piano/conductor

The seventh is Beethoven’s most fascinating symphony – a work whose new vision of rhythm’s relationship with harmony produced the most physical, compelling music that had ever been created. Beethoven wasn’t just exploring new techniques, he was giving voice to a wave of joy that had swept into his life and filled him with determination and optimism. Before it, Marios Papadopoulos directs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 from the keyboard, in which dark drama and brute force give way to the sort of lyricism only this composer could produce.

Should there be any doubts as to why the world is celebrating Beethoven in 2020, this concert will dispel them. From the fearsome opening thunderclap of the fifth symphony, Beethoven developed a new kind of symphonic discourse through relentless focus on one musical motto invested with unstoppable momentum. After the bursting impulses of the first symphony and before the furies of the fifth, Marios Papadopoulos is both soloist and conductor for Beethoven’s most tender piano concerto – premiered at the same 1808 concert as the fifth symphony and yet a world away in its supple, soothing expression.

Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5) Supported by Simon and Alison Ryde

Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Pre-concert Recital 18:30

Young Artists' Platform

A chance to hear talented young musicians

Free admission

Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov Thursday 27 February 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

Yuri Zhislin violin

‘How fresh, how beautiful it is’ remarked one critic after the first performance of Sergei Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 in 1908. There is a reason this symphony is deemed the composer’s most perfect orchestral creation, as rich textures and sombre harmonies wrap themselves around Rachmaninov’s finely contoured melodies. The music smoulders, flares up and propels itself towards a whirling, spirited climax. Before it, our own Co-Concertmaster Yuri Zhislin is the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s powerful, poetic and unsurpassed Violin Concerto.

Marios Papadopoulos conductor

Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 RACHMANINOV Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

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Pre-concert Recital 18:30 Young Artists' Platform A chance to hear talented young musicians Free admission

Sibelius Thursday 12 March 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

SIBELIUS Finlandia, Op. 26 Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 82 Anna-Liisa Bezrodny violin Douglas Boyd conductor Depressed, broke and ill, Jean Sibelius walked onto his veranda one day and saw a flock of 16 swans taking flight over the lake. ‘One of the greatest moments of my life,’ Sibelius wrote in his diary, ‘legato in the trumpets.’ The swans gave Sibelius the main theme for his fifth symphony. In its final movement, and against the odds, they ascend and disappear – nature transcending the agony of life. Douglas Boyd makes his Oxford Philharmonic debut in this concert giving exclusive voice to the fire-and-ice world of Finland’s great composer, opening with his stirring hymn Finlandia and including our own Associate Concertmaster Anna-Liisa Bezrodny in his virtuosic Violin Concerto. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Maundy Thursday Thursday 9 April 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

BACH St John Passion, BWV 245 Daniel Norman Evangelist David Stout Christ Mary Bevan soprano Katie Bray mezzo-soprano Joshua Ellicott tenor Tristan Hambleton bass The Choir of The Queen’s College Owen Rees conductor

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Drama and suffering lie at the heart of Bach’s concentrated depiction of Christ’s arrest, rendition and execution, the St John Passion. But this probing, unsettling yet beautiful work is also one of Bach’s most optimistic, ending with a confident look to the future that invites us all, irrespective of faith, to partake in joy as we have partaken in pain. In the expert hands of Professor Owen Rees, Director of Music at The Queen’s College who conducts his own choir and six outstanding soloists, this Maundy Thursday performance will be both dramatic and devotional. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Maxim Vengerov Thursday 30 April 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

GRACE-EVANGELINE MASON To Breathe Now* BRUCH Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26 BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 Maxim Vengerov violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor Hannah Schneider conductor* It took Brahms 14 years to write his first symphony, but it was worth the wait. The piece launches with a compelling edifice of climbing strings, plunging winds and pounding drums. What follows is a work of gripping turbulence, deep conviction and exuberant joy. Before the Brahms, we welcome a friend and true aristocrat of the violin Maxim Vengerov to play the radiant song of love that is Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, where the weave of a single instrument floats, battles and rhapsodises against an orchestral mass that supports and cajoles. To open, a new work from Grace-Evangeline Mason, selected from our 2019 Composers' Workshop. Tickets £50 £38 £28 £18 (students from £5)

Carnegie Hall Monday 4 May 2020 Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium, Ronald O. Perelman Stage, 20:00

BRUCH Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26 BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 Soloist to be announced Marios Papadopoulosâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; conductor The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra makes its first appearance at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York, which has remained one of the most prestigious stages in the world for classical music since its opening on 5 May 1891 with conductor Piotr Tchaikovsky. We look forward to this landmark event in the Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Tickets for this concert will be on sale beginning Wednesday 12 February 2020 at www.carnegiehall.org or by email to: molly.waymire@piptix.com The appearance of the Oxford Philharmonic is being presented in Carnegie Hall under the management and direction of MidAmerica Productions Inc., of New York City, Peter Tiboris, General Music Director. This programme is subject to change without notice.

Symphony & Concerto Cycle IV Tuesday 12 May 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

BEETHOVEN Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major, Op. 56, ‘Triple’ Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 Maxim Vengerov violin Mischa Maisky cello Sergei Babayan piano Marios Papadopoulos conductor In the midst of despair, Beethoven produced one of his most extrovert and optimistic works. In the Symphony No. 2, Beethoven is truly becoming Beethoven – the music crackling into life with spirit, incision and drive yet underpinned by a very 19th century sense of order. The same can be said of the composer’s ‘Triple’ concerto – a score of balance and beauty that can still make room for joy, and reaches for a lively Polish folk dance in its gregarious finale. Three musicians who fully deserve the label ‘great’ join Marios Papadopoulos and the Orchestra for this latest chapter in the Oxford Beethoven Festival.

Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

Tickets £60 £40 £30 £20 (students from £5) Supported by Prof. Raymond Dwek & Mrs Sandra Dwek in honour of the Ben-Gurion University’s 50th anniversary, and by Geoffrey & Caroline de Jager

Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

Fidelio Sunday 31 May 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:00

BEETHOVEN Fidelio, Op. 72 Complete concert performance Emma Bell Leonore Andrew Staples Florestan Full cast to be announced Marios Papadopoulos conductor Courage, persistence and liberty are the central themes of Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, but he called on all three qualities to write the score in the first place. As in every other form he touched, Beethoven opened new doors in opera too – striving to fuse melodrama, operatic set-piece and symphonic thinking and adumbrating a thrilling, fertile new path in the process. A perfect cast joins Marios Papadopoulos for Beethoven’s musical reflection of love, freedom and justice and a notable highlight of the Oxford Beethoven Festival. Tickets £60 £40 £30 £20 (students from £5)

2020

Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

Pastoral for the Planet Friday 5 June 2020 Oxford Town Hall, 19:30

MENDELSSOHN The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26, ‘Fingal's Cave’ (Side-by-Side) BUTTERWORTH The Banks of Green Willow VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, ‘Pastoral’* Charlotte Scott violin Marios Papadopoulos conductor* Hannah Schneider conductor The contrast from Beethoven’s insistent fifth symphony to his idyllic sixth couldn’t be more marked. From pounding heroism, Beethoven takes his listeners for a restorative walk in the countryside with his sixth, which quickly attracted the nickname ‘Pastoral’. Here, the symphony forms the culmination of a concert reflecting the country, continent and planet around us. As the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra plays Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ on UN World Environment Day, orchestras throughout the world will do the same, highlighting the overwhelming challenges faced by our planet. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Sir Bryn Terfel Friday 19 June 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

CAROL J JONES The Light Thief* Richard STRAUSS Oboe Concerto in D major, TrV 292 WAGNER Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin 'Was duftet doch der Flieder' from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walküre Wotan’s Farewell and Magic Fire Music from Die Walküre Sir Bryn Terfel bass-baritone Clara Dent oboe Marios Papadopoulos conductor Hannah Schneider conductor* There is no voice on earth quite like Sir Byrn Terfel’s. Here, the bass-baritone joins the Orchestra for some the most monumental moments in Wagner, and roles the Welsh singer has made his own the world over. Before we hear such intense and multifaceted drama from Der Ring des Nibelungen and Die Meistersinger, our own Solo Oboe Clara Dent plays the Oboe Concerto by Wagner’s acolyte Richard Strauss, after Assistant Conductor Hannah Schneider conducts the first performance of a new work by Carol J Jones selected from our 2019 Composers' Workshop. Tickets £60 £40 £30 £20 (students from £5)

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Angela Gheorghiu Sunday 28 June 2020 Sheldonian Theatre, 19:30

VERDI Overture to La forza del destino Mats LIDSTRÖM Rigoletto Fantasy for Cello and Orchestra VERDI Canzone del salice e Ave Maria from Otello ‘Tu che le vanità’ from Don Carlo Angela Gheorghiu soprano Mats Lidström cello Marios Papadopoulos conductor Our summer of great singers continues with the debut of Angela Gheorghiu. It was Verdi with which the Romanian soprano sprang to international attention more than two decades ago, and it is Verdi to which she returns in this concert, featuring arias from two of his most inventive operas, perhaps his best-loved overture, and a work for cello and orchestra based on themes from his Rigoletto, written and performed by our own Solo Cello, Mats Lidström. Tickets £60 £40 £30 £20 (students from £5)

Oxford

Beethoven

Festival 2020

Mass in C major Wednesday 1 July 2020 Oxford Town Hall, 19:30

BEETHOVEN Die Weihe des Hauses Overture, Op. 124 Ah! perfido, Op. 65 Mass in C major, Op. 86 Eilana Lappalainen soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons mezzo-soprano Joshua Ellicott tenor Božidar Smiljanić bass Choir to be announced Peter Tiboris conductor

Beethoven’s primary concern in his radiant Mass in C major was ‘not God or princes, but the human being entering the church.’ A combination of spirituality and humanity can be felt in almost every bar of the piece, which treated the text and sentiments of the Mass as they had never been treated before. The result is a humble, beautiful contemplation of the divine, invested with Beethoven’s innovating, symphonic designs – one of his most unusual and touching works, and a fitting tribute to the composer himself, two-and-a-half centuries on from his birth. Greek-American conductor Peter Tiboris is at the helm of the Orchestra for a concert which also includes Beethoven's great concert aria Ah! perfido. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5) Supported by Geoffrey & Caroline de Jager

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Summer Serenade Saturday 11 July 2020 Merton College Chapel, 19:30

FOOTE Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 25 MENDELSSOHN Violin Concerto in D minor, MWV O3

Sunday 19 January 2020 TS Eliot Theatre, Merton College, 15:00 (Rose Lane entrance)

Intimate Letters

AthanasÍa TZÁNOU La vallée a rejoint la nuit

DVOŘÁK Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65 arvo PÄRT Fratres

SUK Serenade for Strings in E flat major, Op. 6

JANÁČEK String Quartet No. 2, ‘Intimate Letters’

Natalia Lomeiko violin

Natalia Lomeiko violin Yuri Zhislin violin Jon Thorne viola Mats Lidström cello Alexander Ullman piano

Kypros Markou conductor Dvořák knew his star pupil and son-in-law Josef Suk would write something wondrous, if only he could be persuaded to move away from dark minor keys. In 1892, Suk delivered his Serenade for Strings, a work whose spontaneous lyricism and emotional depth took even his teacher by surprise. After American Arthur Foote’s own warming Serenade, our Concertmaster Natalia Lomeiko and conductor Kypros Markou introduce an atmospheric work by the Greek composer Athanasía Tzánou and take on Mendelssohn’s lesserknown Violin Concerto in D minor. Written when the composer was just 13 years old, this work of extraordinary maturity shows why Mendelssohn is considered one of history’s greatest musical prodigies. Tickets £45 £35 £25 £15 (students from £5)

Chamber Concert

‘I can hardly think or be aware of anything else,’ wrote Dvořák as he worked on his F minor piano trio. This restless and tragedystalked work, for which members of the Orchestra are joined by rising star and Oxford Piano Festival alumnus Alexander Ullman, begins our chamber music concert at Merton College and precedes one of the most intense and expressionistic works ever written. Janáček’s public outpouring of private emotions in his string quartet ‘Intimate Letters’ is full of neurosis and throbbing with impulse – a live music experience like none other. Tickets £25 (students £5)

(includes interval tea and biscuits) Supported by Elizabeth & David Ure and Celia & Andrew Curran

FUNomusica Family Concerts Sunday 9 February 2020 Oxford Town Hall, 15:00 Sunday 29 September 2019 Oxford Town Hall, 15:00

Bugs!! FUNomusica Family Concert Most suitable for ages 4-8

Alasdair Malloy presenter Follow Explorer Alasdair as he leads the Oxford Philharmonic on a quest from jungle to meadow, searching for some incredible invertebrates in this creepy-crawly concert. We’ll hover like dragonflies, dance a tarantella with some tarantulas, hear about the Ugly Bug Ball, and experience a unique and unforgettable version of The Flight of the Bumble Bee! Pre-concert craft activities at 14:00 Concert ends 16:00

Tickets adults £10 children £4 Supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Adventures in the Magical Kingdom FUNomusica Family Concert Most suitable for ages 4-8 Alasdair Malloy presenter We have received a Royal Proclamation from The Magical Kingdom! This is your invitation to attend a Grand Ball for Princes and Princesses, Fairies and Giants, Kings and Queens, and other Kindly Creatures. Magical Music will be provided by the merry minstrels of the Oxford Philharmonic, ruled over by King Alasdair of the Magical Kingdom. Such events only happen Once Upon a Time so make sure you come along and you’ll certainly Live Happily Ever After. Pre-concert craft activities at 14:00 Concert ends 16:00

Tickets adults £10 children £4 Supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

In partnership with

Sunday 7 June 2020 Oxford Town Hall, 15:00

Mission: Earth

Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition

FUNomusica Family Concert

Saturday 8 February 2020 St John the Evangelist Church, 19:30

Most suitable for ages 4-8

Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra

Alasdair Malloy presenter

John Traill conductor

Isn’t our planet amazing and wonderful? In this concert, we will celebrate the natural beauty of the Earth with music inspired by wonders of nature and different landscapes. We’ll travel from the blue of the ocean to the red of the desert, and from the green of the rainforest, to the white of the icecaps, on a global journey with music to fill your senses and encourage your imagination. Pre-concert craft activities at 14:00 Concert ends 16:00

Prepare to be astounded by three exceptional young soloists as they join the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra to perform a movement of a concerto of their choice. The final of the Concerto Competition, showcasing outstanding talent in Oxfordshire, is judged by a panel of distinguished adjudicators, with the Competition’s winner announced the same evening.

Tickets adults £10 children £4

Tickets £10 £7 (students £5)

Presented by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and the Oxfordshire County Music Service

The Oxford Philharmonic in the Community Education and outreach sit at the heart of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. We are ambassadors for music education helping people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in music, and to nurture and cultivate talent.

The Oxford Philharmonic Academy

The Oxford Philharmonic Academy incorporates all our educational programmes ranging from primary to tertiary level tuition. Family concerts held in conjunction with the Oxford City Council foster a love of music for young children and their families. We work with Special Schools and primary schools to host days of musicmaking and learning for children from across Oxfordshire. The most gifted young people benefit from our Residency Programme at the University of Oxford, the high-level tuition given to pianists during the Oxford Piano Festival, as well as our partnership with the Oxfordshire County Music Service. This year we inaugurate our Side-by-Side scheme which will afford school and university students the opportunity to perform alongside our principal players in concert. Our principal players and visiting international artists offer tuition for students at all levels. We are also actively involved in bringing music to disadvantaged communities with high levels of unemployment, crime and social service intervention where there is little or no exposure to music.

Community Outreach

Over the years we have been very active in local hospitals and have established special relationships with a number of units. Our workshops for physically and mentally handicapped patients of all ages continue to achieve outstanding therapeutic results. Our projects at the Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust were awarded a major grant from Youth Music.

Support the Orchestra The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra receives no public funding and relies entirely on grants from trusts and foundations, corporate sponsorship and individual donations for its survival.

Friends and Patrons

Our Friends and Patrons are the backbone of the Orchestra. As a member of the OPO family, you can enjoy benefits including priority booking, discounted tickets, interval drinks, and more.

Aeonian Circle

Members of the Aeonian Circle, founded on the occasion of the Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20th anniversary, generously provide much-needed annual funding on a recurring basis. Becoming a member entitles you to have access to rehearsals, invitations to special events and offers you a named opportunity in support of a musicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair.

General Support

Through contributing to the Oxford Philharmonic, you can help to sustain both our artistic vision and charitable work. There are opportunities ranging from sponsorship of individual musicians or whole concerts to educational programmes such as our newly-launched Side-by-Side scheme, our Student Access Scheme and our world-class Oxford Piano Festival. Your support of our Outreach Programme will ensure that we can continue to carry out invaluable work in local schools and hospitals bringing music to areas in the community where it is not otherwise accessible.

Leave a Legacy

Leaving a legacy honours your lifetime commitment to the Oxford Philharmonic and ensures that audiences of the future will enjoy the musical experiences that were so important to you. To donate or learn more about how to support the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, please contact our Development Officer Laura Davies on 01865 987 222 or at laura@oxfordphil.com. The Oxford Philharmonic is both a UK-registered charity (charity no. 1084256) and a US based 501(c)3 Charitable Organisation and is a tax exempt organisation under the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 29

Concerts in Oxford

Booking Fees

How to Book

How to Save

Venue Information

Box Office Online: oxfordphil.com Telephone: 01865 980 980 (Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00) E-mail: boxoffice@oxfordphil.com

Discounts cannot be combined

Box Office 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.

Booking Dates Tuesday 3 September, 11:00 - Priority booking for Patrons and multi-buy purchases of 10+ concerts Thursday 5 September, 11:00 - Priority booking for Friends and multi-buy purchases of 5+ concerts Friday 6 September, 11:00 - General booking Priority booking for multi-buy purchases by telephone only 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. Refunds can only be given if a concert is sold out or cancelled. All returned and exchanged tickets incur an administration fee of £2 per ticket. Please note our concerts are not recommended for children under the age of six. 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 Terms and Conditions. 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.

Multi-buy Bookings Must be booked in one transaction. Book 5 – 9 concerts and save 10%. Book 10+ concerts and save 15%. Multi-buy tickets cannot be refunded and can only be exchanged for events within the same season. Group Bookings Book 10+ tickets for one concert and save 10%. Friends/Patrons Discount Join our Friends Scheme and save 15%. Join our Patrons Scheme and save 20%. Concessions Full-time students receive a £5 ticket in the lowest price band or a £5 discount for all other price bands through generous contributions to our Concert Access Fund for Students. Unemployment benefit claimants save £5 on full-price tickets. Under 18s, registered disabled and wheelchair users with one companion save 50%.

Opening Times Doors open 30 minutes before the advertised concert start time and 10 minutes before a pre-concert event. Special Requirements If you require a wheelchair space or have specific access or seating requirements please call us on 01865 980 980 so that we can advise you on the best seating arrangements for your needs. All our venues have disabled access and facilities. Latecomers We will endeavour to admit latecomers when possible. 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, allocated at Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra's discretion.

Oxford Venues No booking fees for concerts in Oxford. Cheltenham Town Hall

Online and telephone bookings: £1.50 transaction fee per booking. Postage fee: £1.50 or collect from the Box Office. Charges to 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute, plus your telephone company’s access charge and mobile providers may vary. Saffron Hall Online fee: £1 per transaction Telephone fee: £2 per transaction A charge of £1 also applied if you’d like your tickets posted. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your standard access charge. Contact us Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra 29a Teignmouth Road London NW2 4EB 01865 987 222 (general) 01865 980 980 (box office) info@oxfordphil.com

Sheldonian Theatre Seating Plan DOOR

BOX OFFICE

Chairs (unreserved) and Row A (cushioned benches with non-cushioned backrest) Lower Gallery and last row of Semi-Circle (cushioned benches with backrest) Semi-Circle (cushioned benches, no backrest) Area Balcony (Choir Stalls) (unreserved, cushioned benches, no backrest) Upper Gallery (unreserved, cushioned benches with non-cushioned backrest)

r Gallery 1 – 195 (unreserve Uppe d)

66 67 68 69 70

65 66 67 68 69

L K

10 9

8 7

6 5

3 2 1

1 2 3 4

5 6

1 2 3 4

1 2

6 5

5 4

1 2 3

17 18 19 20 21

67 68 69 70 71 72 J H G 67 68 69 70 71 72

Brochure design by Larisa Afrić.

DOOR

Stairs

Area Balcony 1 – 30 East

Area Balcony 1 – 30 West

Stairs

South

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 (August 2019).

62 63 64

62 63 64 65 66

17 18 19 20 21

L K

17 18 19 20 21

DOOR

Stairs

PERFORMANCE AREA 67 68 69 70 71 72

J 11 12 13 14 15 16 H 11 12 13 14 15 16 G 11 12 13 14 15 16

L K

62 63 64 65 66

16 17 18

Stewards Gallery

F J H G

11 12 13 14 15

55 56

J H G

11 12 13 14 15

57 55 56

1 2

J H G

Stairs

L K

8 The Sheldonian Theatre was constructed between 71664 6 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.

51 56 57 54 55

56 57 54 55

34 35 36 32 33 34 35 36 32 33

33 34 35 31 32 27 28 29

A B

38 chairs (unreserved)

27 28 29

C B A

5 4

21 2 50 2 2 3 19 20 2 E 7 18 24 1 2 16 1 13 5 2 2 1 23 5 12 14 24 D 19 20 2 26 17 13 11 25 12 5 16 12 22 14 1 26 32 13 11 C 19 20 42 0 11 12 1 21 5 9 11 22 19 2 B 10 8 0 2 10 11 12 9 7 2 8 i-circle (reserved ) Sem 7

45 4 48 46 6 47 49 48 47 48 47 47 49 48 48

43 42

26 27 28 29

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

Gallery (reserved Lower ) F 19 20 17 18

J H G

26 27 2 8 26

L K

Stewards Gallery L K

Stairs

DOOR

39 40 41

Stairs

L K J H G

39 40 41 42 39 40 41 42 43 44

39 40 41 42 43

L K J H G

1 2 3

Stairs

Photography credits: Beethovenfest - Sonja Werner, Lars Borges, Richard Cave, Deutsche Grammophon, Benjamin Ealovega, Chris Gloag, Groves, Mitch Jenkins/DG, Musacchio & Ianniello/ EMI Classics, Sheila Rock, Keith Saunders, Chris Singer.

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: Diamond Benefactors A.G. Leventis Foundation, Geoffrey & Caroline de Jager, Zvi & Ofra Meitar Family Fund, Mr & Mrs Lief Rosenblatt, Sana Sabbagh, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Platinum Benefactors The H.K. Leventis Foundation, The Sackler Trust Gold Benefactors Marco & Francesca Assetto, Andrew & Celia Curran, Donald Fothergill, David Haenlein , Dr Adrian & Caroline Künzi, Rose Lew, Michael & Susan Pragnell, Mr & Mrs Bjarne Rieber, Simon & Alison Ryde, Dame Theresa Sackler, Marjorie Schwab, James & Dr Shirley Sherwood, Cynthia So, The Thompson Family Charitable Trust, Barbara & Donald Tober, The Tolkien Trust, University of Oxford, Christopher Wright, Andrey & Natalia Yakunin Silver Benefactors Elena Ambrosiadou, Prof. Paul Davies & Dr Saphié Ashtiany, Geoffrey Bradfield, Sir Ronald and Lady Cohen, Dorset Foundation, Prof. & Mrs Raymond Dwek CBE, Pehr Gyllenhammar, Anita Higham OBE, Dr Pierre Keller, Sophie Luo, The Michael Marks Charitable Trust, Dr Michael Peagram, Kim Samuel, Lema Hamed Al Tamimi Benefactors Sir John & Lady Aird, The Arts Society Oxford, Mr & Mrs Mark Barrett, Baroness Veronique Bich, Louis E. Black, Raymond Blanc OBE, Dr Timea Bor, The British Honey Company, David Aaron Carpenter, The Calleva Foundation, Samantha & Nabil Chartouni Dr & Mrs Peter Collins, Maggie Copus, Suzi & David Cordish, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Alun Evans & Hilary Reid Evans, Laurent Faugerolas & Catherine Vaillant-Faugerolas, Dr Amanda Foreman, Martin & Christine Fricker, The Marchioness of Hamilton, Hellenic American Cultural Foundation, Jeff & Pauline Hewitt, Sir John & Lady Hood, Lady Horton, Alireza Ittihadieh, Robert & Caroline Jackson, The JFR Charitable Trust, George Koukis, Lady Jane Rayne & Robert Lacey, Mr & Mrs John Leighfield CBE, Anthony & Jenny Loehnis, The Loveday Charitable Trust, McLaren Racing Limited, Martha Mehta, Amanda & David Milne QC, Antonia & Spiros Milonas, Acis & Aleca Montanios, Oxford City Council, Erik Penser, Lennart & Mona Perlhagen, Andrew & Bee Robb, Nicole Rolet, Faanya Rose, Edward & Anne-Francoise Schneider, The Souldern Trust, Gregory & Susan Spence, Jean & Helene Peters, David & Elizabeth Ure,

Dr Pål Voltersvik & Liv Astrid Høgvold, Linda Walker & Christoph von Graffenried, Ari & Heba Zaphiriou-Zarifi Aeonian Circle Prof. Paul Davies & Dr Saphié Ashtiany, Anita Higham OBE, Dr Adrian & Caroline Künzi, David & Elizabeth Ure Patrons Lucy Asquith, John & Hilary Bach, Mr & Mrs Stephen Barclay, Philip & Cassie Bassett, Mary Beattie, Sir Winfried Bischoff, Dr Penelope Brook, Peter & Sally Cadbury, Eric & Karen Caines, Katherine Carpenter, Emma Chamberlain OBE, Charles & Gisela Cooper, Sir Frederick & Lady Crawford, Tony & Revd Mary Cruddas, Neville & Christine Dalton, Dr John & Baroness Deech, Nadia Dimsdale, Colin Doak, Patricia Donnelly, Juliet Gay Drysdale, Doris Field Charitable Trust, David & Elizabeth French, John Gore, Nicholas Goulder, Peggotty & Andrew Graham, Professors Malcolm & Jennifer Green, Dr William Hayes & Dr Anne Grocock, Ron & Penny Gulliver, Peter & Valerie Hill, Godfrey & Elizabeth Holliday, Chris Hornby, Mr & Mrs Glen James, Richard Jenkyns, Prof. Martin Kemp, Sir Anthony & Lady Kenny, Dr Konstanze Koepff-Röhrs, Bernadette Lavery, Michael & Dr Joyce Leech OBE, Kaye & David Lillycrop, Sir Sydney Lipworth QC & Lady Lipworth CBE, Michael & Sarah Livingston, Constantine Logothetis, Eric & Claire Lowry, Pierre & Estera Lussato, The Lyminster Trust, The Maristow Trust, Susan & Patrick Mocatta, Joy Morning, Amanda Nicholson, Orbis Pictus Trust, Mark & Jill Pellew, David Pick , Derek & Muriel Pilkington, Sir Brian & Lady Pomeroy, Anthony & Tania de Rothschild, Blake & Anne Samuels, Sander Schakelaar, Judy & Andrew Silver, Richard Smethurst & Prof. Susan Gillingham, Alan Smith, Lord & Lady Reginald Stewart, Dr Jennie Turner, Prof. & Mrs Peter Tufano, Jolana Vainio, Richard Viney, Bruno Wang, Dr Trudy Watt, Sam & Suzanne Webber, Charles Young Donors who prefer to remain anonymous

Venues Cheltenham Town Hall Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Merton College Chapel Merton Street, Oxford OX1 4JD By kind Permission of the Warden and Scholars of the House or College of Scholars of Merton in the University of Oxford

Oxford Town Hall St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX Saffron Hall Audley End Rd, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Sheldonian Theatre Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ St John the Evangelist Church Iffley Road, Oxford OX4 1EH TS Eliot Theatre, Merton College Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4DT

The University of Oxford logo is the registered trademark of the University of Oxford. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is licensed to use the mark in the branding of events in the United Kingdom. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is run by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust. Neither the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra nor the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust are part of the University of Oxford.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Patron HRH Princess Alexandra Life Presidents Geoffrey de Jager Harry Leventis Menahem Pressler Honorary President The Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes, CH Vice President Sir Victor Blank Patron Vladimir Ashkenazy Piano Festival Patron Alfred Brendel KBE Piano Festival President Sir András Schiff Piano Festival Life President Dame Fanny Waterman Patron for New Music Marina, Lady Marks Music Director Marios Papadopoulos MBE Assistant Conductor Hannah Schneider Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust Registered Charity no. 1084256 Donald Fothergill (Chairman) Geoffrey de Jager (Deputy Chairman)

Elena Ambrosiadou Dr Saphié Ashtiany Marco Assetto Raymond Blanc OBE Prof. Michael Earl Peter Earl Pehr Gyllenhammar David Haenlein Aviad Meitar Marios Papadopoulos MBE Sir Jonathan Phillips James Sherwood George Tsavliris Christopher Wright Advisory Council Dr Saphié Ashtiany (Chair) Emma Chamberlain OBE Prof. Michael Earl Joanna Foster CBE Peggotty Graham Jeff Hewitt Robert Jackson Lady Kenny Lord Krebs Dr Jill Pellew Sir Jonathan Phillips Bob Price Hilary Reid-Evans Sir Ivor Roberts Prof. Peter Tufano Prof. Sir John Vickers David Whelton

Finance and General Purposes Committee Prof. Michael Earl (Chairman) Maggie Copus David Haenlein Jeff Hewitt Anthony Loehnis Richard Smethurst

Sir John Hood Mr Aviad Meitar The Hon and Mrs William Nitze HE Mr Matthew Rycroft CBE

Honorary Members Lord Butler of Brockwell Sir Jeremy Greenstock Lady Heseltine John Leighfield CBE Margarita Louis-Dreyfus Sir Michael Parkinson CBE Dr Michael Peagram Anthony Smith CBE Prof. Reinhard Strohm Francesca Schwarzenbach Bruno Wang

Directors Peter Earl David Haenlein Anthi Papadopoulos Marios Papadopoulos MBE

Board Members American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Mrs April Gow Mr Andre Gregory Dr Jamal Nusseibeh Dr Marios Papadopoulos Mr Christopher Wright US Advisory Council Mr James Sherwood, Chair Mr William L Bernhard Mr Russell Hirshfield and Ms Leila Larijani

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Productions Ltd Company no. 03592323 VAT no. 208 4077 20

Administration Concerts Music Director Marios Papadopoulos MBE Executive Assistant to the Music Director Beau Marshall Planning Officer Helen Ecclestone Logistics Officer Bethany Wright Stage Manager Max Howard Executive Director American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra April Gow Development Officer Laura Davies

Special Projects Heike Levy Marketing/Events Director Anthi Papadopoulos Events and Ticketing Officer Stella Papadopoulos Marketing Coordinator Georgia Goody-Miceli Media Press and PR Nicky Thomas Media Education/Community Director David Haenlein University Residency Coordinator Beau Marshall Piano Festival Coordinators Stella Papadopoulos Bethany Wright Production Design/ Office Supervisor Larisa Afrić Librarian Helen Harris

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Praised as ‘excellent’ by Gramophone magazine and ‘thoroughly impressive’ by BBC Music Magazine, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s reputation is based on the uncompromising artistic standards of its Founder and Music Director, Marios Papadopoulos, and maintained by some of the finest musicians in the UK. Established in 1998 and formerly known as Oxford Philomusica, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra occupies a unique position within the UK orchestral landscape. As an Orchestra of the highest quality, the Oxford Philharmonic attracts some of the world’s greatest artists to appear in its series including Maxim Vengerov, Valery Gergiev, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, András Schiff, Renée Fleming, Lang Lang, Nicola Benedetti, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. In addition to the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual concert season in Oxford, touring performances across the UK, family concerts, annual Oxford Piano Festival, and Chamber Music Series, it boasts a growing list of international engagements including the Orchestra’s debut at the Tivoli Festival in Copenhagen in June 2019, and an upcoming US debut at Carnegie Hall in May 2020. Acclaimed recordings include works by Nimrod Borenstein for Chandos, cello concertos by Shostakovich and Mats Lidström (Solo Cello of the Oxford Philharmonic), both conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy, on the BIS label, A Merton Christmas with Merton College Choir, Haydn’s The Creation with the Choir of New College, and the Handel/Mendelssohn Acis and Galatea with Christ Church Cathedral Choir. The Orchestra’s upcoming disc The Enlightened Trumpet with soloist Paul Merkelo will be released on Sony Classical in Autumn 2019. 34

Following his remarkable debut with the Orchestra in 2013, Maxim Vengerov became its first Artist in Residence. Over an unprecedented four-season collaboration, Vengerov and the Oxford Philharmonic performed across the UK, recorded the violin concertos of Brahms and Sibelius as well as Mendelssohn’s Octet. In July 2018 Vengerov appeared at Cheltenham Music Festival and Saffron Hall with the Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic - a tight-knit group of musicians described by The Times as ‘glorious individual players’ and by Jessica Duchen as ‘a line-up to match any top-notch international chamber ensemble and probably beat them on their own turf'. As part of the Oxford Philharmonic’s 20th anniversary celebrations in the 2018/19 season, Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Martha Argerich joined the Orchestra for a gala concert at the Barbican. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra has been firmly committed to outreach work from its earliest days, with projects taking music to areas of social and economic disadvantage, including hospitals, Special Schools, and partnerships with Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. In 2002, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra was appointed the first ever Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford, and frequently collaborates with the Faculty of Music in educational programmes. In the 2019-20 season, the Orchestra launches its Side-by-Side scheme for school and University students, which provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform within the ranks of a professional orchestra. A partnership with J & A Beare provides our distinguished members with opportunities to play on Stradivari instruments, adding a new dimension to the sound of the 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. The continual search for excellence underpins the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s reputation, and is reflected in an Orchestra that strives to create bold musical statements with every concert it presents.

Diary September 2019 - July 2020

Booking dates

September

February

Sunday 29 September Oxford Town Hall FUNomusica 26

October

Saturday 5 October Sheldonian Theatre Evgeny Kissin

Wednesday 16 October Saffron Hall Music & Maths 4 Thursday 17 October Sheldonian Theatre Music & Maths

Thursday 14 November Sheldonian Theatre The Enlightened Trumpet 6 Sunday 24 November Sheldonian Theatre Vladimir Ashkenazy

Saturday 8 February SJE Concerto Competition 27

Thursday 30 April Sheldonian Theatre Maxim Vengerov

Sunday 9 February Oxford Town Hall FUNomusica

Friday 20 December Sheldonian Theatre Sir Antonio Pappano

Thursday 13 February Sheldonian Theatre Beethoven Cycle III

January

November

Sunday 19 January TS Eliot Theatre Intimate Letters Saturday 25 January Sheldonian Theatre Beethoven Cycle I

May 26

Monday 4 May Carnegie Hall

Tuesday 12 May Sheldonian Theatre Beethoven Cycle IV

Thursday 27 February Sheldonian Theatre Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov 14

March 25

April

Thursday 9 April Sheldonian Theatre Maundy Thursday

Thursday 6 February Sheldonian Theatre Beethoven Cycle II

Thursday 12 December Sheldonian Theatre A Christmas Celebration 8

Friday 17 January Sheldonian Theatre Lisa Batiashvili

December

Thursday 31 October Cheltenham Town Hall Sheku Kanneh-Mason 5 Saturday 2 November Oxford Town Hall Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Tuesday 3 September, 11:00 - Priority booking for Patrons and multi-buy purchases of 10+ concerts Thursday 5 September, 11:00 - Priority booking for Friends and multi-buy purchases of 5+ concerts Friday 6 September, 11:00 - General booking opens Priority booking for multi-buy purchases by telephone only

Thursday 12 March Sheldonian Theatre Sibelius 15

Sunday 31 May Sheldonian Theatre Fidelio 20

Sunday 7 June Oxford Town Hall FUNomusica

Friday 19 June Sheldonian Theatre Sir Bryn Terfel

Sunday 28 June Sheldonian Theatre Angela Gheorghiu

July

Wednesday 1 July Oxford Town Hall Mass in C major

Saturday 11 July Merton College Chapel Summer Serenade 25

June

Friday 5 June Oxford Town Hall Pastoral for the Planet 21

Family Concert Pre-concert Event Chamber Concert Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra

oxfordphil.com

Box Office: 01865 980 980

oxfordphil.com

Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford

Orchestra

Philharmonic

Oxford