What a diverse and exciting musical line-up Oxford Festival Of The Arts has got in store for you as its annual festival continues unabated with a stellar programme of events. TOP 15: Oxford Festival Of The Arts 2025 reveals ‘Magnificent Oxford’ – a stunning line-up of music, art, film and entertainment. What to book now!
HAYDN IN OXFORD – The English Haydn Orchestra is coming to Oxford for the first time directed by Steven Devine, and joined by violin virtuoso, Jennifer Pike, who will be performing on June 27 at the Sheldonian Theatre, to celebrate the composer’s wonderful relationship with the city and the university. Steven and Jennifer, two exceptional musicians who studied in Oxford; will be performing Joseph Haydn‘s Symphony No 92 in G major, The ‘London’ Symphony and The Oxford’ Symphony, alongside Mozart‘s Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, K219, all on period instruments. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/haydn-in-oxford-english-haydn-orchestra/
Melomania – Steven Devine will also be joining his friend and fellow musician, internationally-renown violinist Bojan Čičić, and dancer and choreographer Stéphanie Brochard on July 10 at OFA’s Festival Hall, with music for solo violin by J.S. Bach, Friedrich Rust and Sally Beamish, for a visceral dialogue of music and dance. Commissioned by OFA as choreography ‘in the round’, prepare to become part of an intimate, powerful, fragile, daring performance. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/melomania/
MAGNIFICAT! The Choral Foundations in Concert, Tuesday July 1, Oxford Town Hall. Magdalen College Choir, New College Choir, Cathedral Choir of Christ Church, Frideswide Voices and Instruments of Time and Truth bring you an evening celebrating magnificence, opening with Handel’s Ode to St Cecilia conducted by Robert Quinney. The ever-popular and colourful Brandenburg No 4, is directed by Mark Williams from the harpsichord. The evening will end with Bach’s glorious Magnificat, with five soloists, a five-part choir, and a large orchestra, conducted by Peter Holder. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/magnificat/
Evensongs from Oxford College Chapels glorious Magnificats and composers linked to Oxford, including the annual Festival Evensong at Magdalen College on June 26 BOOK HERE including music by Judith Weir and Philip Moore, whilst Christ Church Solemn Vespers will be part of the celebrations for the 500th Anniversary of Christ Church on June 28 BOOK HERE. The world premiere of an exciting new setting of the Magnificat by the Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen CBE, forms the centrepiece.
SOUNDTRACK TO THE APOCALYPSE – SOWETO KINCH TRIO – The award-winning saxophonist, rapper, and BBC Jazz Presenter, who read History at Oxford, will be performing his new album: SOUNDTRACK TO THE APOCALYPSE on July 11 in OFA’s Festival Hall. Melding jazz and beat-based hip-hop, Kinch is storyteller and historic narrator of ongoing black erasure and exploitation, blending multiple horns and electronics, jazz, hip hop, and other linked traditions from the African diaspora into a political statement. One of the most exciting and versatile musicians in both the British jazz and hip-hop scenes, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades including two MOBOs and a Mercury Award. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/soundtrack-to-the-apocalypse-soweto-kinch-trio/
EARLY MUSIC DAY – a collaboration with Continuo Foundation on July 12, at Magdalen College, together with Sir Nicholas Kenyon, the Linarol Consort and countertenor William Purefoy celebrating the 400th anniversary of Orlando Gibbons, and Bellot Ensemble’s Cupid Ground Bass, with music by Barbara Strozzi, Cavalli, Monteverdi, and more! https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/early-music-day/
BRIDGERTON – On the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen on Monday, June 30, enter the Georgian world of dance and music as The Georgettes of Oxford perform period versions of the dances appearing in films of Austen’s works in historical dress in in the Festival Hub All are invited to participate – both with dancing feet, or with wigs and costumes – to reflect the real world depicted by Bridgerton. This will be followed by a ‘Sancho Session’ in the Festival Hub – where audiences are invited to bring readings, sing a song, dance, or simply enjoy the whole affair. Participation is voluntary, informal, and cheerful. 18th-century dress is optional! https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/jane-austen-meets-bridgerton/
For those of you who need another ‘let-your-hair-down’ moment, Moonaroon return for the Festival Cèilidh, by special request on Saturday June 28 at OFA Festival Hall. Back by popular demand! Founded in Oxford’s legendary Half Moon pub, and performing together since 2019, their traditional Irish sound is inspired by Fleadh-winning bands to give audiences a thrilling night of dancing rooted in tradition, with fabulous fiddles, irresistible rhythms, and calls that will get any dancer – from beginner to veteran – on the dancefloor! https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/festival-ceilidh/
OFA collaborates with Oxford Contemporary Music and OVADA to bring Echoes & Embers to Oxford – an installation with live performance by Ezra Gray and Giles W Bennett on July 4-5. An immersive journey into the natural world using light, sound and organic media, this improvised, live performance-cum-installation focuses on the emotive human response to the landscape, and the subtle nuances of nature. Birds will be seen flying around you, the sea lapping at the floor, and beams of light floating around the space. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/echoes-embers/
An evening with Roderick Williams & ORA Singers alongside Suzi Digby OBE on July 8 at University Church SMV in this special evening of conversation and music. Gain an insight into the life of one of Britain’s most distinguished musical voices, as Suzi explores Roderick’s early life, his eclectic career as a soloist and composer, and the landmarks of his story so far. Listen to the award-winning voices of ORA perform a selection of music throughout the evening, featuring the works of Williams, alongside other composers with links to the city and University of Oxford. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/an-evening-with-roderick-williams-ora-singers/
The Best Finger of the Age, the music of Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) with The Linarol Consort and counter-tenor William Purefoy as part of EARLY MUSIC DAY in Magdalen College on July 12. Celebrating the life and times of the Oxford-born English composer, which spanned the tumultuous political and religious changes that defined the end of Elizabeth I’s long reign and the first decades of the Stuart dynasty. Few other composers have produced work of such a consistently high standard, ranging from deeply pious sacred music to virtuoso keyboard pieces and dramatic madrigals. This new programme by the Linarol Consort will explore a range of his works, alongside those of his contemporaries John Bull, William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/linarol-consort-and-william-purefoy/
Madrigals on the River performed from punts on the river at MCS on July 4. This hugely popular event will feature a variety of madrigals and folksongs from different periods of musical history interspersed with some instrumental items. Families are encouraged to picnic on school field from 6.30pm. There will be some informal music before the arrival of the punts at 8pm. One not to miss! https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/madrigals/
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Fire and Water, Sheldonian Theatre on July 12, with the music of Handel, who, in 1733, spent a week in Oxford at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor, directing a festival of his own music, and conducting one of his oratorios, Athalia, in this very space, to celebrate the University’s ‘Publick Act’. A majestic celebration of the sounds of Baroque with Handel’s Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks, Pachelbel’s timeless Canon brings serene beauty, while Telemann’s Tafelmusik delights with its charming elegance. This captivating programme will transport us to the grandeur, refinement, and splendour of 18th century courtly celebrations. https://artsfestivaloxford.org/events/oxford-philharmonic-orchestra-fire-and-water/
One of the most exciting reveals is The BBC Big Band Simply Swing on July 13 headed up by renowned singer Iain Mackenzie and conductor Barry Forgie. Widely regarded as one the world’s leading jazz orchestras, The BBC Big Band plays at at some of the country’s most prestigious global venues, collaborating with the likes of Tony Bennett, Robert Palmer, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Michael Buble, Van Morrison and Ray Charles to name just a few! BOOK HERE
Voice: Medieval Women in Song, June 15, Beckley Church, celebrating women in medieval music as composers, icons, and narrators with sacred and secular songs from across Europe. World renowned group Voice Trio’s programme features the beautiful chant of St Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 1179), medieval songs about the ever-popular holy maiden St Mary, ‘laude’ (praise songs), and songs exploring secular subjects of desire, sisterhood, and unattainable love. The trio will also perform new works by contemporary female composers whose compositions are influenced by these medieval women. Professor Elizabeth Gemmill will give a short pre-talk about Medieval women inspired by the divine. BOOK HERE
For further details on OFA and its multiple events go to https://oxinabox.co.uk/top-15-oxford-festival-of-the-arts-2025-reveals-magnificent-oxford-a-stunning-line-up-of-music-art-film-and-entertainment-what-to-book-now/
