Oxford International Song Festival to return this October

The Oxford International Song Festival, which runs from October 11-26, will present more than 70 events featuring 200 singers, musicians and speakers.

This year’s theme is cities that have inspired and influenced composers.

The festival will include performances of Schubert and Schumann's works, alongside contemporary music, chamber music and choral performances.

Artists include Roderick Williams, Natalie Burch, Carolyn Sampson, Hiroshi Amako, and Dame Sarah Connolly.

Carolyn Sampson (Image: Marco Borggreve)

Roderick Williams (Image: Oxford International Song Festival)

The festival will introduce the world premiere of 'Silent Songs of Josefine', a new work by Can Bilir, performed by soprano Mimi Doulton and pianist Dylan Perez on October 15.

Also commissioned for the 2024 festival, Jess Dandy and Keval Shah will present their reimagining of the Bhagavad Gita on the same day, a project by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail.

Anne Le Bozec will lead the annual Mastercourse from October 21 to 26, featuring eight duos from the festival’s Young Artist Programme.

Dame Sarah Connolly (Image: Andrew Crowley)

The middle weekend of the festival, October 19-20, is dedicated to Franz Schubert, part of a build-up to the Schubert bicentenary in 2028.

A host of 'Song Connections' events will include a celebration of Haydn’s time in England and Oxford, and an exploration into Leipzig and Berlin.

Late night performances at the candlelit 15th-century chapel of New College will also take place on October 12.

Some events are free or priced at £7 to £10, with hundreds of tickets available for £13 or less.

A range of discounts are offered to anyone booking multiple events, and tickets are available for £10 at all events for under-35s.

The Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room and St John the Evangelist Church are amongst the venues for the festival.

The festival's artistic director, Sholto Kynoch, said: "This is our 23rd festival, and a thrilling fortnight of song awaits, packed with 70 events and an array of world-class musicians.

Sholto Kynoch (Image: Oxford International Song Festival)

"As well as the great works of Schubert and Schumann, we have a huge breadth of music spanning centuries and in multiple languages.

"For those who are new to the festival, I hope they will find much to intrigue and inspire. Our celebratory and welcoming spirit is brighter than ever.

"The rich programme of songs is complemented by some exceptional chamber music and choral performances, and I feel that there is truly something here for everyone.

"Audience members may just choose a couple of favourite events, but I always say that the best way to experience the festival is by immersion: if you can, take a day or two."