Oxford International Song Festival’s triumphant return

Round & About

Oxford will once again become a vibrant hub of musical storytelling, 10th to 24th October, thanks to Oxford International Song Festival  

Celebrating the art of song in all its forms, no fewer than 67 events invite audiences to enjoy everything from timeless ballads & fairytales to contemporary works and national traditions. 

At the heart of the festival is storytelling, not only through voice but also through dance, chamber music, and engaging talks. The line-up promises a feast for the senses and the imagination, with concerts throughout the day and late into the evening, set in some of the city’s most atmospheric venues including the Holywell Music Room (Europe’s oldest purpose-built concert hall) as well as the chapels of New College and Merton College. 

The festival opens with a recital on 10th October by baritone Benjamin Appl who also serves as Artist in Residence over the opening weekend. A stellar international roster of singers including Helen Charlston, Stéphane Degout, Marie-Laure Garnier, and Roderick Williams will perform alongside pianists such as James Baillieu and Cédric Tiberghien, along with Artistic Director Sholto Kynoch. 

Highlights include a special appearance by Sir John Tomlinson, making his festival debut with a performance of John Casken’s acclaimed The Shackled King. Contemporary works feature too, including the world premiere of Book of Queens by Associate Composer Emily Hazrati, and a new production inspired by Baba Yaga, devised and performed by mezzo-soprano Rowan Hellier with choreography by Andreas Heise. This production also includes the world premiere of Nice Weather for Witches by Elena Langer, and connects with the Crick Crack Club. 

A particularly poignant event explores Irish song traditions, where Lotte Betts-Dean and Deirdre Brenner perform The Magdalene Songs, a cycle confronting the harrowing history of the Magdalene Laundries. 

From 17th to 20th October, the festival turns its focus to the songs of Franz Schubert, marking 200 years since the composer’s final years. Pianist Graham Johnson continues his authoritative survey, while baritone Roderick Williams performs his own arrangement of Die schöne Müllerin with the Carducci String Quartet. Rising soprano Nikola Hillebrand makes her festival debut with pianist Julius Drake, and the dynamic ensemble Erlkings will offer a new take on Winterreise. 

Spanish and Latin American music also take centre stage, featuring tenor Santiago Sanchéz and a recital of Catalan song, plus a late-night tango concert with bandoneon virtuoso Victor Villena. The festival embraces young talent as well, showcasing eight exceptional early-career duos who have completed Oxford Song’s rigorous training programme. Other notable appearances include the Choir of Merton College performing Duruflé’s Requiem, and a Halloween concert at New College Chapel.