Oxford International Song Festival celebrates 25 years with a spectacular programme

Zoe Gater

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The Oxford International Song Festival returns this autumn for its 25th anniversary, transforming some of Oxford’s most beautiful venues into stages for an extraordinary celebration of love, song and poetry.

The Oxford International Song Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with a thrilling programme devoted to love in all its forms – from joy and passion to complexity, heartbreak and the creative force that has inspired generations of composers and poets.

Taking place from Friday 9 to Saturday 24 October 2026, the Festival features 59 events, bringing together some of the world’s leading singers, musicians and performers for two weeks of exceptional music in the unique surroundings of Oxford.

When is Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The Oxford International Song Festival takes place from Friday 9 to Saturday 24 October 2026, with performances and events held across a range of historic and contemporary venues.

The 25th anniversary edition opens on Friday 9 October with a recital from Dame Sarah Connolly, which also marks the Festival’s first event at the newly opened Schwarzman Centre.

The following evening, acclaimed baritone Matthias Goerne makes his Festival debut with Schubert’s Winterreise at the Olivier Hall.

Who’s performing at Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The anniversary programme brings together an impressive roster of internationally renowned artists, including Carolyn Sampson, Benjamin Appl, Katie Bray, Roderick Williams, Alice Coote, Katharina Ruckgaber, Johannes Kammler, Camilla Tilling, Sarah Maria Sun, Anna Prohaska and Christoph Prégardien.

They are joined by leading pianists including Joseph Middleton, Tamara Stefanovich, James Baillieu and Pauliina Tukiainen, alongside Festival Artistic Director Sholto Kynoch.

There are also appearances from celebrated performers including Dame Imogen Cooper, who performs Hugo Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch as part of her final concert season before retirement, while Juliane Banse returns for a unique performance combining Mozart songs and piano music with dance.

Elsewhere, Alice Coote and Julius Drake present an imaginative programme ranging from David Bowie to Mozart, while Louise Alder and Joseph Middleton explore the passing of the year in a programme featuring Helen Grime’s Seasons, written specifically for the duo in 2025.

What are the highlights of Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The Festival’s 25th anniversary programme features a number of exciting premieres, including Marriage of…?, a new work by Associate Composer Emily Hazrati and librettist Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambahksh, performed by Nardus Williams.

Katy Thomson and Rustam Khanmurzin premiere a new work by John Webb, exploring the corrupting nature of power, while Anna Dennis and John Reid present The Silent Songs of Josefine, a bold Kafka-inspired work by Can Bilir.

Schubert takes centre stage over the Festival’s central weekend on 17 and 18 October, with Graham Johnson continuing his landmark exploration of the composer’s final years, 200 years on.

Other Schubert highlights include Camilla Tilling performing the composer’s Rückert settings and Helen Charlston performing Die Schöne Müllerin, both with Sholto Kynoch.

Sarah Maria Sun also performs Der Hirt auf dem Felsen with pianist Jan Philip Schulze and clarinettist Julian Bliss.

The Festival’s programme stretches far beyond traditional song recitals, too, with choral music, dance, chamber works, discussions and study events adding to the line-up.

Instrumental highlights include performances from the Carducci String Quartet, guitarists Bryan Brenner and Václav Fuksa, and accordionist Murray Grainger.

New Generation Artists and rising stars

The Festival also shines a spotlight on the next generation of musical talent.

Eight Oxford Song Young Artist duos will perform short showcase slots ahead of headline evening recitals during the first week, before taking part in the Festival’s residential Mastercourse during the second week.

Led by Jan Philip Schulze, the Mastercourse includes daily public masterclasses, offering audiences the chance to see emerging artists develop their craft alongside established names.

On Wednesday 21 October, the New Generation Day presents three concerts in partnership with the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme, with all three performances recorded for future broadcast.

Performers include baritone Andrew Hamilton with pianist Michael Pandya, soprano Erika Baikoff with Sholto Kynoch, and Konstantin Krimmel with Ammiel Bushakevitz, performing a programme that includes Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel.

Where does Oxford International Song Festival take place?

Part of the Festival’s appeal is its extraordinary collection of venues, taking audiences from historic Oxford concert halls to contemporary spaces and spectacular countryside surroundings.

Performances take place at the Holywell Music Room – Europe’s oldest purpose-built concert hall – as well as the Levine Building and Olivier Hall.

For the first time, the Festival also ventures into spaces within the newly opened Schwarzman Centre, while selected performances take place at Garsington Studios at the Wormsley Estate.

Together, the venues provide a suitably grand setting for two weeks of world-class song and music.

How much are tickets for Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

Despite its international line-up, the Festival is keeping tickets accessible, with thousands of tickets priced under £20.

There are also discounts for multiple bookings, while £10 tickets are available for under-35s.

Public booking opens on Wednesday 20 May, with tickets available online at oxfordsong.org or through the Box Office on 01865 591276.

In partnership with Oxford International Song Festival

Oxford International Song Festival has built an international reputation for celebrating classical song through world-class concerts, artist development, education, and new music. Its annual festival brings together more than 200 artists for over 70 events across Oxford, while its Young Artist, Schools, and commissioning programmes nurture the next generation of talent and audiences.

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Emily Maguire announces intimate High Wycombe show at mystery venue

Zoe Gater

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Singer-songwriter Emily Maguire brings songs of hope, honesty and connection to an intimate High Wycombe venue in October.

When Emily Maguire takes to the stage this month, audiences can expect far more than a beautiful evening of music. They will be sharing space with an artist whose work blends songwriting, storytelling and advocacy, shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to mental health awareness.

Now based in Bath after several years in Australia, Emily Maguire is a British singer-songwriter, author and mental health campaigner with an extraordinary creative output.

Across her career she has released seven albums and published five books, toured extensively throughout the UK and internationally, and shared stages with artists including American songwriting legend Don McLean.

She’s been playlisted on BBC Radio 2, and she has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 4 programmes such as Woman’s Hour, Front Row and Midweek, where her thoughtful, articulate voice resonates far beyond the music world.

Emily’s work took on an even deeper resonance in 2010 when she publicly spoke about living with bipolar disorder. She shared her story on BBC Radio 2, on World Mental Health Day, coinciding with the release of her first book, Start Over Again.

Since then, her openness has become central to her creative practice and public life. Rather than separating art from advocacy, Emily weaves the two, using honesty as a way to reduce the stigma still surrounding mental health and create connection.

Alongside performing in concert halls, theatres and arts centres, Emily has taken her music into mental health hospitals and support groups; spaces where creativity can be transformative. She’s described these performances as some of the most moving and rewarding of her career, moments when music becomes a shared language of understanding, hope and survival.

Her impact has been widely recognised. In 2019, Emily received the Mogens Schou Award for Public Service and Advocacy from the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, honouring her courage and sustained commitment to mental health awareness.

Her song Keep Walking has also taken on a life of its own, becoming the long-standing anthem for Canada’s Defeat Depression campaign.

Audiences often speak of hope as much as music. One listener described her work as “completely emotive,” another says Emily offers “not just music, but hope.”

This show, at a secret High Wycombe venue, promises an intimate evening of songs, stories and connection; honest, compassionate and quietly powerful.

For more info visit emilymaguire.com or youtube.com/emilymaguireofficial.

Book your tickets at wegottickets.com/kingsmeadhouseconcerts and find out about more great gigs at kingsmeadconcerts.wordpress.com.

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Chobham Festival returns with music, art and entertainment

Zoe Gater

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Experience the sound of world class classical music at Chobham Festival in October.

Chobham is all set to become a cultural hub again from Saturday 3 to 17 Saturday October 2026 with music, art and entertainment enriching the community, as Jennifer Britt shares.

Here is what is coming up, including two classical concerts and a fun event with Chobham Handbell Ringers in the beautiful surroundings of St Lawrence Church.

Enjoy a Jazz Supper featuring an evening of great sounds from top jazz players with the Sarah Jane Eveleigh Jazz Sextet at Chobham Village Hall, 7.30pm on Saturday, 3 October.

Some well-loved pieces of classical music will benefit from the wonderful brass treatment with leading instrumentalists in the A4 Brass Quartet on Tuesday 6, 7.45pm at St Lawrence Church.

The sound of Baroque Voices will fill St Lawrence Church on Saturday 10 with the Choir of Royal Holloway. The local well recognised choir are one of the finest university choirs in the country. The programme, 7.45pm, features Monteverdi, Albinoni, including an oboe concerto, Durante and Bach.

On Saturday 17 the focus will be on artworks with an arts and crafts fair at Chobham Village Hall, 10am to 5pm. No booking needed.

Agatha the Photographer is a highlight at St Lawrence Church, 11am. An illustrated talk will feature photographs and cine film taken by Agatha Christie working with her archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan, on digs in the Middle East. The presentation is by Max’s nephew John Mallowan who spent many school holidays with his uncle and Agatha.

Chobham Morris dancers are sure to put a smile on your face outside St Lawrence Church at 1.30pm (no booking needed) followed at 2.30pm by Bells Galore with Chobham Handbell Ringers. The ringers will play some of their favourite pieces and are also inviting members of the audience to join for part of the concert.

Bookings can be made online at festival.chobham.org or find booking forms at St Lawrence Church to pay by post and cheque/BACS.

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Christ Church Cathedral School hits all the right notes with young choristers

Zoe Gater

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Despite increasingly challenging times for choir schools across the UK, Christ Church Cathedral School in central Oxford has celebrated its most successful chorister recruitment event in several years.

A new generation of young singers has been given a taste of life as a cathedral chorister as part of a special experience day celebrating a centuries-old choral tradition.

The event welcomed 24 families, with some travelling from as far afield as Birmingham and London, giving boys aged six to nine the chance to discover what life could be like as part of a world-famous cathedral choir.

The experience comes during a landmark year for the Cathedral Choir, which is celebrating its 500th anniversary. Founded by Henry VIII in 1526, the choir has marked the milestone with a packed programme of events and live radio broadcasts, before heading to New York later this year for a tour that will include a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Today, the choir includes 20 boarding choristers aged eight to 13, alongside its adult singers. The young choristers combine an intensive schedule of cathedral services, broadcasts and international tours with a full school curriculum.

During the experience day, visiting boys took part in singing workshops and team-building craft activities before joining the Evensong service, watched by their families and the regular congregation.

The school also offers three choirs, including opportunities for younger voices to sing with the Worcester and Pembroke College Chapel Choirs. With almost two thirds of its prep boys involved in a choir, choral singing remains a significant part of school life, helping pupils develop confidence alongside their musical skills.

The school says the experience day was particularly special following the recent closure of several choir schools, with the strong turnout highlighting the continued interest in choristership and the opportunities it can offer young people.

Families interested in discovering more about choristership and school life can find out about upcoming open events, nursery Stay & Plays and chorister experience days at cccs.org.uk or by calling 01865 242561.

In partnership with Christ Church Cathedral School

Christ Church Cathedral School is an independent preparatory school for boys in central Oxford, educating pupils aged four to 13. One of the city’s three choral foundation schools, it provides choristers for Christ Church Cathedral, as well as the chapels of Worcester College and Pembroke College. Alongside its strong musical tradition, the school offers a broad education designed to help pupils grow in confidence and thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival promises a vibrant celebration of community and culture

Zoe Gater

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Is jazz your jam or is soul more your scene? Let the music move you at this year’s Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival running throughout September 2026.

From Guildford Castle to local cafes and bars, the smooth, sultry sounds of Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival will play out in the vibrant town-wide showcase of world-class music when it returns for another year.

Opening up the festival on Thursday 3 September are The Steve Waterman Octet who are celebrating Miles (Davis), one of the most iconic and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz. Join the all-star line-up at Guildford Pavilion to celebrate this legend.

Salsa and Latin jazz comes from The Mantecas on Saturday 5, who’ll be entertaining with their high-energy performance in the surroundings of Guildford Castle. Take along your favourite tipple and a picnic and join the party.

Alan Barnes and David Newton serve up a very special lunchtime concert on Monday 7 at The Guildford Institute, before on Friday 11, there’s a change in tempo at The Boileroom from Dele Sosimi who is at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene, combining a blend of complex funk grooves, traditional Nigerian music and African percussion with an underlying sense of jazz.

Hejira, a seven-piece band fronted by vocalist Hattie Whitehead, are Celebrating Joni Mitchell at the University of Surrey on Friday 18, while there’s a welcome return for Guildford-born saxophonist Iain Ballamy to Guildford Pavilion on Wednesday 23.

The final main event of the festival comes at St Nicholas Church on Friday 25 when the CK Gospel Choir entertain with their outstanding close harmonies and infectious energy.

The festival also includes several free events at various local venues, a particular highlight being the return of the Alvar Tree Frogs on Saturday 19 for an afternoon of joyous New Orleans jazz in the historic courtyard of Abbots Hospital in Guildford High Street.

There’s also a jazz cocktail hour to enjoy with Jo Fooks and Deirdre Cartwright at Guildford Townhouse, on Sunday 6, the Debby Bracknell Quarter at Cosy Club on Thursday 10, a night at Shardana Italian restaurant with the Varley Parker Quintet on Monday 21 and acoustic soul and jazz from Emily Windham Quartet at Roges Bar on Saturday 26 September 2026.

The Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival brings the joy of live music to new listeners and old friends while supporting local venues across town in this celebration of community and culture.

For more details or to book tickets for paid-for events, visit guildfordjazz.org.uk.

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See John Barrowman at the Wycombe Swan – for one night only

Zoe Gater

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John Barrowman returns to the stage with a spectacular celebration of the musicals that have shaped his remarkable career, starting his tour at Wycombe Swan this September.

John Barrowman is ready to step back into the spotlight with his dazzling show, My Life in Musicals when it comes to Wycombe Swan on Saturday 5 September 2026.

The concert marks John’s eagerly anticipated return to touring after several spring performances were postponed following the death of his beloved mother, Marion – affectionately known to fans as “Mama Barrowman”.

Now, after an outpouring of support from audiences, he’s looking forward to reconnecting with theatre lovers.

Packed with songs, stories and plenty of trademark humour, My Life in Musicals celebrates a career spanning more than three decades on the West End and Broadway stage.

Audiences can expect unforgettable music from iconic productions including Sunset Boulevard, Anything Goes, Miss Saigon, Chicago, Company, La Cage Aux Folles and Phantom of the Opera.

Reflecting on the show, John says: “This tour is my love letter to every stage, every song, and every one of you who’ve cheered, cried, laughed and believed right along with me.”

Known for his powerhouse vocals, larger-than-life personality and infectious enthusiasm, John promises an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter and theatrical sparkle as he shares the stories behind 23 leading roles.

Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre fan or simply love a great night out, expect showstopping moments.

For more information or to book tickets, visit trafalgartickets.com/wycombe-swan-theatre.

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West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival returns with world-class performers

Zoe Gater

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World-renowned musicians return to Hambleden in September, to deliver outstanding chamber music.

Music-lovers are in for a treat this month as the West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival returns to the picturesque village of Hambleden with another programme of world-class performances.

Now in its 16th year, the festival has become one of the region’s cultural highlights, attracting internationally acclaimed musicians to the beautiful Church of St Mary the Virgin for three days of exceptional chamber music.

Running from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 September 2026, this year’s festival features five concerts, all themed “In Time”, offering a distinctive programme in the stunning surroundings of the historic Bucks church.

The festival was founded by internationally renowned violist Lawrence Power, who grew up locally and continues to serve as its artistic director.

Alongside performing himself, he has built a reputation for bringing some of the world’s finest chamber musicians to the region each year.

Among those returning for the 2026 festival are pianist Simon Crawford-Phillips, cellist John Myerscough, lutenist Sergio Bucheli and violinist Stephanie Gonley, all familiar faces to festival audiences.

Together they will perform a varied programme celebrating the richness and intimacy of chamber music.

One of the festival’s defining features is its commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Saturday morning’s concert will showcase outstanding young musicians at the beginning of their professional careers, allowing audiences to hear tomorrow’s stars alongside established performers.

The festival has earned a loyal following thanks to its combination of outstanding artistry and welcoming atmosphere. Its intimate setting allows audiences to experience chamber music up close in one of Bucks’ most beautiful village churches.

Festival organisers hope both returning supporters and first-time visitors will enjoy five days of memorable music.

Tickets, festival passes covering all five concerts and information about becoming a Friend of the Festival are available through the festival box office.

For tickets, call 01494 528659 or email tickets@westwycombemusic.org.uk. For more information, visit westwycombemusic.org.uk.

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The Amersham Concert Club is celebrating its milestone 60th anniversary season

Zoe Gater

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Amersham Concert Club is celebrating 60 years with a wonderful new season of chamber music.

It’s been a long, hot summer but some of us are eagerly looking forward to the return of autumn evenings… and there’s not long to wait, with Amersham Concert Club’s diamond season beginning on Saturday 26 September 2026 – and it’s a real sparkler!

If you’d like to enjoy a smaller group of outstanding musicians playing a wide range of music and sharing their knowledge and love of music with the audience, these concerts are for you.

Ensemble Serafin will play trios by Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. Local cellist Nicola Tait-Baxter is joined by pianist Viv McLean making a welcome return to Amersham and violinist Nicola Loud for a lovely programme, Echoes of the Rhine.

The concerts on Saturday 24 October and 21 November both feature talented young musicians chosen to receive support from major musical trusts.

First, Ewan Millar (oboe) and Tomos Boyles (piano) who are supported by the Countess Of Munster Musical Trust, give a wide-ranging programme of music for this lovely combination of instruments.

Then in November, Jamie Cochrane, who is supported by the Tillett Trust, will give a recital of piano music by Schubert, Schumann and Chopin.

The club usually takes a break then until February but there’ll be a special concert on Saturday 16 January 2026, when fabulous saxophonist Jess Gillam performs with her Ensemble Trio, playing a mix of styles from baroque to jazz and much in between.

All of the concerts take place at 7.30pm in the Amersham Free Church.

Tickets are on sale at amershamconcerts.org.uk or, for more information call 01494 765420.

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Experience Welsh musical magic in Wantage this September

Zoe Gater

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London Welsh Male Voice Choir bring their celebrated sound to Wantage for a special charity concert this September.

Wantage music-lovers are in for a very special evening of music when the renowned London Welsh Male Voice Choir bring their powerful harmonies to the Parish of St Peter & St Paul.

Performing at 7pm on Saturday 12 September 2026, the choir will raise funds for the Ray Collins Charitable Trust, helping support the local community through its charitable work.

And this is no ordinary choir. The London Welsh Male Voice Choir has performed on some seriously prestigious stages, including the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony and events marking the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War in Ypres.

More recently, the choir filled the Royal Albert Hall in June – so Wantage audiences can expect a pretty impressive night of singing.

The choir’s repertoire celebrates the rich tradition of male voice choral singing, with the distinctive warmth, power and emotion that have made Welsh choirs famous around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or simply fancy an uplifting night out, this promises to be a memorable performance.

There’s also an opportunity to hear the choir before the big night, with recordings available on Spotify and plenty of uplifting video clips to discover on Facebook.

Most importantly, your ticket helps support a good cause. All proceeds from the Wantage concert will go towards the Ray Collins Charitable Trust and its work supporting the community.

So, if you fancy an evening filled with glorious harmonies, a touch of Welsh musical magic and the feel-good factor of supporting a local charity, this is one to put in the diary.

Tickets are £20 per person.

For more information or to book, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-welsh-male-voice-choir-in-concert-tickets.

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Stowaway Festival proves rave’s alive and thriving

Zoe Gater

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Liz Nicholls reflects on a wondrously sunny and starlit weekend at Stowaway Festival in north Buckinghamshire.

We made it… to Friday, I mean, after a slightly bumpy landing back into the working week. But now, fully recovered (mostly), rehydrated (definitely) and still finding the odd bit of glitter in unexpected places, my fellow Stowaway Festival crew are basking happily in the afterglow of what might just have been the best one yet.

There are so many reasons why this fiercely independent festival has become one of the fastest-growing on the scene. Word has spread through the rave community like a whispered secret: 30-odd years after the heyday of the free-party generation, people still want to dance under the stars… they just appreciate a decent frozen piña collada, non-Trainspotting-esque toilets and somewhere the kids can have a brilliant time, too.

Celebrating its fifth birthday, Stowaway delivered another gloriously eclectic line-up. Friday’s Hospital Records 30th anniversary takeover of the Shake Off stage was an absolute belter, with London Elektricity, Lens, DJ Zinc and Makoto reminding everyone why drum & bass remains one of Britain’s greatest musical exports. Say She She brought sunshine-soaked soul to the main stage, while Saturday’s Calibre and Skream kept the energy soaring before Nightmares on Wax and Kokoroko closed the weekend in sublime style.

One golden example of the festival’s spirit was little Remi, who threw herself into female jungle pioneer Dazee’s Friday night set in the Shake Off tent. Laura, from Bristol, summed it up perfectly: “I really loved the Friday night – the heavy-hitting drum and bass sounds from Dazee were bone-shaking and booty-wiggling!”

The setting remains utterly magical. Ancient woodland transformed into a kaleidoscope of lasers, mirror balls and coloured lights; a beautiful lake where paddleboards drift by day and reflections shimmer by night. Yes, plenty of trees were hugged.

The family vibe isn’t an afterthought here – it’s woven into everything. Nicky Blackmarket’s daytime rave for little ravers was one of the weekend’s happiest sights.

Ten-year-old Ethan, from Milton Keynes, told me: “I have had a great time at Stowaway and I liked Calibre – as well as the skateboarding! So much fun.”

Gemsy, 45, from Berkhamsted, was another first-timer. “This was my first time at Stowaway Festival but definitely not my last! The woods were pure magic, especially at night with the lasers, disco balls and incredible visuals. The sound systems were amazing, the whole festival was so well organised, and the team were incredibly friendly. Such a fun, vibrant festival for all ages. We’ll definitely be back next year with the family.”

Our lucky Round & About competition winner, Tessa from Reading, brought along her teenagers and was equally smitten: “Stowaway Festival was brilliant with a happy, playful, family vibe. We loved the different zones and especially the Listen Here area in the woods. Everyone was chilled out, enjoying each other’s company.

“One of my favourite acts was on the Sunday morning with improvised classical vibes. Not many people were up at that time, but I enjoyed the most relaxing cup of tea on a Sunday morning that I’ve had for a long time. I would recommend Stowaway to have fun and recharge in a great setting.”

Trying to pick favourite moments is impossible. George Michael’s ever-growing woodland shrine once again became a place of joyful pilgrimage, and one of my favourite bits was dancing to camp anthems by him and Madonna at The Jetty, with proprietor Duncan hitting  the desks. I lost my voice, but it was worth it.

And can we just take a moment for the practical luxuries? Queue-free showers. Enough room to dance without accidentally elbowing your neighbour into next week. It turns out middle-aged ravers have standards.

Special mention, too, to the wonderfully wholesome cocktail wagon crew, who somehow made campsite espresso martinis feel like an entirely sensible breakfast option.

Stowaway still feels like a festival created by friends rather than accountants. No giant corporate branding. No endless queues. Just brilliant music, happy people, beautiful surroundings and that increasingly rare feeling that everyone is genuinely pleased to be there.

Oi oi… see you next year.

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