Classical Music at Oxford University

Looking for a place to enjoy classical music in Oxford? The University of Oxford has a long and proud tradition of classical music, dating back to the 16th century. Today, the university offers a wide range of classical music events, from concerts and recitals to opera and ballet.

Introduction

Classical music at Oxford University dates back to the early 19th century, when the Oxonian Society of Amateur Musicians was founded. The society gave public concerts on a regular basis, and musical competence among undergraduates was greatly valued. In the 20th century, Oxford’s musical life was very much influenced by the composer Sir Hubert Parry, who was Director of Music at New College from 1876 to 1918. Parry’s pupils included Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst, two of the most important British composers of the first half of the twentieth century.

The Oxford University Music Faculty

The Faculty of Music at Oxford University is one of the leading music departments in the UK. It offers a uniquely broad and varied curriculum, with options ranging from classical music to jazz and popular music.

The Faculty is based in the historic Radcliffe Camera, in the heart of Oxford. The Radcliffe Camera is a circular building which was originally built as a library, and is now part of the Bodleian Libraries.

The Faculty of Music has an international reputation for its research, teaching, and performance. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the BA in Music, MA in Music, MSt in Music, MMus in Performance, and DPhil in Music.

The Faculty also offers a number of performance opportunities for its students. These include regular concerts by the Oxford University Orchestra and Choir, as well as occasional performances by visiting artists.

The Oxford University Philharmonic Orchestra

The Oxford University Philharmonic Orchestra ( OUPhil ) is the largest and most active orchestra at the University of Oxford in England. The orchestra comprises around 200 musicians, making it one of the largest in the country. It is based at the Music Faculty in central Oxford.

The Orchestra has a full schedule of concerts and events throughout term-time, including a major symphony concert series, chamber music concerts, and collaborations with other University musical groups. The OUPhil also takes part in an extensive programme of outreach work, performing at a variety of venues across Oxfordshire and beyond. In recent years, the Orchestra has toured to France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and China.

The Oxford University Chorus

The Oxford University Chorus is the largest student-run choral society in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1836, the Chorus currently comprises over 280 singers from all walks of life, from complete beginners to degree-level students and beyond. The Chorus performs a variety of choral works from the Renaissance to the present day, with a particular focus on large-scale works for chorus and orchestra such as Bach’s Mass in B minor and Handel’s Messiah.

In addition to its regular concert series, the Chorus also takes part in a number of special events each year. These have included performances at the BBC Proms, BBC Radio 3’s Christmas Day services from St Paul’s Cathedral and King’s College Cambridge, and a European tour with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The Oxford University Music Club

The Oxford University Music Club (OUMC) is open to all students of the University of Oxford, regardless of musical ability or experience. The Club provides opportunities for members to enjoy and perform a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary. There are also regular social events, including concerts, talks, and balls.

OUMC was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest student-run music clubs in the country. We are a registered charity (No. 1158983) and a non-profit organisation. All money raised by the Club goes towards supporting our activities.

We welcome players of all instruments, singers, and composers. No previous experience is necessary – just a love of music!

The Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society

The Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society (OUGSS) is the oldest university society devoted to the promotion of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas. It was founded in 1885, just a year after the first professionally produced Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The Mikado. The Society puts on an annual production of one of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, alternating between the major works (such as The Mikado and The Yeomen of the Guard) and the less well-known ones (such as Ruddigore and Utopia Limited). The society also gives regular concerts of Gilbert and Sullivan’s music, featuring both professional and amateur performers.

The Oxford University Jazz Society

The Oxford University Jazz Society (OUJS) is a student-run organisation dedicated to the promotion of jazz music at the University of Oxford. We host regular concerts and jam sessions, and organise trips to see professional jazz musicians perform live. We welcome players of all levels of ability, and our membership includes both experienced musicians and those who are just starting out.

OUJS is open to all students of Oxford University, regardless of their academic discipline. We are a friendly and inclusive society, and we aim to provide a space where everyone can enjoy and appreciate jazz music.

The Oxford University Folk Music Society

The Oxford University Folk Music Society, founded in 1957, is the oldest such society in the United Kingdom. It is a student-run society which promotes traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world, with an emphasis on music from the British Isles and North America. The Society runs a weekly folk music club on Tuesday evenings during term time, which features guest artists from around the UK and beyond. In addition to this, the Society organises a number of events throughout the year including themed evenings, concerts, and workshops.

The Oxford University Early Music Society

The Oxford University Early Music Society (OUEMS) is a student-run society which aims to promote the enjoyment and performance of Early Music within the University of Oxford.

We run a series of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, workshops, and social events. Our events are open to all, and we warmly welcome students, staff, and members of the public to come and enjoy what we do.

We are a friendly and informal society, and anyone with an interest in Early Music is welcome to join us. You don’t need to be an expert (or even particularly knowledgeable!) to enjoy our concerts and events – just come along and see what you think!

Conclusion

In conclusion, classical music at Oxford University provides a wide variety of benefits to students. It helps to improve concentration and memory, and can also boost your mood and reduce stress levels. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your studies or simply want to relax and enjoy some beautiful music, be sure to check out the classical music scene at Oxford University.