Music at Oxford launches 40th anniversary campaign

Southbank Sinfonia orchestra will perform for the concert series in June 2024

An independent concert series has launched a fundraising campaign as part of its 40th anniversary.

Music at Oxford was established in 1983 as a year-round programme of classical music within the city's iconic and hidden architectural gems.

It now aims to raise £40,000 by the end of 2024 towards its work with diverse schools and community groups.

The programme's artistic and executive director Rebecca Dawson said it "helps people connect".

Music at Oxford was founded by a group of friends, who put together the first concert of the series - a performance by the Choir of Magdalen College Oxford.

They have featured performances in venues across the city such as The Sheldonian, UPP cinema in Cowley, St John the Evangelist in Iffley, St Barnabas church in Jericho and Christ Church Cathedral.

Their archive of highlights includes King Charles III coming to a concert for its 10th anniversary.

Soprano singer Nardus Williams took part in Music at Oxford's 2023 season opening concert at the Sheldonian Theatre

Artistic and executive director Rebecca Dawson said Music at Oxford "is so much more than 'just' a concert series".

Ms Dawson said now was the time to build on that legacy for the benefit of Oxford's diverse communities over the next 40 years.

"Our thriving learning and participation programme is an integral part of our output, ensuring that live music is experienced not just by those who attend our events, but also by hundreds of schoolchildren, refugees, and vulnerable adults each year," she said.

It includes groups such as Asylum Welcome and The Porch, as well dementia patients.

Their 40 for 40 Anniversary Campaign is raising funds to help cover musicians' costs and deliver workshops.

"We fundamentally believe that music can be a form of creative expression, and were doing all we can to make it available to as many people in Oxfordshire as possible, because we know the difference that music can make in bringing people together," Ms Dawson said.

The group's season of celebration has already included a performance by an Italian ensemble, a programme of classical and folk interpretations and Christmas concerts, with further events planned for 2024.

The Onyx Brass quintet will also feature in Music at Oxford's anniversary season in May 2024

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