Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra continues its star-studded 2022 season this weekend with some magnificent concerts to set the scene for an impressive line-up over the coming year.
Kicking off the action is Sir András Schiff in Recital at Christ Church Cathedral this Saturday (February 26). Announcing his repertoire from stage, Sir András is one of the most distinguished pianists alive, whose distinctive poise and grace at the keyboard have earned him legions of fans worldwide. Expect music by Joseph Haydn, a composer with whom he has long been associated, this is a rare chance to hear one of the world’s greatest pianists in the unique acoustics of Christ Church.
Then on Sunday, Marios Papadopoulos, with rather prescient timing, conducts Haydn‘s Mass in the Time of War, written in August 1796, when fear of invasion loomed large to reveal his unease as conflict approached.
Renowned soprano Mary Bevan, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Wake-Edwards, tenor Hugo Hymas and bass Dominic Sedgwick are accompanied by the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral with Steven Grahl as choirmaster. The illustrious Steven Isserlis, will then plays Haydn’s altogether more carefree D major cello concerto.
This stellar weekend is just the latest in the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s impressive Spring/Summer 2022 season, as the orchestra makes its long-awaited US debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall with Maxim Vengerov in June and a three- concert series at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London in July.
Based in Oxford’s historic Sheldonian Theatre this year, the star-studded lien-up assembled to join the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra also includes Maxim Vengerov, Sir Bryn Terfel, Angela Gheorghiu, Stephen Kovacevich and Tamsin Waley-Cohen.
The orchestra will also be premiering three new works as part of its ongoing celebrations of Beethoven’s majestic concertos and symphonies, joined by the Philharmonischer Chor der Stadt Bonn.
Marios Papadopoulos, Music Director, said: “I’m thrilled with the new look for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra following our rebrand, as we look towards our future, upcoming 25th anniversary and our debut at Carnegie Hall this summer with Maxim Vengerov.
“We also recognise the fantastic talent from within the Orchestra’s ranks, with our very own Natalia Lomeiko, Mats Lidström, Charlotte Scott and Anna-Liisa Bezrodny appearing as soloists this year.”
To book and for more details on this and Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s extensive 2022 concert series go to www.oxfordphil.com
