“We guarantee many evenings ahead of happy music-making,” the Orchestra of St John’s John Lubbock promises, and what a feast he has in store.
From young sensation Poppy McGhee to OSJ regular Ilona Domnich, new artist-in-residence Rupert Egerton-Smith and musical prodigy Derek Paravicini, their upcoming performances are set to wow Oxfordshire’s music afficianados.
First up are the tribute concerts to mark 150 years since the birth of one of Britain’s most beloved composers Vaughan Williams and brings some of his lesser known gems, alongside staples of the English classical repertoire, running over the next two Saturdays (Saturday February 11, 7pm at Dorchester Abbey book here and Saturday February 25, 7pm at SJE Arts Oxford) book here
Bringing to life the Lark Ascending is the exceptional teenage violinist Poppy McGhee, a multi award-winning star of the future. She is joined by OSJ Voices for this evening of celebration, music and song.
Next up is OSJ Artist in Residence Rupert Egerton-Smith returning to SJE Arts in Oxford on Saturday 4 March, 7pm book here to perform a romantic piano favourite, Grieg’s much-loved concerto, Debussy’s evocative Clair de lune and the Peer Gynt Suite, with the Orchestra of St John’s ready to transport you to the hall of the mountain king and beyond.
On March 11 at Dorchester Abbey book here he will then perform a concert full of passion and virtuosic flare, with Grieg’s sweeping piano concerto, accompanied by Rachmaninov’s gorgeous second symphony, plus motets from OSJ Voices.
Celebrate Easter in style with Mozart’s Requiem where his magnificent oratorio will be performed by renowned soloists and backed by the full forces of OSJ and the OSJ Voices. They are joined by award-winning sisters Fiona and Jean Kelly, who will perform Mozart’s divine Concerto for Flute and Harp, the only piece he wrote for the harp. Dorchester Abbey on April 7 book here and at SJE Arts on April 8 book here
Derek Paravicini and friends are making jazz and classical music more accessible and inclusive on Saturday April 22nd, 6pm at Dorchester Abbey with a wonderfully inclusive evening featuring young performers across the spectrum of neurodiversity. book here
Soprano Ilona Domnich, described by Opera Now as having a voice of ‘silken beauty’, joins the orchestra and OSJ Voices twice in May (27 May at SJE Arts book here and 13 May at Dorchester Abbey book here) to perform three pieces from the German Austrian greats in Brahms Requiem, Strauss Four Last Songs on the theme of farewell, serenity and peace, showcasing the sublime beauty and simple power of music.
On June 3 at Dorchester Abbey Beethoven’s mighty third symphony will be strikingly marked and perfectly paired with the final orchestral work of his worthy successor, Johannes Brahms in Brahms Double concerto, Beethoven Eroica. Soloists Charlie Lovell Jones and Yoanna Prodanova perform alongside OSJ Voices for this evening of seminal works from the German masters. The concert starts with Agnus Dei, Barber’s own arrangement for choir of his Adagio. book here
For further details on the OSJ Spring Concert series and to book go to https://www.osj.org.uk/forthcoming-concerts/
