In 2002 Oxford University appointed Oxford Philomusica as its first-ever Orchestra in Residence. The Residency has recently been extended to 2017.  This ground-breaking appointment, unique in the UK and highly unusual worldwide, has given rise to a number of imaginative developments.

The role of Oxford Philomusica as an Orchestra in Residence is to provide educational schemes for the benefit of the students as well as to act as a cultural icon for the University in its series of concerts in Oxford and during the orchestra’s many visits abroad and appearances in other parts of the UK.

Even though the Oxford Philomusica is resident at the University as a whole, it naturally has a close relationship with the University’s Faculty of Music. There are many programmes outside those the Faculty offers that we provide and which complement the wide variety of opportunities already available to students. 

If you are a student interested in any of our Residency projects, please contact Rebeccah - rebeccah@oxfordphil.com or 01865 987222

Orchestral Apprenticeship

To gain insight into the world of orchestral playing is invaluable to young musicians aspiring to enter the profession as an orchestral player.

Professional orchestra experience and training is available to string instrumentalists who are enrolled full-time at the Faculty of Music. Candidates selected by audition are invited to play in a number of concerts with Oxford Philomusica and receive coaching in orchestral practice and techniques.

We are please that some of the students who have participated in this scheme have now become full professional members of the Orchestra.

Instrumental Tuition

Oxford Philomusica players offer one-to-one instrumental tuition to music students. We provide bursaries to cover the tuition fees for these lessons.

Community Workshops

Community Workshops are available on demand, offering students the opportunity to learn facilitation and workshop-leading skills, as used by leading musical groups. Typical topics covered include music  in hospitals and homes, special needs and a therapeutic approach. Students who have a special interest in this field are invited to join the Philomusica team in their regular visits to hospital wards and gain practical experience in music therapy.

Masterclasses

Members of Oxford Philomusica are among some of the finest musicians in the country, many of whom are also experienced teachers in major conservatoires. As a musical resource with outstanding musicians at our disposal, we offer unparalleled and unique opportunities for students to receive tuition in performance related studies both from within our own membership and by visiting international celebrities.

Composers’ Opportunities

Our annual Composers’ Workshop offers composition students the rare and invaluable opportunity to hear their works played by a professional orchestra. At the end of the session, the Orchestra selects a work to be given its world premiere in a public performance.

We also endeavour, when circumstances allow, to present works by Faculty composers in performance.

Young Artists' Platform

This award provides the opportunity for an outstanding soloist or chamber ensemble to perform a recital, just prior to an Oxford Philomusica concert, in the Sheldonian Theatre.

Scholarships

In two consecutive years we have been able to provide a scholarship to a graduate music student to undertake research on a performance-related subject.

College Choirs

The world-renowned Oxford College Choirs feature regularly in our programme of events. In 2008 we made our first CD of Haydn’s ‘Creation’ with New College Choir, conducted by its director Edward Higginbottom. 2012 saw the release of Handel’s Acis and Galatea arr. Mendelssohn, featuring the Orchestra with Christ Church Choir and directed by Stephen Darlington.