Enigma Variations
Enigma Variations
When Edward Elgar started to improvise a little tune at his piano one day, considering how a group of his closest friends might play that tune, he gave birth to one of the greatest masterpieces of English music. The ‘Enigma’ variations are uplifting and resigned, humorous and profound. Elgar’s dazzling, virtuosic orchestral showpiece comes after his acerbic, embittered and sorrowful Cello Concerto written in less happy times, and the rediscovered gem that is Morfydd Llwyn Owen’s sumptuous Nocturne.
03 Jun 2023
Tickets: £18, £30, £40, £54
(Students from £5)
Duration: 120 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
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May 21 2026 – 19:00
Alexandra Conunova plays perhaps the greatest French violin concerto in between music that finds hope from grief.
Learn MoreHough plays Hough
Jun 04 2026 – 19:30
Sir Stephen Hough joins the orchestra for a performance of his own piano concerto, a work ‘of jaw-dropping complexity and finger-crunching virtuosity’.
Learn MoreRainer Küchl
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Learn More