Oxford Beethoven Festival 2027 Preview

The brochure for the Oxford Beethoven Festival 2027 is landing on doorsteps and is available for free at our concerts. For a preview of what’s to come in this comprehensive run of the composer’s works, read on…

Ludwig van Beethoven is a foundational giant of classical music. His symphonies are some of the most well-loved works in the repertoire, whether espousing the perennial values of universal freedom and equality or expertly capturing the joy of music.

Still to come in 2026, our concert with Greek violinist and conductor Leonidas Kavakos features a pre-concert recital of a Beethoven string quartet. Another December concert, with Yuja Wang, sees the pianist perform Bartók’s first Piano Concerto after the Orchestra shares Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and First Symphony.

After the ‘Eroica’ and ‘Pastoral’ symphonies open 2027, Martha Argerich and Maxim Vengerov perform side by side before each joins the Orchestra as soloist. Those concerts are also our slots for the Seventh and Eighth symphonies.

In May, Sir Bryn Terfel provides his rousing baritone for Symphony No. 9, alongside Sophie Bevan (soprano), Niamh O’Sullivan (mezzo-soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor) and the Philharmonischer Chor der Stadt Bonn. The OPO’s 2027/28 season then features the Fifth, Fourth, Second and First symphonies.

Throughout the year, eminent pianists from around the world come to the city for recitals that will include every Piano Sonata, 32 in total! Ingrid Fliter, Richard Goode, Vadym Kholodenko, Alim Beisembayev and more arrive in the Holywell Music Room, Oxford Union Debating Chamber and Sheldonian Theatre. Rising stars and esteemed OPO players, as well as some fantastic quartets, also perform chamber music throughout the festival.

For those still pining for more, 6 & 7 February is a weekend of talks, discussions and concerts, Sounding Beethoven: Then and Now. As part of Oxford Piano Festival 2027, a Beethoven Study Day, a lecture and masterclass by Marios Papadopoulos.

In 2028, May sees Oxford International Opera return to the New Theatre’s stage for a performance of the composer’s only opera, Fidelio.

A busy year ahead! A reminder to those of you yet to dutifully add to your calendar: Patrons’ priority booking is 12 November, Friends’ priority booking is 16 November, and general booking is 19 November.

In the meantime, find the full brochure digitally here, or call the box office on 01865 980 980 to find out more.

Check out the season brochure at the link here.
See our event listings here.

We are extremely passionate about what we do and constantly strive to share our passion by bringing exceptional musical experiences to our audiences. Whether we’re performing for our beloved Oxford concertgoers or our youngest audience at family concerts; nurturing the next generation of outstandingly talented young musicians in our University Residency programme or visiting special schools across Oxfordshire, your support can help us to share our passion with the entire community. See how you can support.