French Pastoral
French Pastoral
Fauré Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80
Britten Les Illuminations, Op. 18
Debussy Prélude à l’aprés-midi d’un faune
Ravel Ma mère l’oye (Mother Goose Suite)
Ruby Hughes soprano
Nicolò Foron conductor
It was quite the gift: in 1910, Ravel wrote a set of five pieces for piano depicting classic fairytales for two children he babysat. But these little stories, from Tom Thumb to Beauty and the Beast, proved far more significant when augmented and orchestrated. The result was a present to Ravel from himself: a musical magic garden that allowed the composer to escape into a world of childlike wonder. Nicolò Foron conducts it here alongside more beauteous music from France and Britten’s sparkling setting of French poetry, Les Illuminations.
The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique space to experience live music. To see an interactive map of the theatre click here.
18 May 2023
Tickets: £15, £28, £38, £48
(Students from £5)
Duration: 120 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
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Tchaikovsky Five
Nov 05 2026 – 19:30
Marios Papadopoulos conducts his first concert of the season and brings with him one of the most riveting pieces in the history of the symphony.
Learn More
Mozart, Debussy and Roussel
Nov 14 2026 – 19:30
Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra come to the Holywell Music Room for flute-led chamber music that celebrates heritage while also reflecting on loss.
Learn More
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Nov 21 2026 – 19:30
In the galleries of the Sheldonian Theatre, Marios Papadopoulos marshals the most majestic and timeless of sacred works.
Learn More