American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 2016, AFOPO is an independent US non-profit organization, tax exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code and is governed by its own board of directors, the majority of whom are US citizens/permanent residents who are independent members. As a recognized US Charity, AFOPO is an entity through which US taxpayers, including Oxford alumni, Americans living abroad, those who adore and enjoy fine music and our international friends may make tax deductible donations, to the extent allowed by law.

Since 2016, the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra (AFOPO) has proudly served as a dynamic cultural bridge between America and Great Britain. AFOPO has raised funds for the Orchestra’s performances in both the US and UK, its 20th anniversary celebrations on both sides of the Atlantic, its Carnegie Hall debut in 2022, as well as tours, recordings and its Academy Program.

Highlights include the first US performance by Members of the Orchestra with guest artist Maxim Vengerov at the Metropolitan Club, New York, multiple concert and black-tie dinners in London at the Wallace Collection with artists such as Joyce DiDonato and Sir Bryn Terfel, and a Gala Concert and Dinner at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH Princess Alexandra, Royal Patron of the Orchestra.

In 2019, they organized a Patrons’ Trip to Athens, with special recitals, a premiere at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, and dinners at historic monuments; a concert and dinner at The Frick Collection in New York for the Orchestra’s 20th anniversary; and a concert and dinner in the new NATO Headquarters in Brussels to celebrate their 70th anniversary, hosted by the Deputy Secretary General.

In 2022, the Orchestra made its Carnegie Hall debut, in a concert ‘enmeshed in soul-enriching playing’ (Oberon’s Grove) of ‘world-class quality’ (Blogcritics), with Maxim Vengerov and six young violinists from the Juilliard Pre-College Division.

In 2023, the Orchestra celebrated its Silver Jubilee Year, with guest artists including Evgeny Kissin, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Nigel Kennedy and Martha Argerich, and with international tours to Germany, Vienna and Dubai, including a Patrons’ Trip to Vienna. In celebration of this landmark 25th anniversary we hosted a Royal Gala Concert and Dinner at Windsor Castle. In the fall, the AFOPO hosted a series of musical salons in Boston, New York City and Washington.

In 2024, the Orchestra has hosted a plethora of special events, including a return to Windsor Castle for a Royal Gala Concert and Dinner. Other notable occasions included a Farewell Tribute Concert and Dinner for Lord Patten at the Oxford Union and a debut salon concert at No. 11 Downing Street. In the fall, the Orchestra returned to New York for a special concert and dinner at the Union Club. In line with the Orchestra’s commitment to education and providing young musicians with training and a platform for their work, the evening showcased a number of outstanding young musicians from some of America’s most prestigious institutions including the Juilliard School, the Perlman Music Program, the Lang Lang Foundation, Boston’s Morningside Music Bridge, Harvard University and the New England Conservatory.

In 2025, the Orchestra returned to No. 11 Downing Street for a Salon Concert which was followed by a dinner and auction at the House of Lords to benefit the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s Academy Program. The Orchestra was also delighted to perform two sold-out concerts with the legendary Martha Argerich in Oxford and at the Barbican Hall in London.

The Orchestra returned for two separate evenings which benefitted their Academy Program; one evening took place in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Room, with soloists from the Orchestra and pianist Russell Hirshfield, followed by a reception. The next evening took place in the magnificent Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, where the Orchestra played a programme of John Rutter, Mozart and Beethoven. 

Other notable events included a Royal Gala Concert and Champagne Reception at Buckingham Palace, a musical soirée in the home of Lady Lipworth CBE, a recital and conversation with Sir András Schiff at the Oxford Union, and a return to the Cadogan Hall in London.

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