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)
Upcoming events
View All Events
Oxfordshire Junior Concerto Festival
07 Feb 2026 – 18:30
Prepare to be astounded by three exceptional young soloists as they join the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra to perform a concerto movement of their choice. The players will receive individual feedback from a panel of distinguished adjudicators.
Learn More
Piano Masterclass with Marios Papadopoulos
16 Feb 2026 – 11:00
Join Marios Papadopoulos, Founder and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic, as he shares his artistry and insight in a piano masterclass.
Learn More
Spanish Nights
26 Feb 2026 – 19:30
Guest conductor from Spain Antonio Méndez leads the orchestra with guitarist Plínio Fernandes for company.
Learn More
Oxfordshire Junior Concerto Festival
Feb 07 2026 – 18:30
Prepare to be astounded by three exceptional young soloists as they join the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra to perform a concerto movement of their choice. The players will receive individual feedback from a panel of distinguished adjud
Learn More
Piano Masterclass with Marios Papadopoulos
Feb 16 2026 – 11:00
Join Marios Papadopoulos, Founder and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic, as he shares his artistry and insight in a piano masterclass.
Learn More
Spanish Nights
Feb 26 2026 – 19:30
Guest conductor from Spain Antonio Méndez leads the orchestra with guitarist Plínio Fernandes for company.
Learn More