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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Nov 27 2025 – 19:30
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Learn More
Handel Messiah
Dec 11 2025 – 19:00
Join Marios Papadopoulos and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir for a Yuletide celebration of celestial joy and human togetherness.
Learn More
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Jan 04 2026 – 16:30
Prepare to party like its 1899 as the Oxford Philharmonic brings in the New Year with the stirring marches, pointed polkas and elegant waltzes of Austrian tradition.
Learn More