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
In conversation with Sir András Schiff
08 Oct 2025 – 19:30
This evening sees the launch of our new ‘In Conversation With’ series at the iconic Oxford Union with Sir András Schiff in a fireside chat.
Learn More
An Evening of Tchaikovsky
10 Oct 2025 – 19:30
For our season-opening, Tchaikovsky brings us the passion and pain of the doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet and excerpts from The Nutcracker.
Learn More
Cello masterclass with Alexander Chaushian
11 Oct 2025 – 11:00
We are delighted to be welcoming cellist Alexander Chaushian to lead the Oxford Philharmonic’s first masterclass of the academic year.
Learn More
In conversation with Sir András Schiff
Oct 08 2025 – 19:30
This evening sees the launch of our new ‘In Conversation With’ series at the iconic Oxford Union with Sir András Schiff in a fireside chat.
Learn More
An Evening of Tchaikovsky
Oct 10 2025 – 19:30
For our season-opening, Tchaikovsky brings us the passion and pain of the doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet and excerpts from The Nutcracker.
Learn More
Cello masterclass with Alexander Chaushian
Oct 11 2025 – 11:00
We are delighted to be welcoming cellist Alexander Chaushian to lead the Oxford Philharmonic’s first masterclass of the academic year.
Learn More