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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Jul 26 2025 – 19:30
To kick start the Oxford Piano Festival 2025, we have a thrilling concert full of dynamic and exciting works alongside Isata Kanneh-Mason.
Learn MoreKathryn Stott Masterclass
Jul 26 2025 – 14:30
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from some of the world’s leading authorities on piano.
Learn MoreSophie Pacini
Jul 27 2025 – 19:30
‘Combining fearless virtuosity with a wonderful gift for cantabile’, Sophie Pacini presents a captivating programme.
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