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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May 10 2026 – 15:00
Join Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic in New York for an evening of Gershwin and celebration of America at 250.
Learn More
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May 10 2026 – 16:00
Calling all space rangers young and old to join Captain Alasdair Malloy and the brave crew of the Oxford Philharmonic on a musical voyage through the stars!
Learn More
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Join the Oxford Philharmonic for a joyful evening celebrating the birthday of one of Britain’s most beloved composers and conductors.
Learn More