The Creation
The Creation
Christopher Wood God Save the King: An Anthem written to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles
Haydn The Creation
Mhairi Lawson soprano
Thomas Elwin tenor
Jonathan Brown bass
The Choir of Merton College
Benjamin Nicholas conductor
In 1791, Joseph Haydn was overwhelmed by a performance of Handel’s Messiah in London. As he prepared to return home, Haydn was slipped a libretto on the subject of the creation of the universe originally conceived for Handel. When The Creation was first performed seven years later, Haydn was overcome yet again - this time by his own achievements. In representing chaos and the creation of light, the oratorio’s elemental inspiration transcends the boundaries of its era. In the building where Haydn received his Oxford doctorate, we are joined by soloists and the Choir of Merton College for Haydn’s most inspired ‘creation’.
The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique space to experience live music. To see an interactive map of the theatre click here.
29 Apr 2023
Tickets: £15, £28, £38, £48
(Students from £5)
Duration: 140 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
Upcoming events
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27 Nov 2025 – 19:30
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Vocal Masterclass with Louise Alder
04 Dec 2025 – 12:30
We are delighted to welcome British soprano Louise Alder for a Vocal Masterclass with up-and-coming young singers.
Learn More
Paul Lewis
Nov 20 2025 – 19:30
Britain’s Beethoven pianist par-excellence, Paul Lewis, joins the orchestra in the perfect surroundings of the Sheldonian Theatre.
Learn More
Four Last Songs
Nov 27 2025 – 19:30
Lucy Crowe joins the Orchestra for a performance of Strauss’s profoundly moving Four Last Songs.
Learn More
Vocal Masterclass with Louise Alder
Dec 04 2025 – 12:30
We are delighted to welcome British soprano Louise Alder for a Vocal Masterclass with up-and-coming young singers.
Learn More