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
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