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 EventsBrahms German Requiem
08 Mar 2026 – 18:00
Two outstanding soloists and the Crouch End Festival Chorus join the orchestra and Music Director Marios Papadopoulos for Brahms’s masterpiece.
Learn MoreMaisky and Eschenbach
12 Mar 2026 – 19:30
World class cellist Mischa Maisky joins Christoph Eschenbach as he returns to the Oxford Philharmonic for an evening of captivating Romantic works.
Learn MoreString Quartet Masterclass with members of the Carducci Quartet
14 Mar 2026 – 13:00
Join members of the Carducci Quartet, violinist Matthew Denton and cellist Emma Denton for a String Quartet Masterclass.
Learn MoreBrahms German Requiem
Mar 08 2026 – 18:00
Two outstanding soloists and the Crouch End Festival Chorus join the orchestra and Music Director Marios Papadopoulos for Brahms’s masterpiece.
Learn MoreMaisky and Eschenbach
Mar 12 2026 – 19:30
World class cellist Mischa Maisky joins Christoph Eschenbach as he returns to the Oxford Philharmonic for an evening of captivating Romantic works.
Learn MoreString Quartet Masterclass with members of the Carducci Quartet
Mar 14 2026 – 13:00
Join members of the Carducci Quartet, violinist Matthew Denton and cellist Emma Denton for a String Quartet Masterclass.
Learn More