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 EventsChristmas with Sir John Rutter
12 Dec 2024 – 19:00
Sir John Rutter returns for a Christmas celebration with the Oxford Philharmonic, Merton College Choir and the Choristers of Winchester Cathedral.
Learn MoreHappy Birthday Marios
20 Dec 2024 – 19:00
Music Director Marios Papadopoulos celebrates a landmark occasion as soloist in Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Learn MorePiano Trio Rarities
11 Jan 2025 – 19:30
Love courses through this programme of chamber music delicacies played by two principal string players from the OPO, joined by the eminent pianist Russell Hirshfield.
Learn MoreChristmas with Sir John Rutter
Dec 12 2024 – 19:00
Sir John Rutter returns for a Christmas celebration with the Oxford Philharmonic, Merton College Choir and the Choristers of Winchester Cathedral.
Learn MoreHappy Birthday Marios
Dec 20 2024 – 19:00
Music Director Marios Papadopoulos celebrates a landmark occasion as soloist in Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Learn MorePiano Trio Rarities
Jan 11 2025 – 19:30
Love courses through this programme of chamber music delicacies played by two principal string players from the OPO, joined by the eminent pianist Russell Hirshfield.
Learn More