Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra 2026/27 Season Preview
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra can proudly announce the details of our 2026/27 season. Check out this article for a preview…
Many of you will have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of our new season. Indeed, we have been excitedly awaiting the chance to share it with you. Fortunately, the day has arrived, and we can publicly announce the ambitious and varied programming that we are taking to Oxford and beyond next season.
We begin at the end of September. Our first outing is the debut of Oxford International Opera at the New Theatre; a brand new, fully-staged production of Tosca. Starring Artistic Director Sir Bryn Terfel as Scarpia, Carmen Giannattasio as Tosca and Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi. It promises to be a fantastic few evenings.
Before Christmas, we will not only be performing in the Sheldonian Theatre, the Olivier Hall and the Holywell Music Room, but also crossing Europe to arrive at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. There, as well as in Oxford a few days earlier, we will perform Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 with His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornets.
The new year sees the beginning of our honours to Beethoven. 200years since the great composer’s death, in 2027, we perform many of his works, including the Eroica, Pastoral and Choral Symphonies. Music Director Marios Papadopoulos will be taking both to the piano bench and the podium. Full details of the Oxford Beethoven Festival 2027 will be announced in September.
Back-to-back nights of concerts with Martha Argerich and Maxim Vengerov in Oxford happen in February. We then take these stars and these programmes on tour. Berlin, Istanbul, Munich, and Athens to round out the Winter months.
Sir Bryn Terfel joins the OPO again for two renditions of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, once in the Sheldonian Theatre and once in New York’s Carnegie Hall.
In May, we will bring Gershwin to Oxford and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London before wrapping up the season in June with a performance from Steven Isserlis on the 3rd and a programme featuring Bernstein on the 17th.
Throughout the season, we will once again host FUNomusica concerts, Young Artist Platforms and pre-concert talks from Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Stephen Carpenter and Nicholas Mathew.
It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting year ahead, so get those phones ready. Priority booking starts on July 2 for Patrons, July 6 for Friends and July 9 for general booking.
We are extremely passionate about what we do and constantly strive to share our passion by bringing exceptional musical experiences to our audiences. Whether we’re performing for our beloved Oxford concertgoers or our youngest audience at family concerts; nurturing the next generation of outstandingly talented young musicians in our University Residency programme or visiting special schools across Oxfordshire, your support can help us to share our passion with the entire community. See how you can support.
Cover photo by Oliver Sjoberg
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