The Oxford May Music Festival takes place in the historic centre of the city of Oxford. The Festival begins in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building and after two days moves to its usual home, the Holywell Music Room. One of the gems of 18th century architecture, the Holywell Music Room has one of the best acoustics in the world. The festival brings together some of the finest musicians performing in the UK today and many leading lecturers in their fields.
The 2011 Festival was the most successful to date with a total attendance of almost 1200 people. The programme for the 2012 Festival, from May 2nd - 7th, can be found [here]. A distinguished group of lecturers includes Sir Michael Berry on light, Paul Bolam on how the brain ages, Peter Scott on the British constitution, Mervyn Miles on the fascination of the nanoworld and last but by no means least Oscar-winner Dario Marianelli on the secrets of composing for the movies. Bridging between lectures and music, distinguished actress Patricia Routledge teams up with an old friend of the Festival, pianist Piers Lane to tell the story of Dame Myra Hess and her famous National Gallery concerts during the Second World War. We are delighted to welcome back another old friend, pianist Bengt Forsberg, as musician in residence. Musical highlights include Michael Collins leading Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet and Schubert’s great String Quintet played by newcomers to the festival, the Navarra String Quartet and Guy Johnston. We are delighted to welcome one of the world’s foremost Piano Trios, the Kungsbackas. We continue our successful Baroque evenings with the brilliant His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts and our long-standing association with the Pierre Fournier Award with a recital by the 2011 recipient, cellist Mikhail Nemstov. The by-now traditional closing gala contains the by-now traditional musical fireworks from varied groupings of musicians, culminating in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece “Souvenir de Florence”.
The support of our “Friends of Oxford May Music” is vital for the continuing success of the Festival. Friends enjoy a variety of benefits including social events and access to the artists. Please [become a friend] of Oxford May Music. Please [contact us] with any questions or if you would like to add your email and postal address to our mailing list.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Festival.
Best wishes,
Jack Liebeck, Artistic Director
Brian Foster, Administrative Director
Patrons of the Festival:
Sir Drummond Bone, Master of Balliol and Lady Bone • Andrew Graham, former Master of Balliol and Peggoty Graham •
Roger Cashmore, former Principal of Brasenose and Annie Lindsay Cashmore • Sir Jeremy Isaacs • Sir Curtis Price, Warden of New College
Oxford May Music is a charity run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Company registration no. 7386590. Charity number 1142241.
Supported by:
