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An international song festival returns this autumn with a packed fortnight of music and storytelling.
The Oxford International Song Festival from October 10-25 will feature more than 150 singers, instrumentalists, and speakers across 67 events.
This year’s theme, Stories in Song, will explore the art of storytelling through music, from fairytales and ballads to the life stories of composers and poets.
Sholto Kynoch, artistic director of the Oxford International Song Festival, said: “Telling stories is a fundamental element of song, at the heart of all we do.
“In this year’s festival, we explore stories in many different forms, from fairytales and ballads to the human and artistic relationships behind the songs, and the developing stories of national song traditions.
“Whether classical song is new to you or you’ve been a regular visitor to the festival, be assured of the very warmest welcome: the music is thrilling and profound, but the festival remains informal, sociable and friendly.
“I look forward to seeing you there.”
The programme spans Baroque lute songs to Irish folk music, and from a Schubert Weekend to a day dedicated to Spanish and Latin American song.
Recitals will be given by artists Helen Charlston, Roderick Williams, Camilla Tilling, Sir John Tomlinson, and many others.
Additional events include late-night concerts and talks from morning until late at night, choral and chamber music and dance.
World premieres will also be a highlight of the festival.
The first is Wild Nights, a new work by Will Harmer, one of eight showcase recitals given by Oxford Song Young Artists who are completing their 18-month programme of training and performance opportunities.
A new song cycle by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, inspired by the British Library’s Untold Lives collection, will be performed on October 15.
On October 22, Oliver Johnston and Natalie Burch will premiere two songs by Elena Langer, setting the text of Russian poet Osip Mandelstam to music.
Ms Langer’s new cycle, Nice Weather for Witches, will be the centrepiece of a programme of song and dance, based on the legend of Baba Yaga.
It will feature mezzo-soprano Rowan Hellier and dancers Ana Dordevic and Carola Schwab.
The middle weekend of the festival will be dedicated to the songs of Franz Schubert featuring Graham Johnson and Martha Guth with other recitals by Henk Neven, Thomas Oliemans, and Nikola Hillebrand.
Some events are free or priced between £6 and £10, with thousands of tickets available for £18 or less.
Book now at the Oxford Song website or by calling the box office on 01865 591276.
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