The Oxford Philomusica's 2008/09 Season opens with an intriguing life-celebrating programme. Wagner's birthday gift to Cosima and the youthful Mendelssohn's impressions of Italy frame Robert Saxton's take on the Resurrection and the exuberant Clarinet Concerto by Weber. Soloist is the BBC Young Musician Of The Year Mark Simpson.

Programme:

Wagner Siegfried Idyll

Weber Clarinet Concerto No.2 in E flat major, J.118

Robert Saxton Music to Celebrate the Resurrection

Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 'Italian'

John Traill conductor

Area C £10 Seats are Restricted View

The Prince Consort, one of the most exciting vocal ensembles bring their fresh and energetic readings of familiar repertoire and lesser known works to Oxford. Tonight they perform traditional gypsy songs, as heard through the ears of great composers.

The second of four lunchtime festival concerts sees two outstanding postgraduate students again performing folk song arrangements of Brahms and Britten alongside a selection of other popular songs.

Sir Thomas Allen is one of the world's best-known baritones. Joined by the renowned accompanist, Jesus College Visiting Artist 08-09, Roger Vignoles, this is sure to be one of the Festival’s most exciting events to date. Early booking is advised.

Late-night Messiaen in the beautiful setting of New College Ante Chapel, with Gweneth-Ann Jeffers, soprano, and pianists Simon Lepper and Martin Sturfalt. This very special concert will last no more than one hour.

Susan Bickley is firmly established as one of the most versatile mezzo-sopranos. She is joined tonight by pianist Julius Drake, whose appearances at the Lieder Festival are always popular and memorable.

Oxford Pro Musica Singers are joined by the Oxford Sinfonia and the distinguished broadcaster, singer and comedian Brian Kay in Vaughan Williams' An Oxford Elegy. In Haydns Harmoniemesse, the soloists are members of the group Stile Antico.

Informal concerts with Mark Hooper for children, introducing them to the instruments of the orchestra.

Under 5's 9.30am & 10.30am

Over 5's 11.30am

13th July Only - All Ages 10am & 11.30pm
Sun 14 Sep- Cello
Sun 19 Oct - Electric Guitar & Synthesiser
Sun 16 Nov - Clarinet

Sun 7th December Christmas Special. Times TBC

To book please call the box office 01865 305305

William Howard (piano)
Simon Blendis (violin)
Douglas Patterson (viola)
Jane Salmon (cello)

Faure Andante Op.75 for violin and piano
Faure Nocturne No.4 in E flat Op.26 for piano
Brahms Piano Quartet

Beethoven’s Variations on ‘Bei Männern’ (Magic Flute)
Brahms’ Sonata in F major op 99
Schumann’s Adagio
Allegro and Beethoven’s Sonata in D major op 102 no 2

Colin Carr is Musician in Residence at St John’s College, Oxford.
Tom Sauer is artistic director of Chamber Music Quad Cities.

Cavatina Ticket Scheme: Free tickets for 8-25 year-olds are available by calling 01865 305305. Details of College/School MUST be given on arrival at the Holywell.