Faculty of Music
University of Oxford
Dr Jacob Downs at the BBC Proms
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Catch Dr Jacob Kingsbury Downs at the BBC Proms later today, where he will be leading a pre-concert talk before the first Prom at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. Dr Downs will be in conversation with soloist Alena Baeva to discuss the evening's programme, which includes the Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto. The Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Dinis Sousa, will also be performing Germaine Tailleferre Petite suite pour orchestra and Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 8.
From 6.30 - 6.55pm, Jacob and Alena will chat about nationalism and landscapes, what the composers were thinking when they wrote the music, and how that relates to how we see the world today.
'Everyday Beethoven' - Professor Laura Tunbridge
Professor Laura Tunbridge repeated her inaugural lecture as Heather Professor of Music at this year's Meeting Minds weekend for alumni. As the 200th anniversary of his death approaches in 2027, Ludwig van Beethoven remains ubiquitous, his music still dominating concerts, films and advertising. In 'Everyday Beethoven', Professor Tunbridge explores the friendships, collaborations and musical relationships that enabled the composer to come to prominence.
A recording of the lecture is now available to watch online.
Dr Vai featured in Gramophone discussing the curation of the permanent exhibition Resonant Histories at the Bate Collection
The Head of Collection and Curator has been interviewed by Gramophone about Resonant Histories, the new permanent exhibition at the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. The exhibition explores the histories and stories behind musical instruments, bringing their cultural significance and musical heritage to life, and offering visitors new perspectives on the collection and the stories its instruments hold.