An orchestra for today

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Free entry, registration required

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260504 jane mitchell

As Artistic Director of Aurora Orchestra, Jane Mitchell has been thinking about what an orchestra can and should be for the past 20 years.  Aurora Orchestra has pioneered collaborative work across art forms, memorised performances, new training programmes for players and a programme of work for schools that provides a pathway for children aged 3 - 18 and enables teachers to embed orchestral music in the classroom. 

In this session Jane will explore what it takes to create and sustain an orchestra  - the roles that are needed and how Aurora responds to an ever-changing world to ensure that the creative programme thrives and audiences fill the concert halls. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion on a wide range of topics and also a chance to take a look in detail at Aurora's approach to transforming classical repertoire for different audiences.  As part of this Jane will be working with a small group of students to present scenes from Beethoven and the Dinosaurs, one of Aurora's flagship productions for young children. 

Oxford University Open Days

Meeting Minds

The University's annual alumni weekend, this year including 'Everyday Beethoven' lecture from Professor Laura Tunbridge, and a Come and Play with Oxford University Orchestra.

Tchaikovsky Recitals with Julian Chan

Join us on Friday evening for our Open Day concert at 6pm where Julian will be performing Tchaikovsky on our Steinway Grand.

Q&A and Recital with Professor Martyn Harry

Professor Harry will be giving a talk that will feature music throughout, followed by an audience Q&A.

OCMF Studio: Meta4 and Imogen Cooper Masterclasses

Step behind the curtain of the 2026 Oxford Chamber Music Festival for an intimate encounter with the world's finest musical minds.

The State of the Union - American Culture in the Trump Era - Justin Webb, Philip Clark, Timothy Garton Ash

With US midterm elections looming, this extraordinary panel discussion asks: how is culture faring in the age of Donald Trump and MAGA?