Oxford Festival of the Arts 2019

Now in its eleventh year, Oxford Festival of the Arts got off to a fabulous start with a sell-out concert by Ronnie Scott’s Big Band which had the festival marquee dancing the night away, with Manouche Etcetera doing the same a few days later. Children (and adults!) were equally delighted and interested in the series of workshops held the following day, ranging from movement and gesture in theatre to Matisse in French! The immersive performance of Orfeo, directed by William Kerley and  accompanied by musicians from Instruments of Time and Truth drew the audience to the edge of their seats in the heart of the Festival Marquee, transformed for one night into the wedding of Orfeo and Euridice.

This year’s partnership with the Alliance Française, the charity whose mission it is to promote French language and cultures allowed the Festival to further flourish with talks on Emmanuel Macron given by The Economist’s Sophie Pedder and the BBC’s Diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus, Romanesque Art by Dr Catherine Oakes and a special screening of Edmond with a Q and A with Dr Macs Smith of the University of Oxford at the city’s Ultimate Picture Palace.

The Festival welcomed author Louis de Bernières, as well as art historian Dr Justine Hopkins whilst also staging innovative drama in the form of Murder on the National Express, and outdoor films on the sunlit ground of School Field.

Masterclasses with experts in music and technical theatre, dance and rowing taster sessions took place at a range of venues, including the Pegasus Theatre and Old Fire Station, with School House welcoming Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, who guided visitors through a selection of artefacts relating both to the First Duke of Malborough and Sir Winston Churchill.

Former Wales international rugby union player Sam Warburton, OBE gave a fascinating insight into the world of professional rugby; his down-to-earth and hardworking self inspiring many young audience members.

Further highlights included Anton du Beke delighting a packed marquee with stories of his time on Strictly, Prue Leith, joined by the Orchestra of St John’s, sharing her musical passions, and a spirited conversation between the Master, Helen Pike, and former politician Jeffrey Archer. The Festival Marquee was decorated with a selection of photographs taken by members of the Oxford Photography Group, interpreting and celebrating this year’s theme of ‘Connections’.

The Festival featured a number of beautiful and moving musical performances, including those by Elizabeth Kenny, Mahan Esfahani and Sean Shibe, Membra Jesu Nostri and OXUS with Pam Smith; the latter two concerts in Magdalen College Chapel. This year’s celebration of the arts finished with the tranquil Madrigals on Friday evening and the Final Flourish, a performance of the Psalms of David by His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts with the Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford.

As always, MCS pupils were heavily involved with art exhibitions, concerts and three impressive pieces of drama: The Recruiting Officer on the banks of the Cherwell, Aristophanes’ The Frogs, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Oxford Playhouse.

The festival celebrated three five star reviews this year; for an outstanding performance of Mistero Buffo at Pegasus Theatre, the world premiere of the operatic monodrama Frida on School Field and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Playhouse.

Save the date! Oxford Festival of the Arts 2020: 19 June – 5 July