Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Fire and Water

Linked to our theme – Magnificent Oxford – the performance will be featuring the city’s Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, with the music of Handel, who, in 1733, spent a week in Oxford at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor, directing a festival of his own music, and conducting one of his oratorios, Athalia, in this very space, to celebrate the University’s ‘Publick Act’.

This will be a majestic celebration of the sounds of Baroque with Handel’s Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Pachelbel’s timeless Canon brings serene beauty, while Telemann’s Tafelmusik delights with its charming elegance. This captivating programme will transport us to the grandeur, refinement, and splendour of 18th century courtly celebrations.

Programme:

George Frederick Handel Water Music Suite No. 3 in G major HWV 350
Johann Pachelbel Canon in D major P. 37
Georg Philipp Telemann Concerto for violin, flute and cello TWV 53:A2
George Frederick Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV 351

Michael Papadopoulos harpsichord/director
Soloists from the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra