Our History
Oxford Chamber Orchestra was originally created as an undergraduate orchestra for a 1992 production by the Oxford University Opera Club under the musical direction of Duncan Hinnells. It emerged from the pits to tackle a wide range of music from small chamber pieces to large-scale orchestral works. Performances in recent years have included established repertoire from the giants of the classical idiom such as Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ symphony and Schubert’s 9th, as well as twentieth century works such as Saxton’s ‘Elijah’s Violin’, the percussion concerto Veni, Veni Emmanuel by James Macmillan and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella. It has also presented a hugely popular series of concerts featuring Music from the Movies.
The orchestra has been fortunate to perform with a range of well-known artists including Nigel Kennedy, Guy Johnston, Priya Mitchell, David Le Page, Gary Cooper, William Whitehead, Andrew Shore, Patricia Rozario, British Youth Opera, Pegasus Opera, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, and Jim Bowen. Away from its home ground of The University Church, Oxford, it has appeared at such diverse venues as St John’s Smith Square, the Milton Keynes Bowl, HMV Oxford Street, the North Atlantic on board the QE2, the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the foyer of the Gershwin Hotel in New York. It has also appeared on film, national radio, and CD. The orchestra now performs three concerts a year with rehearsals all day for a weekend before the concert. If you would be interested in playing please do contact us.
Oxford Chamber Orchestra is proud of and grateful for its continuing relationship with the Oxford University Music Society and Music Faculty. The present membership of the orchestra includes recent and not so recent graduates, current Oxford University members and talented local musicians to create an experienced, top-level amateur chamber orchestra.
Our Conductors and Soloists
Our concerts regularly feature a roster of talented conductors and soloists from around the world. Whether showcasing local talent or international stars, the Oxford Chamber Orchestra prides itself on collaborating with exceptional musicians across a range of instruments and styles.