The word ‘genius’ is used far too liberally, but there are few cases, such as that of William Shakespeare, where it is hard to argue. Richard Wagner is another of such — a man who took the art form of opera to a whole new level. As his patron King Ludwig II of Bavaria noted, the 19th century was fortunate to have hosted him. Wagner’s genius needs no explanation from me, but what I can do is to assist the process of sharing insights and musical experiences with students and staff at Oxford’s Universities, or those who, like myself, just happen to live in the area.
Note that the University itself no longer has an active Wagner society, and having failed to get critical mass in meetings I tried to organise early in 2015, it has been a low priority for me since. However I do not want to give up quite yet.
If I organize something, I will post details here, along with events organised by others in the area that might be of interest. If you want to be on my e-mailing list then contact me at c6goakley9@virgin4medi7a.com (NB: delete all the numbers).
| Date/time | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 27 November 2025 7:30pm | Sheldonian Theatre |
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Four Last Songs.
Lucy Crowe joins the orchestra for a performance of Strauss’s profoundly moving Four Last Songs. Wagner: Overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96 Strauss: Oboe Concerto in D major, TrV 292 Wagner: Prelude to Act III from ‘Lohengrin’, WWV 75 Strauss: Four Last Songs, TrV 296 Lucy Crowe soprano Gordon Hunt oboe Marios Papadopoulos conductor Tickets £18, £30, £40, £54 (Students from £5) |
| 21 February 2026 7pm | Oxford Town Hall |
Gala concert: Celebrating 80 years of twinning between Oxford and Leiden
Operatic highlights and orchestral splendour with musicians from both cities – a celebration of international friendship through music. Featuring music from La Traviata, Otello, Madame Butterfly, Carmen, La Bohème, Nabucco, Lohengrin, Eugene Onegin, Die Meistersinger, and Pomp and Circumstance with performances by OSJ Voices (Oxford) and musicians from Leiden. Soloists: Dominic Bevan (bass) and Hannah Davey (soprano). Directed by John Lubbock. Tickets £20, £15. £10 |
Chris Oakley, 19 November 2025