The Cultural Programme

The Cultural Programme OXFORD iS Extraordinary Events for All, produced by the Cultural Programme.

We believe culture is for everyone and are building a programme that allows creativity to flourish. Inspired by Oxford research we’re connecting Oxford with outstanding artists, writers and thinkers from across the world. Many people from across the city and region are already involved as we create new opportunities and new experiences, but if you have an idea or suggestion for a future project or

event, we’d love to hear it. The Cultural Programme is part of the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford and works closely with TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) and Knowledge Exchange.

10/03/2025

🎼In Let’s Build a Town (1930), by composer Paul Hindemith, children are invited to imagine a city where there are no adults and they are in charge. What might their ideal town look like?

Join us this Friday to find out. Young people from Oxford will reimagine scenes from the original piece, blending them with new, co-created music and theatre that explores their vision of what it means to build a town today.

🗓️ Date: March 14, 2025
📍 Venue: The Oliver Hall, St Edward's School, Oxford
Tickets are free, booking required: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/lets-build-a-town/

Produced by Music at Oxford in collaboration with The University of Oxford’s Cultural Programme, and with the support of the Faculty of Music, University of Oxford, Magdalen College, Oxford, RETUNE Festival and the Marchus Trust.

This International Women’s Day, we’re shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in the history of Johann Sebastian Bach’s...
10/03/2025

This International Women’s Day, we’re shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in the history of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Ascension Day cantata, ‘Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein’ (BWV 128), with the recent acquisition of the Kohn manuscript by the Bodleian Libraries in 2024.

As we approach the Bach 1725 celebration this spring, marking 300 years since the first performance of the Ascension Day cantata, join Professor Henrike Lähnemann as she delves into the life, legacy, and contributions of one of Bach’s key collaborators: Christiana Mariana von Ziegler, the librettist who helped to bring Bach’s music to life. Discover more:

Discover the life and legacy of Christiana Mariana von Ziegler, the poet who collaborated with Bach, as Professor Henrike Lahenemann explores her impact ahead of the Bach 1725 concert this spring.

Celebrating Women in Film this International Women’s Day 🎬Following the success of our Women in Music event last year, w...
08/03/2025

Celebrating Women in Film this International Women’s Day 🎬

Following the success of our Women in Music event last year, we're bringing you Women in Film on Monday 12 May at venues across Oxford. Join us for a day of screenings, talks, and conversations celebrating the incredible women working in the film and television industry - from bold, new emerging voices to the industry leaders shaping cinema today.

We’ll be sharing more details very soon - keep an eye on our social channels for the latest updates. Tickets will be released later this month.

Produced by the Cultural Programme at the University of Oxford in partnership with Dr Stacy L. Smith, University of Southern California's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and Ghetto Film School.

04/03/2025

Take a look back at Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective’s Music and Wellbeing Day on Friday 28 February with us.

From yoga in the morning to pop-up performances at Bodleian Libraries' Blackwell Hall, a panel discussion through to an intimate evening concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford in the evening, Friday was a fantastic day of insights, music, connection and relaxation.

Did you join us?

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

🎞 Film in Focus 🎞On Wednesday, 12 March, a special screening of Misericordia, plus a Q&A with director Alain Guiraudie, ...
28/02/2025

🎞 Film in Focus 🎞

On Wednesday, 12 March, a special screening of Misericordia, plus a Q&A with director Alain Guiraudie, will take place at The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP)and you're invited!

What's Misericordia about?
Jérémie returns to his hometown for the funeral of his former boss, the village baker. He decides to stay for a few days with Martine, the man's widow. A mysterious disappearance, a threatening neighbour and a priest with strange intentions make Jérémie's short stay in the village take an unexpected turn...

Tickets £17.50, £15 concessions, book now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/film-in-focus-preview-screening-of-misericordia/

Images: Stills from Misericordia, courtesy of CG Cinema

New Wave Films

It's your final chance to get tickets for tomorrow's Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, ...
27/02/2025

It's your final chance to get tickets for tomorrow's Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford.

Explore themes of dreams, hope, and spirituality through works by Beethoven, Golijov, and Jessie Montgomery, and new arrangements of traditional folk melodies by Tom Poster.

Friday, 28 February, 7.30pm at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Book tickets now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

This May, Castalian String Quartet are back in Oxford for two celebratory concerts featuring performances by Faculty of ...
26/02/2025

This May, Castalian String Quartet are back in Oxford for two celebratory concerts featuring performances by Faculty of Music, University of Oxford students at the Holywell Music Room.

The concerts will feature a range of ensemble sizes and musical styles, including pieces by University composers and contributions from St Anne’s Camerata. Each performance will have a distinct repertoire.

Friday 9 May
1pm & 8pm

Book tickets now, offers available when you book for both concerts, and for students and U25s: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/whats-on/

Join us for a special ‘pop up’ performance as part of our Music and Wellbeing day! This coming Friday, 28 February, at 1...
24/02/2025

Join us for a special ‘pop up’ performance as part of our Music and Wellbeing day!

This coming Friday, 28 February, at 10.30am, head to Bodleian Libraries' Weston Library Cafe to enjoy a free taster performance from Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective ahead of their concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford that evening!

You can also book for their evening concert at the Sheldonian – tickets are available now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

In case you missed it: this May, join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Choir of New College, Oxford for...
22/02/2025

In case you missed it: this May, join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Choir of New College, Oxford for Bach 1725.

This unique event marks 300 years since the composition and first performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s 1725 Ascension Day Cantata Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein and the arrival of the autograph manuscript of the cantata, bequeathed to the Bodleian Libraries , one of only four of the composer’s manuscripts in the UK.

From 6.15pm on 7 May at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford.

Book your tickets now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/bach-1725/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

21/02/2025

Ahead of their concert next Friday, 28 February at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford, hear from Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective’s Artistic Director, Tom Poster and Co-Director, Elena Urioste, to find out what to expect from the evening and to learn more about the music you will get to experience.

Don’t miss this incredible evening, book your tickets now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

ICYMI: next up in our Film in Focus series: MisericordiaOn Wednesday, 12 March, at 6pm, join us at the The Ultimate Pict...
20/02/2025

ICYMI: next up in our Film in Focus series: Misericordia

On Wednesday, 12 March, at 6pm, join us at the The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) for a screening of this critically acclaimed film, which premiered last year at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, followed by an in-conversation and Q&A with director Alain Guiraudie.

🎟️Tickets £17.50, £15 concessions; grab your place now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/film-in-focus-preview-screening-of-misericordia/

Misericordia is the second event as part of Film in Focus – a series celebrating the power and artistry of cinema presented by the Cultural Programme at University of Oxford, in partnership with The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) and curated with Dr C.W. Winter.

Images: Stills from Misericordia, courtesy of CG Cinema

19/02/2025

Next Friday, 28 February, experience an unforgettable evening exploring music and emotion as the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective performs at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford.

The programme includes:
🎼Ludwig van Beethoven - ‘Heiliger Dankgesang eines Genesenen an die Gottheit, in der Lydischen Tonart’ (3rd movement) from String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132
🎻Osvaldo Golijov - The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind for klezmer clarinet and string quartet
🎶Jessie Montgomery - Musings for two violins (selections)
and more.

Don't miss this evening of moving music, book your place now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford University of Oxford

Imagine a city where there are no adults and children are in charge...that's what German Composer Paul Hindemith asks in...
18/02/2025

Imagine a city where there are no adults and children are in charge...that's what German Composer Paul Hindemith asks in Let's Build a Town (1930)!

After its Berlin debut, schoolchildren performed this short experiment in music theatre at the Holywell Music Room (1931). This March, young people from Oxford will restage scenes from the same piece, interspersed with new co-created music and theatre.

Friday, 14 March at 6pm, free but tickets are required: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/lets-build-a-town/

Image: Simon Vail

Music at Oxford Magdalen College, Oxford Alternative Canon Project's RETUNE Festival Florence Park Community Centre

Coming up on 28 February: a night of incredible classical music with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective at the Sheldoni...
13/02/2025

Coming up on 28 February: a night of incredible classical music with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective at the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford.

Don't miss the chance to hear Beethoven at his most transcendent and one of the most electrifying works of the twentieth century, The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind by Golijov, selections of Jessie Montgomery’s Musings for two violins, plus much more.

Discover the full repertoire and book tickets now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

The Film in Focus series returns with another gem from the 2024 film festival circuit!Join us for a special preview scre...
12/02/2025

The Film in Focus series returns with another gem from the 2024 film festival circuit!

Join us for a special preview screening of Misericordia, a critically acclaimed film that premiered last year at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, followed by an in-conversation and Q&A with director Alain Guiraudie.

🎞 6pm on Wednesday 12 March at The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP)
🎟️Tickets £17.50, £15 concessions

Book your ticket now: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/film-in-focus-preview-screening-of-misericordia/

Misericordia is the second event as part of Film in Focus – a series celebrating the power and artistry of cinema presented by the Cultural Programme at University of Oxford, in partnership with The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) and curated with Dr C.W. Winter.

A special preview screening of Misericordia, the critically acclaimed film that premiered last year at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

10/02/2025
Experience the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford as never before in an unforgettable chamber concert by the Kalei...
07/02/2025

Experience the Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford as never before in an unforgettable chamber concert by the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective.

Praise for Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective:
“a sparky, shape-shifting ensemble of starry young musicians” – The Arts Desk
“exhilarating performances” - The Times

Don't miss their upcoming performance at 7.30pm on Friday, 28 February. The instrumental programme for the evening includes Beethoven, Golijov, Jessie Montgomery and Kaleidoscope founder Tom Poster.

Tickets from £15, discounts for students and U25: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/music-and-wellbeing-day-evening-concert/

University of Oxford Faculty of Music, University of Oxford

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