Oxford Philomusica

Our trickle of applications became a flood towards the deadline on Friday – we are no longer accepting applications from Participants.  Observers have until July 8, but accommodation in particular is filling up fast so if you want to stay with us for the week then get in touch sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

We have more news about the Pre-Festival events including the Scenic Piano Recital on 30 July.  Elisabeth Eschwé’s intriguing recital will tell of Robert Schumann and his love for, and eventual marriage, to Clara Wieck.  The evening includes Schumann’s Impromptus Op. 5 on a theme by Clara Wieck (with a reading about his prior engagement to Ernestine von Fricken) and Carnaval Op 9 (with their first kiss).  The evening will end with parts of the Fantasiestücke Op 12, with readings about the court case and their relief as they were finally married.   This beautiful and dramatic story will be brought to life in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building on the evening before the full Festival begins with our Trio Class.

Plenty of people have shown an interest in the private lessons being offered on the 30 July.  At the moment we are very busy working through the applications for participants, but I will be in touch with the people who have already contacted us this week.  The teachers we have booked so far are regular Piano Festival professors Marios Papadopoulos and Niel Immelman.  Additional teachers will be selected from the roster of talent at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall.  Do let us know if you would like to take part in this new venture, and also if you have any ideas for Stephen Hough’s open class on the Pedagogy Day.

As always, get in touch with me (Rachel) if you need any more information about any aspect of the Piano Festival.