OBS Executive Director Katie Ambrose reflects on our 2025/26 season:
At the end of what has been a flourishing season for the Oxford Bach Soloists, I am delighted to reflect on where we have been and who has gotten us there. What began as an opportunity to celebrate Henrik Persson’s artistry through performances of all six of Bach’s Cello Suites became a bringing together of a community united through this wonderful music. When Henrik was unwell, I was incredibly grateful to Jonathan Byers and Richard Tunnicliffe for stepping in so generously. Their support ensured that the series could continue uninterrupted and reminded me once again of the remarkable support that surrounds Oxford Bach Soloists, particularly strengthened by the warmth that those who attended these two middle concerts showed our guest soloists.
One of the greatest joys of this season has been watching our scholars develop. As their year with us draws to a close, I feel enormously proud of everything they have achieved. Scholarship programmes are often spoken about in terms of future potential, but it has been a privilege to witness their talent, professionalism, and musicianship in the present. Seeing them grow in confidence and take their place within the organisation has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the year. I am especially delighted by the success of our first Continuo Scholarship. Supporting young players as well as singers at this crucial stage of their careers has long been an ambition of mine, and watching Davon Halim flourish in the role has been a wonderful affirmation of the value of that investment. I very much hope this is the beginning of something that will continue for many years to come.
This season has also marked Steven Grahl’s first year as Artistic Director. Working alongside Steven has been an absolute pleasure. He has brought extraordinary musical insight, warmth, and clarity of vision to the organisation, and I feel genuinely excited about what lies ahead under his artistic leadership.
The season too would not have been complete without the contributions of many other parties. Dónal McCann and Anhad Arora have been wonderful colleagues throughout, bringing expertise, creativity, and unwavering support. Behind the scenes, Louise Ashdown and Nathan Grassi have continued to give their time, energy, and encouragement with remarkable generosity.
I am also deeply grateful to the Continuo Foundation. At a time when opportunities within the early music sector can feel increasingly fragile, their commitment to supporting musicians and historically informed performance makes a real and tangible difference.
To everyone who joined us along the way, thank you. Your support, encouragement, and belief in what we do continue to make these projects possible, and I look forward to sharing what comes next.
– Katie Ambrose, June 2026
We are grateful to Continuo Foundation for their support of our Cello Suites series this year. Here are a few things we have been able to accomplish across the series, thanks to their help:
- ▪️We performed all 6 of Bach’s Cello Suites
- ▪️We welcomed over 850 audience members to our concerts at Pusey House Chapel
- ▪️Our Scholars performed over 250 minutes of music
- ▪️In addition to J.S. Bach, we performed the the music of 16 Baroque composers
Thank you Continuo Foundation for making this all possible!
As we look ahead to our 10th anniversary celebrations in 2027, your support is more vital than ever.
Since 2017, Oxford Bach Soloists has been bringing world-class performances of Bach’s music, as well as that of his contemporaries, to Oxford, London, New York, and beyond. OBS has also provided promising young musicians with an essential stepping-stone into the professional world through our scholarship schemes.
We currently rely solely on ticket sales and the generous support of our patrons, friends and sponsors to maintain the high quality of our performances and continue offering our scholarship schemes.
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