'Allemande': Cello Suites 2
2025-11-22 14:30 - 15:45 (Europe/London) | Private: Pusey House Chapel, Pusey House, St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LZ, United Kingdom
Conducted by Dónal McCann, with Henrik Persson (cello), Anhad Arora (harpsichord), and OBS Scholars.
J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites BWV 1007–1012 are now among his best-known works, but they were largely forgotten until the early 20th century. Most likely written during his time in Köthen, each suite is based on Baroque dance forms and combines clarity, control, and expressive detail.
This six-part concert series from the Oxford Bach Soloists features all six Cello Suites performed by principal cellist Henrik Persson. Each performance also includes choral music from our scholars and keyboard works from our co-principal keyboardists.
The programme will include:

J.S. Bach – Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor (BWV 1008)
Schütz – Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt (SWV 36)
Buxtehude – In te Domine speravi (BuxWV 53)
Buxtehude – Cantate Domino canticum novum (BuxWV 12)
Schütz – Deutsches Magnifcat (SWV 494)
J. L. Bach – Wir Wissen, so unser irdisches Haus
Gabrieli – Jubilate Deo
H. Praetorius – Te Deum Patrem ingenitum
J.S. Bach / Telemann – Jauchzet dem Herrn (BWV Anh. 160)

This is the second concert in this series. Book all 6 concerts before 25th October and get 15% off!
Priority booking opens Friday 8th August for Friends and Supporters. General booking opens Friday 15th August.

'Prelude': Cello Suites 1
2025-10-25 14:30 - 15:45 | Private: Pusey House Chapel, Pusey House, St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LZ, United Kingdom
Conducted by Steven Grahl, with Henrik Persson (cello), Anhad Arora (harpsichord), Dónal McCann (organ), and OBS Scholars.
J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites BWV 1007–1012 are now among his best-known works, but they were largely forgotten until the early 20th century. Most likely written during his time in Köthen, each suite is based on Baroque dance forms and combines clarity, control, and expressive detail.
This six-part concert series from the Oxford Bach Soloists features all six Cello Suites performed by principal cellist Henrik Persson. Each performance also includes choral music from our scholars and keyboard works from our co-principal keyboardists.
The programme will include:

J.S. Bach – Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major (BWV 1007)
J.L. Bach – Das ist meine Freude
J.C. Bach – Ich lasse dich nicht (Anhang BWV 159)
J.C.F. Bach – Ich lieg und schlafe ganz mit Frieden
J.M. Bach – Nun hab’ ich überwunden
J. Bach – Sie nun wieder zufrieden meine Seele
J.C. Bach – Lieber Herr Gott, wecke uns auf
J.S. Bach – Der Geist hilft (BWV 226)
J.S. Bach – French Suite No. 5 in G Major (BWV 816)

This is the first concert in this series. Book all 6 concerts before 25th October and get 15% off!
Priority booking opens Friday 8th August for Friends and Supporters. General booking opens Friday 15th August.

Bach at School: Toccatas 3
2025-07-19 14:30 - 15:45 | Mansfield College Chapel, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TF, United Kingdom
J S Bach taught at the Thomasschule in Leipzig, where music was not just a practical exercise but part of the Liberal Arts canon, consisting of the ‘trivium’ (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and the ‘quadrivium’ (astronomy, arithmetic, geometry, and music). Music in this curriculum was an extension of calculating mathematical proportions but also built on skills-training in the scansion of antique poetry by Virgil or performing the plays by Terence. ‘Quid is tempus?’ (‘What is time’ / ‘How to measure timing’?) asked the Introduction to Physics by the Humanist Philip Melanchthon, still in use in the early 18th century. The final talk explores how Bach’s musical rhetoric is shaped by this academic approach and influences his choice of texts, topics, and genres.

Toccata in G major BWV 916
Violin Sonata in G major BWV 1021
Gamba Sonata in G minor BWV 1029
Toccata in D major BWV 912

This is the final concert in this series! More details of our 25/26 season will be coming soon.

There will be a reception for Friends and Supporters of OBS after this concert. If you are not a Friend of OBS, but you would like to attend, you can add this option on your ticket sales when purchasing.

Bach at the Salon: Toccatas 2
2025-06-14 14:30 - 15:45 | St Michael at the North Gate, Cornmarket, Oxford, OX1 3EY
Leipzig in 1720s was an intellectual hub, with the local university, organised in ‘collegia’ and learned societies. Especially formative for J S Bach was the open house kept by Christiana Mariana von Ziegler, one of the earliest forerunners of what became known as Enlightenment’s “Salonkultur”. Here the members of the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft’, a literary society, intellectuals, and artists met. 300 years ago, in 1725, Bach set a series of cantatas by von Ziegler who later became the first female ‘Poet Laureate’ of Germany. The talks explores this intellectual scene and its influence on secular cantatas.

Toccata in E minor BWV 914
Excerpts for voice and harpsichord from the 1725 Notenbüchlein for Anna Magdalena Bach
Gamba Sonata in D major BWV 1028
Toccata in C minor BWV 911

Save the date! More info to follow soon.

Bach at Home: Toccatas 1
2025-05-24 14:30 - 15:45 | St John the Evangelist Church, 109A Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, United Kingdom
Bach Toccata Series: Bach in Context
24 May at 2:30pm
St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford
Talk: Bach at Home – Professor Henrike Lähnemann
Curated by Anhad Arora (harpsichord)
With Henrik Persson (viola da gamba), Davina Clarke (violin), and Dónal McCann (harpsichord)
The first event in this new chamber series includes a talk by Professor Henrike Lähnemann, exploring the domestic world that shaped so much of Bach’s creative life. “Bach at Home” offers insight into the Notenbüchlein der Anna Magdalena Bach, the vibrant musical culture of the Bach family, and the ways in which music was passed on, shared, and improvised in the home.
Curated by Anhad Arora, this programme focuses on works written for intimate settings — virtuosic, expressive, and rich in conversation between instruments.
Programme:

Toccata in D minor, BWV 912
Gamba Sonata in G major, BWV 1027
Violin Sonata in E major, BWV 1016
Toccata in G minor, BWV 915

Join us for an afternoon of context and performance that brings Bach’s home life — and his astonishing chamber music — vividly to life.
Further concerts in this series will be on: 14 June & 19 July (save the dates!) – more details to follow.

Singet dem Herrn
2025-05-03 14:30 - 15:45 | St Peter’s College Chapel, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, OX1 2DL
OBS Choral Scholars & Alumni
Saturday 3rd May, 2:30 pm
St Peter’s College Chapel, Oxford
A sacred exploration of the emotional and spiritual depth of Easter, this programme begins with themes of liberation and devotion, then weaves through sorrow, hope, and the promise of resurrection, culminating in a triumphant celebration of Christ’s victory over death. Featuring works by Samuel Wesley, Schütz, Scheidt, Schein and J.S. Bach, this concert reflects the journey from darkness to light, filled with moments of joy, longing, and the unwavering certainty of the resurrection.
Directed by Quintin Beer with harpsichordist Anhad Arora and singers from the OBS Choral Scholarship Scheme.

St John Passion
2025-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’s Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL, United Kingdom
Bach’s St John Passion – Easter 2025
This Easter, the Oxford Bach Soloists invite you to experience one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most compelling works, the St John Passion. Performed across two evenings, the piece tells the story of the Passion with intimacy and drama, brought to life by a superb lineup of musicians.
The role of the Evangelist will be sung by James Oxley, with Jonathan Arnold as Christ and Ben Davies as Pilate. They are joined by Emilia Bertolini, Rebecca Leggett, and Thomas Kelly, alongside our exceptional orchestra and chorus. This year’s chorus brings together alumni of our Choral Scholarship Scheme and our new scholars, creating a truly rich and collaborative sound.

St John Passion
2025-04-17 19:30 - 21:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, 109A Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, United Kingdom

Fürchte dich nicht
2025-04-12 14:30 - 16:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, 109A Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, United Kingdom
OBS Choral Scholars & Alumni
Saturday 12th April, 2:30 pm
St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford
Bach’s music has moved and inspired audiences and performers for generations, but tragedy was a constant companion to him. Orphaned aged ten and father to twenty children, only ten of whom survived to adulthood, Bach’s life was deeply affected by loss. This programme explores both Bach’s personal relationship with death, and music which delves into the Lutheran idea of the ars moriendi, the art of dying.
The central work is Heinrich Schütz’s landmark work, Musikalische Exequien, the first sung Requiem in German. The final movement is a setting of the canticle of Simeon, which is paraphrased in the Lutheran burial chorale, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, presented here in its setting by Dieterich Buxtehude.
J.S. Bach’s older cousin, Johann Christoph Bach had a link to Heinrich Schütz through his education in Arnstadt. His setting of Lieber Herr Gott, wekke uns auf was performed at J.S. Bach’s funeral, and the two cousin’s settings of Fürchte dich nicht frame the programme. Selections from J.S. Bach’s great unfinished deathbed work, The Art of Fugue, is also presented here in a version for keyboard duet.
Directed by Dónal McCann, with harpsichordist Anhad Arora and singers from the OBS Choral Scholarship Scheme.

Handel Messiah with Croydon Minster
2025-03-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Croydon Minster, Church Street, Croydon, CR0 1RN, United Kingdom
Join us for a breathtaking performance of Handel’s Messiah! Experience the masterpiece on 29 March at Croydon Minster.
Handel’s Messiah is a cherished choral masterpiece often performed in grand venues. However, its origins are quite different. Handel, a German émigré, came to London to pursue a career in Italian opera. When opera was banned during Lent and Advent, he adapted by composing oratorios, which were musically similar but not staged theatrically. Messiah was composed in just three weeks in 1742 and first performed in Dublin’s Great Music Hall, owned by The Bull’s Head Tavern. Handel even borrowed Dublin’s Cathedral Choirs for the performance. This piece, born out of pragmatism and creativity, has since become a cornerstone of classical music.
The Choir of Croydon MinsterWhitgift Chamber ChoirOxford Bach Soloists
Philippa Hyde, sopranoKatherine Nicholson, mezzo sopranoSebastian Hill, tenorJonathan Brown, baritoneJustin Miller, conductor

Christmas Oratorio
2025-01-04 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’s Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL, United Kingdom
🎼 Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: Parts I, IV, and VI 🎼
This January, the Oxford Bach Soloists perform Parts I, IV, and VI of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio under the direction of Steven Grahl. Following their “standout performance of the Christmas Oratorio” (The Guardian, 2024), these concerts bring Bach’s timeless retelling of the Nativity and Epiphany stories to two inspiring venues:
📍 3rd January – St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford, 7.30pm
📍 4th January – St James’ Piccadilly, London, 7.30pm
From the exuberant choruses celebrating Christ’s birth to moments of reflection and triumph, Bach’s masterpiece will be performed by a stellar ensemble of soloists, chorus, and period instruments.
Join us and experience the rich beauty of Bach’s music this New Year.
🎟️ Tickets now available.

Christmas Oratorio
2025-01-03 19:30 - 21:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, 109A Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, United Kingdom

Macmillan Follow the Stars
2024-12-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Christ Church Cathedral, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
A Magical Christmas with Macmillan
Join us for a truly special evening of festive music and literature. Macmillan Cancer Support invites you to the stunning Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, 6th December 2024, at 8pm.
The Oxford Bach Soloists will perform a breathtaking selection of Christmas carols and choral works. And to add to the magic, we’re thrilled to welcome renowned actors Shaun Evans, Jason Isaacs, Toby Jones, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw who will share captivating readings.
Your ticket purchase directly supports Macmillan’s vital work.
Book your tickets now on the Tickets Oxford website and be part of this heartwarming event.
Please note that all performers are subject to change.

Bach: Nun Komm
2024-12-01 14:30 - 15:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, 109A Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, United Kingdom
Join the Oxford Bach Soloists for Nun Komm, a special Advent concert featuring two of J.S. Bach’s cantatas inspired by the hymn Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (“Come now, Saviour of the gentiles”). This hymn, beloved during the Advent season, serves as the foundation for both BWV 62 and BWV 36.

Oxford Bach Soloists
Directed by Eamonn Dougan
With Emilia Bertolini, William Purefoy, Oscar Golden-Lee, and Ben Davies
In BWV 62, Bach weaves Martin Luther’s 1524 hymn melody throughout both the instrumental and vocal textures with characteristic invention and brilliance. BWV 36 also celebrates this hymn, but with a fresh approach, reworking material from Bach’s secular cantatas and introducing an innovative structure where chorale verses replace traditional recitatives, creating an extended, two-part work.
The concert opens with choruses filled with tremendous energy and joyful anticipation, heralding the coming of the Saviour. Through expressive arias and chorales, the music reflects on divine wonders, the majesty of God, and the blessings promised to the faithful as we prepare for the birth of Christ. As the hymn urges, “Laßt die süße Musica ganz freudenreich erschallen” – “Let the sweet music ring out full of joy.”
Join us on Sunday, 1st December at 2:30 pm at St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford, and experience the beauty of Bach’s Advent music.

Bach Partitas: No. 6 in E minor
2024-07-14 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
J.S. Bach’s partitas BWV 825-830, the first of which is the composer’s self-proclaimed Opus 1, form part of his Clavier-Übung I that was published in 1731. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggest that these works were rather popular when first published, something that we believe remains true today. These six works for keyboard exist as part Bach’s hefty compositional corpus, and are all functional, bespoke, and beautiful.
Join us for a celebratory afternoon as we bring our Partitas series to a conclusion. This concert marks a significant moment, the final performance with OBS before Founder and Artistic Director, Tom Hammond-Davies, embarks on a new journey in Dallas, Texas. Come and celebrate our remarkable journey and the future that lies ahead!

Cantata: Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich (BWV 150)
Keyboard Partita No. 6 (BWV 830)
Aria: Bekennen will ich seinen Namen (BWV 200)
Cantata: Der Friede sei mit dir (BWV 158)

Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich (BWV 150) is filled with youthful vigour and profound spirituality. It is possibly Bach’s earliest extant Cantata, and showcases the early development of his unique voice. The themes of longing and divine support set a contemplative tone and is one of the most treasured Cantatas in the canon.
The intricate and virtuosic Partita No. 6 in E minor (BWV 830), with its demanding technical passages and emotional depth, serve as a bridge between the sacred vocal works and the instrumental brilliance that Bach so masterfully combined.
The short aria for solo alto, Bekennen will ich seinen Namen (BWV 200), is a poignant and intimate piece that delves into personal faith and proclamation. This work, with its delicate orchestration and expressive vocal line, serves as a lyrical interlude that connects the grandeur of the larger works with individual expression of devotion.
The concert concludes with an Easter Cantata for solo bass, Der Friede sei mit dir (BWV 158), bringing a message of peace. Its reflective and optimistic nature provides a fitting and heartfelt farewell.

Shall We Gather at the River
2024-05-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York, 10065, United States
For more than 400 years, the Black American spiritual tradition has moved over, across, and through the waters—waters of life force, passage, cleansing, resistance, and renewal—depicted in such songs and verses as “Wade in the Water,” “Deep River,” “Crossing Jordan,” and “By the Waters of Babylon.”
The power of water and its spiritual dimensions equally resonates in the beautiful, sacred texts of Bach’s cantatas. Infused with poetry, Bach’s music sounds and speaks to every drop of water, in drought and in full flood, moving and alive.
These two musical sources flow together in an act of awakening, mobilization, and restorative beauty in the face of climate change. The Oxford Bach Soloists under the music direction of Tom Hammond-Davies and The Choir of Trinity Wall Street are joined by countertenor Reginald Mobley, tenor Nick Pritchard, and sheng player Wu Tong to perform a selection of Bach cantatas intermingled with spirituals in a staging by the celebrated director Peter Sellars. This musical call to action illuminates the undeniable truth that water is life, and that music is a universal language that can unite and inspire.
This program is co-commisioned with Park Avenue Armory as part of the COAL + ICE exhibition and series of programs at Asia Society, Feb. 13-Aug. 11, 2024, designed to provoke thought and action on climate change.

Soprano Molly Quinn
Countertenor Reginald Mobley
Tenor Nick Pritchard
Bass-baritone Jonathan Woody
Sheng Wu Tong
Oxford Bach Soloists
The Choir of Trinity Wall Street
Conductor Tom Hammond-Davies
Direction Peter Sellars
Choreographer Reggie (Regg Roc) Gray and members of the flexn community
Lighting Designer Seth Reiser
Sound Design Mark Grey

Bach Partitas: No. 5 in G major
2024-05-05 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
J.S. Bach’s Partitas BWV 825-830, the first of which is the composer’s self-proclaimed Opus 1, form part of his Clavier-Übung I that was published in 1731. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggest that these works were rather popular when first published, something that we believe remains true today. These six works for keyboard exist as part Bach’s hefty compositional corpus, and are all functional, bespoke, and beautiful.
Join the Oxford Bach Soloists for a series of six concerts, with these exquisite compositions acting as their golden thread.
Sweelinck Petite et accipietis
J.S. Bach Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage euch BWV 86 (1)
J.S. Bach Bisher habt ihr nichts gebeten in meinem Namen BWV 87 (5 & 7)
J.S. Bach Partita No. 5 in G major BWV 829
J.S. Bach Jesu, meine Freude BWV 227
J.S. Bach Lobet den Herrn BWV 230

St John Passion 300
2024-03-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
“The most exciting thing I’ve heard in a very long time ★★★★★ “
This is not just a concert; it’s a journey through history, a musical experience like no other. Transport yourself to the premiere in Leipzig in 1724 with period instruments and immerse in the emotional and historical significance of this masterpiece.
Conducted by Tom Hammond-Davies, the Oxford Bach Soloists team up with world leading Evangelist, Mark Padmore. This is your chance to witness top-class, unbeatable music-making that will move your soul. Dive into Bach’s music on Holy Saturday and gain incredible insights from pre-concert talks, connecting history, science, and music in a truly unique way.
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Mark Padmore, Evangelist
Florian Störtz, Christ
Ben Davies, Pilate
Lucy Cronin & Sam Cobb, soprano
Rebecca Leggett, alto
Thomas Kelly, tenor

Pre-Concert Talk: The St John Passion as Protestant Drama
2024-03-30 18:00 - 18:45 | Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
How does Johann Sebastian Bach’s music for the St John Passion respond to the text? While the Passion was first performed 300 years ago, the text in parts dates back 200 years earlier, to the time of the Reformation: Luther’s translation of the New Testament was first published in 1522 and the first ever printed hymn-book in 1524. This pre-concert talk will focus on how these older textual elements and contemporary pietist writing are fused together in Bach’s dramatic staging of the Passion. We will explore the history behind the hymns through live musical examples and communal singing, including how they provide turning points in the story told by the Evangelist and the choir, and in the reflections offered by the soloists.
Henrike Lähnemann is Professor of Medieval German Literature and Linguistics and has worked with the Oxford Bach Soloists on the Reformation’s heritage and the theological and literary background of Bach’s sacred music. With editorial input by Dr Kathrin Lüddecke.

(Image: beginning of the Gospel according to St John in Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament, September 1522, fol. 65r)

St John Passion 300
2024-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’s Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL, United Kingdom
“The most exciting thing I’ve heard in a very long time ★★★★★ “
This is not just a concert; it’s a journey through history, a musical experience like no other. Transport yourself to the premiere in Leipzig in 1724 with period instruments and immerse in the emotional and historical significance of this masterpiece.
Conducted by Tom Hammond-Davies, the Oxford Bach Soloists team up with world leading Evangelist, Mark Padmore. This is your chance to witness top-class, unbeatable music-making that will move your soul. Dive into Bach’s music on Good Friday and gain incredible insights from pre-concert talks, connecting history, science, and music in a truly unique way.
Join us for our pre-concert talk, with Tom Hammond-Davies and Professor Henrike Lähnemann, here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/oxford-bach-soloists/t-jzlxmoe
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Mark Padmore, Evangelist
Florian Störtz, Christ
Ben Davies, Pilate
Lucy Cronin & Sam Cobb, soprano
Rebecca Leggett, alto
Thomas Kelly, tenor

Buxtehude Membra Jesu Nostri
2024-03-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Temple Church, London, EC4Y 7BB
The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford
Oxford Bach Soloists
Newe Vialles viol consort
Alexander Pott conductor
Founded in 1480, the Choir of Magdalen College Oxford was one of the largest choral foundations in late-medieval England. This historic legacy has been preserved and maintained over five centuries, and the choir now enjoys an international reputation. They join forces with Oxford Bach Soloists and Newe Vialles to perform Buxtehude’s 1680 masterpiece Membra Jesu Nostri. Deeply expressive and pure, this extraordinary work is a cycle of 7 cantatas, meditating on the Passion of Christ.

Buxtehude Membra Jesu Nostri
2024-03-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Magdalen College Chapel, Oxford, OX1 4AU
Magdalen College Choir collaborate with Oxford Bach Soloists and Niewe Vialles in a concert of Dietrich Buxtehude’s masterpiece, Membra Jesu Nostri. Each movement of the seven-movement cantata considers a different part of Christ’s body on the cross, in a heartfelt Holy-week meditation on suffering and redemption.

St John Passion
2024-03-23 19:00 - 21:30 | Edington Priory, Monastery Road, Edington, Wiltshire, BA13 4QN, United Kingdom
We are delighted to be joining Edington Arts for a special performance of the St John Passion.
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Mark Padmore, Evangelist
Florian Störtz, Christ
Ben Davies, Pilate

Bach Partitas: No. 4 in D major
2024-03-03 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
J.S. Bach’s Partitas BWV 825-830, the first of which is the composer’s self-proclaimed Opus 1, form part of his Clavier-Übung I that was published in 1731. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggest that these works were rather popular when first published, something that we believe remains true today. These six works for keyboard exist as part Bach’s hefty compositional corpus, and are all functional, bespoke, and beautiful.
Join the Oxford Bach Soloists for a series of six concerts, with these exquisite compositions acting as their golden thread.
J.S. Bach Partita in D major, BWV 828
J.S. Bach Widerstehe doch der Sünde BWV 54
J.S. Bach Alles, was von Gott geboren BWV 80.1 (formerly BWV 80a)
Joshua Dennis, alto
Anhad Arora, harpsichord
Dónal McCann, organ
Davina Clarke & George Clifford, violins
conducted by Tom Hammond-Davies

Bach Partitas: No. 3 in A minor
2024-02-04 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
J.S. Bach’s Partitas BWV 825-830, the first of which is the composer’s self-proclaimed Opus 1, form part of his Clavier-Übung I that was published in 1731. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggest that these works were rather popular when first published, something that we believe remains true today. These six works for keyboard exist as part Bach’s hefty compositional corpus, and are all functional, bespoke, and beautiful.
Join the Oxford Bach Soloists for a series of six concerts, with these exquisite compositions acting as their golden thread.
J.S. Bach Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18
J.S. Bach Partita in A minor, BWV 827
Schütz Es ging ein Sämann aus zu säen, SWV 408
Buxtehude Erhalt uns Herr bei deinem Wort, BuxWV 27
J.S. Bach Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BWV 126
Dónal McCann, harpsichord

Bach: Christmas Oratorio
2024-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’s Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL, United Kingdom
Led by conductor Tom Hammond-Davies and featuring outstanding soloists, this is an unmissable event that combines historical accuracy with artistic excellence. Founded in 2017, OBS is on a mission to perform Bach’s complete vocal works over 12 years, recreating Bach’s music as he envisioned it.
Get your tickets: Don’t miss this evening of grandeur, joy, and beauty. Witness world-class quality and immerse yourself in the timeless music of Bach. Be part of this historic debut!
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Nick Pritchard, Evangelist
Hilary Cronin, soprano
Marta Fontanls-Simmons, alto
Florian Störtz, bass
Book now
Can’t make the concert in person? Then you can watch it online through our Digital Concerts Subscription.

Bach: Christmas Oratorio
2023-12-23 17:00 - 18:30 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
**This event is now sold out!**
You can buy tickets for our London iteration on Saturday 6th January, 2024:
Book now
Oxford’s most evocative seasonal event with an authentic performance of J. S. Bach’s much-loved telling of the Christmas story (Parts I, III, VI).
Led by conductor Tom Hammond-Davies and featuring outstanding soloists, this is an unmissable event that combines historical accuracy with artistic excellence.
Get your tickets: Don’t miss this evening of grandeur, joy, and beauty. Witness world-class quality and immerse yourself in the timeless music of Bach.
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Jonathan Hanley, Evangelist
Hilary Cronin, soprano
Marta Fontanls-Simmons, alto
Florian Störtz, bass

Follow the Stars
2023-12-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Christ Church Cathedral, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
Join Greg Wise, Jason Isaacs, Mel Giedroyc, and Toby Jones for the 27th service at Christ Church Cathedral. Kick off your Christmas season with a very special evening of favourite carols, seasonal choral music, literary readings including a special carol composed especially for you by John Rutter, the nation’s favourite choral composer.
Follow the Stars – Macmillan Carols is a magnificent annual Christmas fundraiser, taking place in the splendour of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford on Friday 8 December 2023 at 8pm. An evening not to be missed!
Highlights will include favourite carols and spine-tingling solos brought to you from the world class voices of the Oxford Bach Soloists. Intermingled with the exceptional music our celebrities will bring you festive cheer with their performances of Christmas readings; funny, poignant, a little unusual and even surprising but all uplifting. We recommend early booking for this popular concert.

Bach Partitas: No 2 in C minor
2023-11-05 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
J.S. Bach’s Partitas BWV 825-830, the first of which is the composer’s self-proclaimed Opus 1, form part of his Clavier-Übung I that was published in 1731. There is a substantial body of evidence that suggest that these works were rather popular when first published, something that we believe remains true today. These six works for keyboard exist as part Bach’s hefty compositional corpus, and are all functional, bespoke, and beautiful.
Join the Oxford Bach Soloists for a series of six concerts, with these exquisite compositions acting as their golden thread.
J.S. Bach Partita No. 2 in C minor BWV 826
J.S Bach Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir BWV 38
Schütz Du Schalksknecht SWV 297
J.S. Bach Excerpts from Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim BWV 89
Schütz Das Blut Jesu Christ SWV 298
Handel If God be for us, who can be against us? HWV 56
Schütz Lobe den Herren, meine Seele SWV 39
Anhad Arora & Dónal McCann, harpsichord

Silence in Heaven
2023-10-01 14:30 - 15:45 | New College Chapel, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
An exciting concert of Cantatas for St Michael and all Angels.
BWV 50 Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft
BWV 130 Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir
BWV 19 Es erhub sich ein Streit
BWV 149 Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg
Tom Hammond-Davies, conductor
Sam Cobb, soprano
William Purefoy, alto
Nick Pritchard, tenor
Peter Harvey, bass
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