OXFORD BACH SOLOISTS

Bringing Bach’s music to life through performance, scholarship, and community.

The Oxford Bach Soloists (OBS) is a Baroque ensemble directed by Steven Grahl and founded in 2017 by Tom Hammond-Davies. OBS originally set out to perform the complete vocal works of J.S. Bach over 12 years in chronological order. Over the past decade it has become much more, bringing world-class performances of Bach’s music, as well as that of his contemporaries, to Oxford, London, New York, and beyond. OBS also provides promising young musicians with an essential stepping-stone into the professional world through our scholarship schemes. 

OBS aims to perform Bach’s works as he himself would have realised them with performers, instruments, and venues that echo the university and churches of Bach’s hometown of Leipzig. Bach’s music is community music. He was famously networked amongst an extended family of musicians in northern Germany. Today, OBS champions local students, scholars, players, soloists, and amateurs in performances that mirror the diversity of ourcommunity.

Scholarships

OBS provides the next generation of aspiring early music performers with the opportunity to develop their skills within the musical programme of the Oxford Bach Soloists. Funded by the generosity of our donors and foundations, our Choral Scholars develop their skills by taking on step-out solos during our concerts and receive professional German language coaching. They transfer their learning experience to the rest of the chorus by making up its core and contributing to its musical integrity. OBS’s scholarship scheme has also expanded to Continuo Scholars, providing instrumental coaching and ensemble training to young keyboard players. Through the rehearsal process and performances, they build confidence and expertise in historical performance practice.

Our Impact

Oxford Bach Soloists has a vital and unique mission, situating the music of J.S. Bach within the community of Oxford, and beyond. With a particular focus on forming and developing the talent of early-career singers and keyboard players, we present scholarly and vibrant performances drawing on repertoire from across the panoply of Bach’s genius. Making use of beautiful and historic venues, sound and sight conjoin to engage, inform, and inspire.