English Melodies

Experience an unforgettable journey through England’s pastoral heart with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in the concert film *English Melodies*. Conductor Martyn Brabbins, a revered figure in English music and former Music Director of the English National Opera, leads the orchestra in a program that breathes life into the country’s quintessential countryside spirit. Each piece is presented with passion and reverence, celebrating the beauty of rural scenes while honoring the nation's musical heritage. Join the cast of extraordinary soloists: baritone Roderick Williams, renowned for his interpretations of English repertoire; Ruth Rogers, whose soaring voice adds depth to the concert; violinist Anthony Robb, who launches the performers with a soaring solo; and the shimmering solo flute of Anthony Robb as he executes Roderick Williams’ own Flute Concerto, written for his childhood friend. The program begins with the beautiful setting of the Sheldonian Theatre, featuring deeply moving works that paint the image of dark clouds over green fields. Highlights include: - **Cecil Coles – Estaminet de Carrefour** - **George Butterworth – A Shropshire Lad** (arranged by R. Williams) - **Roderick Williams – Flute Concerto** - **William Walton – Siesta** - **Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending**, a timeless poem of English serenity that unites all listeners in a shared experience of nature’s lullaby - **William Walton – Two Pieces for Strings** extracted from the 1944 film *Henry V* by Laurence Olivier, revisiting the historic Battle of Agincourt - **Gustav Holst – St. Paul’s Suite in C major, Op. 29 No. 2** With an ensemble that has mastered the nuances of English music, *English Melodies* offers a celebration of the country's rich cultural tapestry, a tribute to the composers lost in the First World War, and a testament to the enduring camaraderie that music fosters. Witness this sweeping moment of musical storytelling from the comfort of your screen and download your tickets now for a truly unforgettable experience.