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Faculty of Music
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The University of Oxford Faculty of Music has long been bringing fabulous musical events to both the students and public of Oxford. The Faculty has invested many resources into the promotion of classical music in this City, and its latest gift, both to itself and to concertgoers is a new Steinway grand piano for the Holywell Music Room.
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, renowned French pianist, was given the honour of performing the inaugural concert for the magnificent instrument on the 1st of November 2008. The Faculty of Music has a wonderful reputation of bringing world-class musicians to Oxford, and Bavouzet is no exception. The last discovery of Sir George Solti, debuting with the Orchestre de Paris in 1995, Bavouzet played at the Prom’s this summer, and is a Professor for Life in the Piano Department of the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold, Germany.
His performance included works by Beethoven, Wagner and Debussy, perfect pieces with which to show both his incredible technical skill and the amazing sound of the new piano. Bavouzet played with a passion and intensity that was a joy to behold, and was clearly honored to be the first to play the instrument. In keeping with the educational aims of the Faculty, he occasionally paused to tell the audience his interpretation of the piece, or to speak about the composer.
The Holywell Music Room is a lovely venue for chamber music. It was constructed in the 18th century and is said to be the oldest, purpose-built music room in Europe and England's first concert hall. Many of the Faculty's events are held here, both with professional artists and students performing. Michaelmas Term 2008 programme events at the Music Room included Phantasm, the Allegri String Quartet and Gwilym Simcock. Other Faculty events were held at the Faculty’s Denis Arnold Hall.
Student performances also abound at the Faculty. The Oxford University Music Society encourages the performance and appreciation of music within the University, and they run a weekly recital series during the full term in the Holywell Music Room. Fellow students and the public alike can see the talented bourgeoning musicians of the University in solo and ensemble concerts.
I am certainly looking forward to next term’s events, as the Faculty of Music puts on many more magnificent concerts and recitals in our City.
Reviewed by Kimberly Manning. |
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