Dame Sarah Connolly Recital

An unmissable way to launch the 2026 Oxford International Song Festival.

Dame Sarah Connolly is one of the country's best-loved singers, whose profound artistry and uniquely beautiful voice have captivated audiences across the globe. She opens this year's Oxford International Song Festival with renowned pianist Joseph Middleton. Their programme includes songs by Mendelssohn and Brahms, setting up the Festival's theme of 'Love Songs' with these two masters of German song. They also include settings of French poetry by Franz Liszt and a group of songs by Claude Debussy, as well as a cycle written for them by Errollyn Wallen, the Master of the King's Music.

Emerging Artists

At the start of this evening's concert, and at most of our evening concerts in the first week of the Festival, one of our eight exceptional Young Artist duos will give a 15-minute showcase performance. These emerging professionals are the stars of the future, and can also be heard during the Mastercourse later in the Festival.