Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective The Colour of Music and Pre-Concert Piano Showcase featuring Oxford University Pianists

In an all-American first half, Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst launches our concert in a blaze of light, with Oxford University’s St Anne’s Camerata standing side-by-side with Kaleidoscope’s string players. Jennifer Higdon’s Pale Yellow explores more meditative hues through the intimate medium of piano trio, while Amy Beach’s gloriously romantic Piano Quintet has become one of Kaleidoscope’s signature works – BBC Radio 3’s Building a Library recently selected Kaleidoscope’s recording as the finest available.

Amy Beach was a synaesthete, perceiving different keys as visual colours, and Elena Urioste – who shares this fascinating neurological condition – will discuss her own experiences as a synaesthetic musician.

After the interval, Kaleidoscope’s all-star string team is joined by four brilliant instrumentalists from Oxford University and Oxfordshire County Music Service for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet, one of the most colourful and enduringly beloved of all chamber works.

Jessie Montgomery – Starburst for string orchestra
Jennifer Higdon – Pale Yellow for piano trio
Amy Beach – Piano Quintet in F sharp minor
INTERVAL
Felix Mendelssohn – String Octet in E flat major

At 18:00, prior to the main evening concert at 19:30, a Piano Showcase including five pianists from the University of Oxford will further explore the theme of colour through a vibrant selection of solo piano works from Debussy to Sakamoto.

Ticket Information

Both the pre-concert and main concert are free to attend, however a ticket must be obtained in advance to guarantee entry. 

Should you book a ticket to both events, you may be required to leave the venue, and re-enter. This is at the discretion of the organiser

18:00 Pre-Concert Piano Showcase - BOOK HERE

19:30 Main Concert - BOOK HERE

Additional Information

All ages welcome

Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility please email sara.stgeorge@humanities.ox.ac.uk after booking on Eventbrite and let the organiser know your access requirements.  

Doors open at 17:30 for Piano Showcase. This has a run time of 45 minutes

Doors open at 19:00 for Main Concert. This has a run time of 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval