In a famous musical legend, Bach's unique masterpiece, the Goldberg variations, was written for a talented harpsichordist to play at night to soothe (not cure!) his master's chronic insomnia. It has the endless, amazing inventiveness of dreams, made even more lucid by this now-famous arrangement for strings. John Cage's beautiful dreamscape for that mysterious, other-worldly instrument, the marimba, gives Bach a perfect, if unexpected introduction.

Cage Dream
J. S. Bach selections from The Goldberg variations arr. Sitkovetsky for string trio

Artists: Bota, Mitchell, O’Kane, Thiele

Every year the Oxford Chamber Music Festival brings together some of the most exciting classical musicians in Europe to live and play together for a week. Creative sparks fly as the players exchange musical partners and tackle the widest variety of sound-worlds.

“a musical miracle” - Daily Telegraph; “world-class by any standards” Time Out

With this year’s special 25th anniversary festival we hope to create a musical Eden in an increasingly troubled world. We celebrate in sound the glories of nature's garden; explore the music of innocence and of human desire; and offer works which suggest the drama of the Fall, and the journey back to a state of spiritual grace.

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.