Oxford Philomusica

Last Thursday, we went to hear symphony orchestra played by Oxford Philomusica. They were playing in the Sheldonian Theater. Since we had the cheapest tickets, we sat way up at the top. Another day I regret not carrying my camera. Though I was feeling a little dizzy looking all the way down, the seats at the top were amazing. We were able to sit on a snug on the right side (the center snug was the most coveted but I loved the right snug, will tell you why in a little while). Just above us was Sheldonian Theater's  ceiling with an amazing fresco. If you want to read about about the fresco you can do it here. I must say the theater has a lot of atmosphere and sweeps you off your feet.

I am not in any way an expert on western classical music, I go along with my husband because I like listening. But in no way can I  claim to understand it. That evening first Brahms Violin Concerto in D, Op.77 was played. Alissa Margulis was the solo violonist and Marios Papadopoulos the conductor. Since we were sitting on the right, Alissa Margulis played her violin with her face towards us most of the time towards us. I must say initially I was more enthralled to see the utter concentration on her face than the music. Then the music has a way to drawing you in and taking you through its own glory.

After that Brahms Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op.98 was played. I loved the last part which is called Allegro Energico Passionato- Piu Allegro. As an amateur, as I found the music very lively and sweeping. My husband who understands music much better than I do, found it enthralling. Since our tickets were really cheap he thought that it would be students playing. He was thrilled to discover that it was the University of Oxford's residential professional symphony orchestra playing.

Then we discovered that for giving cheap tickets to the students (and their spouses) the events make an approximate loss of 10,000 pounds per concert. That made us feel all the more privileged for being able to listen to the music.