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New Worlds

21 - 26 September 2026
Priya Mitchell — Founder & Artistic Director
2026 Programme About the Festival
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Oxford Chamber Music Foundation — Festival Photography
Priya Mitchell — Founder & Artistic Director

About the Festival

A week of music,
friendship & wonder

Founded in 2000 by violinist Priya Mitchell, the Oxford Chamber Music Festival is an annual gathering of world-class musicians from across the globe — a week of celebration, spontaneous music-making, and genuine artistic connection in the heart of historic Oxford.

Named "No. 1 unmissable event" by BBC Music Magazine, OCMF has grown into one of the UK's most beloved chamber music festivals, captivating audiences with the extraordinary combination of virtuosic performance and Oxford's unique cultural atmosphere.

In 2026, the festival celebrates its 26th season with the theme New Worlds — a musical journey exploring rhythms, roots, harmony, and resonance from the New World.

Our Story Meet the Artists
25
Years of Excellence
200+
World-Class Artists
6
Days of Concerts
1
Extraordinary City

26th Anniversary Edition

New Worlds

A breathtaking musical voyage across the Americas, weaving the fiery rhythms of Latin America, the golden-age glamour of Hollywood scores, and the timeless Great American Songbook together with visionary chamber masterpieces.

Opening Night

Meta4, one of the most daring and celebrated Scandinavian string quartets performing today, opens the Oxford Chamber Music Festival 2026, marking the start of this year’s festival theme, ‘New Worlds’.

OCMF Studio

OCMF Studio returns with extraordinary masterclasses led by Dame Imogen Cooper, Meta4 string quartet, Julius Drake, Alena Baeva, and Dirk Mommertz.

Dame Imogen Cooper

Dame Imogen Cooper returns to OCMF to perform a Mozart piano concerto in her farewell year. We greatly look forward to welcoming her back.

View Full Programme

Why OCMF Matters

Music, culture &
community in Oxford

World-Class Artistic Excellence

OCMF creates a uniquely collaborative environment where legendary musicians convene at the forefront of artistry. Spontaneous, heart-felt music-making has become our unmistakable signature.

Real and Measurable Social Impact

Thanks to the generous support of the Cavatina Trust, OCMF has been able to offer free tickets to under-25s in previous editions. This commitment continues: we remain dedicated to providing reduced-price and free tickets to students, Ukrainian refugees, and those who need financial assistance.

Oxford's Intellectual & Cultural Capital

The festival is historically significant to Oxford's identity. With over 3,000 annual attendees, OCMF is a fixture in the fabric of a city renowned as the world's intellectual capital.

National Recognition

OCMF is regularly featured by BBC Music Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, and The Independent — a festival with growing national and international visibility across print, broadcast, and digital.

"Truly festive, different and distinctive with exhilarating atmosphere and artistry."

The Daily Telegraph

2026 – 2028 Vision

A modern, internationally visible, digitally connected festival

OCMF is embarking on an ambitious three-year strategy — professionalising and modernising in 2026, expanding digitally and launching the OCMF Studio in 2027, and creating a touring ensemble with international concerts in 2028.

This is an extraordinary moment to partner with OCMF as we shape the future of chamber music for generations to come.

Partner With Us

2026

Professionalisation & Modernisation

Full brand refresh, new website, expanded PR reach, larger venues.

2027

Digital Expansion & OCMF Studio

OCMF Digital Pass, monetised content, workshops and masterclasses.

2028

Touring Ensemble & Sustainability

OCMF Touring Ensemble, international concerts across European cities.