Our Story

Oxford Chamber Music Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, is a vibrant and dynamic event that brings together world-class musicians and passionate audiences in the historic city of Oxford. Under the visionary artistic direction of Priya Mitchell, the festival has been hailed as ‘a musical miracle’ by The Daily Telegraph, capturing the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide.

The festival is renowned for its eclectic and adventurous repertoire, attracting celebrated musicians from around the globe. It has become a beacon for chamber music enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of performances in intimate settings. Audiences can expect to experience the profound emotional journey and raw passion that Priya brings to her performances, whether it’s a beloved classic or a contemporary masterpiece.

 

Artistic Director – Priya Mitchell

Priya Mitchell grew up in Oxford and studied with David Takeno at the Yehudi Menuhin School and with Zachar Bron in Germany. She was then chosen as the British representative of the European Concert Halls Organisation ‘Rising Stars’ Series, this success led to highly acclaimed tours and performances with, amongst others, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Philharmonia.

‘Mitchell’s playing is highly emotional and intellectually curious … very tender yet raw and passionate.’
– Süddeutsche Zeitung

She has worked with many eminent conductors including Sir Andrew Davis, Yuri Temirkanov, Richard Hickcox, Emmanuel Krivine, Heinrich Schiff and Yan Pascal Tortelier. Abroad, Priya has worked with many orchestras including the Belgian Radio and Television Philharmonic, Sinfonia Varsovia, the Polish Chamber Orchestra, Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Deutsche Sinfonie-Orchester. As a recitalist and chamber musician she has performed extensively at international music festivals including Schleswig-Holstein, Schubertiade Schwarzenberg, Kuhmo, Lockenhaus, Risør, Heimbach, Ravinia, Lugano, Cheltenham, Bath, Stavanger and Trondheim.