Eliza Carthy & Special Guests: The Songs of Martin Carthy

This third concert of the World’s Music at Oxford 2025-26 series was originally scheduled to present the wonderful Martin & Eliza Carthy – a father-daughter duo who, between them, have shaped the face of English folk music and beyond for the past 60 years. The pair were due to come to Oxford as part of Martin’s final tour. Unfortunately, Martin’s health declined rapidly in January, and the family made the incredibly painful decision that he would be unable to fulfil this tour.

In the wake of Martin’s unexpected recent retirement, Eliza has drawn together a community of varied and talented musicians, all of whom have played a role in Martin's outstanding career. These artists will share the stage with Eliza, honouring and celebrating Martin's immense legacy and musical back catalogue.

This evening will present a rolling cast of admirers, colleagues and surprise guests, performing an entirely new set featuring some of Martin's best loved work from all eras of his career, spanning from his debut to final albums, via Waterson:Carthy and beyond. Martin's grandson will make his first ever stage appearances, playing one of his grandfather's guitars.

The World’s Music at Oxford is excited to welcome and support Eliza Carthy, undoubtedly one of the most recognisable singers and musicians in British folk, as she celebrates the bona fide musical giant that is her father.

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Twice Mercury Prize nominee, winner of armfuls of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (among others), President of Folk England (fka the English Folk Dance and Song Society), and even the holder of an MBE, Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable faces on the English folk scene. From the purest unaccompanied traditional songs to original music incorporating myriad influences, she has moved through folk music like a force of nature, stirring it up and putting it back on the map. More than most, Eliza has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with her intelligent, charismatic and boundary-bending performances.

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Doors will open at 6:30pm and the performance will start at 7pm.

The World’s Music at Oxford is a project run and supported by St John's College at the University of Oxford, which blends research into global musics with live performance. Our events take place at our location at St John's College and are free and open to all. Find out more on our website: theworldsmusicatoxford.com

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