Smorgaschord Festival 2024

Mark Simpson: Artist in Focus | Damascus Rose Kitchen | Charlotte Spruit, Baroque violin | Jo Havlatt, piano | Tom Foster, harpsichord | Juliette Roos, violin | Eliza Millett, cello

22nd June 2024 | Christ Church, Oxford | 1pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm

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SCHEDULE

1pm | Christ Church Chapter House

DARKNESS MOVES: CLARINET AND ELECTRONICS

Zoë Martlew Atma

Phil Cashian Volvelles

Jonathan Harvey Ricecare Una Melodia

Mark Simpson Darkness Moves

Mark Simpson, clarinet

Phil Dawson, electronics

4pm | Christ Church Chapter House

CHARLOTTE SPRUIT

J. S. Bach | J. G. Pisendel Sonata for violin and continuo in C minor BWV 1024

J. P. Von Westhoff Sonata for Solo violin in A minor

L. Lawall Responses to Westhoff's Sonata for solo violin in A minor

J.S. Pisendel Sonata for violin and continuo in G minor

Charlotte Spruit, violin

Tom Foster, harpsichod

6pm | Christ Church Cloisters

DAMASCUS ROSE KITCHEN

An opportunity for artists and audience to come together over a delicious feast of Middle Eastern food made for us by Damascus Rose Kitchen, an Oxford-based social enterprise for Arabic-speaking refugee women.

8pm | Christ Church Cathedal

QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME

Péter Eötvös Erdenklavier—Himmelklavier*

Mark Simpson Ariel

Olivier Messiaen Quatuor pour la fin du temps

Mark Simpson, clarinet

Juliette Roos, violin

Eliza Millett, cello

Joseph Havlat, piano

Sebastian Black, piano*

In memory of Péter Eötvös (1944-2024)

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Welcome to Smorgaschord 2024, the 4th edition of our festival. This year, as in every year, we have tried to curate a snapshot into a world of music that is adventurous, fascinating and fun! We are thrilled to be joined by some of the most exceptional musicians around today, and we are so excited to welcome them into our Smorgaschord community!

Composer and clarinettist Mark Simpson is Artist in Focus this year, and will present a dazzling array of musical treats for us, ranging from his own work to a performance of Messiaen’s sublime Quartet for the End of Time.

We’re also delighted to feature award-winning violinist Charlotte Spruit, who performs a concert devoted to the music of the German Baroque. Anyone who has had the thrill of seeing Charlotte perform this music before will know that we are in for something full of detail, gorgeous imagination and spontaneity.

But perhaps most important for us at Smorgaschord is that our concerts have a wonderful sense of joyous community about them. This year we are immensely excited to collaborate with the extraordinary Damascus Rose Kitchen for the first time, an Oxford-based enterprise for Arabic-speaking refugee women. Planning a music festival is always so fascinating, but the highlight so far was paying them a visit to taste the food they’ll be bringing… trust us, this is something that cannot be missed!

We can’t wait to spend another beautiful midsummer’s day with you all—come join the fun!

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Following the severe cuts to central and local funding, Brexit and the pandemic, the arts in the UK are in significant crisis.

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It is not only large institutions imperilled by this dire situation. The effects can be seen across the entire industry, and it is increasingly difficult for organisations like ours to operate.

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The work we do is necessary. We need to challenge the status quo, finding new, bolder ways of presenting the art forms we love.

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Run by just two people, currently unpaid for their work behind the scenes, Smorgaschord is completely reliant on your support, our dear audience. We have learnt quickly how to make the most out of little.

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We would appreciate it if you can help in any way you can!​

Donate now!

Become a patron of the arts!

Champion the new and creative by becoming a Smorgaschord Patron!

Being a Patron costs just £100, money which will go directly into paying the artists for the festival. Of the many benefits, you will receive:

• Priority booking
• Open rehearsal access
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
• Acknowledgements in our programmes

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Should you wish to donate more, we would be thrilled to talk to you about what you would like to support. Our plans for the future include a series of commissions celebrating György Kurtág’s 100th birthday (in partnership with New Zealand’s At the World’s Edge Festival), and a focus on Australian Indigenous art. These projects will be multi-year and will culminate in the creation of new works, films and recordings. Every penny of your support will help bring this important work about.

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If you'd like to become a Patron please do send us an email to be in touch with us personally.

Host or Publisher Smorgaschord