In this absolute masterclass by Oxford’s own Philharmonic, I could have sworn I was transported to another plane of musical existence entirely; I emerged from the lavish cocoon of the Sheldonian into the dusk in a daze. Celebrating two anniversaries, the evening honoured the 10th anniversary of the death of Richard Rodney Bennett and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams while also bringing Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto out for a night on the town.

Having not encountered the marvel of conductor, John Wilson, nor I confess, composer, Richard Rodney Bennett, I was eager to immerse into this first offering and my, what a discovery. In this Partita the impressive 37-strong string assortment enlightened its listeners in a romantic, sweeping and all-encompassing sound along with radiant horns and charismatic wind solos. Think Morricone meets Dario Marianelli – this three-tiered delight sent me flying though a cinematic world of the English countryside.

On the entrance of the featured pianist, Louis Schwizgebel, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major came abounding. Described as a ‘genuine virtuoso’, Schwizgebel, who’s ‘wonderfully delicate’ playing has featured in worldwide Symphony and Philharmonic Orcherstras, the concerto sprung into the room, announcing and curious. In this impeccable rendition, Wilson makes light work of this quirky, hectic, yet lamenting piece and its deceivingly simple themes. With crisp and enquiring clarinet and oboe accompaniment, the piano trickled like water over cobbled streets; it’s almost-pentatonic elements referencing a jazz influence which Ravel most likely absorbed from his brief connection to George Gershwin in 1928.

After the piano was precariously up-ended and wheeled out of the narrow passage-ways of the grade-1 listed building, anticipation grew as the orchestra re-assembled after an interval for Vaughan William’s contemplative Symphony No.5 in D major. Wilson shone as his vision glimmered within the first few bars of the first movement Preludio as this under-played and regal anthem rip-roared into the theatre. With airy motifs and inquisitive double bass lines, the pulsing and often dancing themes pushed through tides and torrents and were liberated into blue-skied, triumphant exclamation. Vaughan Williams’s Symphony felt almost Sibelian, though earthier and more majestic with a highly satisfying musical arc, which highlighted the Orchestra’s excellence with both grace and rapture.

In February 2023 the Orchestra celebrates its 25th anniversary in a special concert at the Barbican with Maxim Vengerov playing Mendelssohn Violin Concert and a new commission from John Rutter. Keep an eye out for those tickets!