Oxford Youth Choirs | Oxford Girls’ Choir | Children’s Choir Oxford

Colin and Margaret took members of the Juniors and Seniors to watch Roderick Williams OBE perform Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin at The Olivier Hall in St Edward’s School, as part of the Oxford International Song Festival. This performance used Roderick’s own arrangement of the accompaniment for string quartet, performed by the Carducci String Quartet. Some of our choir members were familiar with the music, while for others it was their first time hearing it.
The song cycle, composed in 1823, sets texts by the German poet Wilhelm Müller (1794–1827). The story describes a young journeyman miller falling in love with the titular Fair Maid of the Mill and his descent into despair as the Maid chooses the affections of a hunter.
We enjoyed following the narrative of the cycle, and afterwards we all participated a lively discussion together about the performance and texts:

‘I loved it!’
‘Emotional…’
‘Inspirational.’
‘“Feelingness”…’
‘A bit depressing.’

The choir members were particularly amused by the heartbroken journeyman’s love, and then strong hatred of, the colour green — the colour worn by his love rival. This performance in Oxford was all the more meaningful to us as Roderick Williams, patron of OYC, visited the choir in May to deliver a brilliant masterclass.

If you would like to support our young people attending more events such as these, please consider donating to the Oxford Youth Choirs https://www.oxfordyouthchoirs.org.uk/help-us.