Saturday 21 November 2026 · University Church, Oxford

Celestial Art

An 80th birthday celebration of Edward Higginbottom, with Oxford Consort of Voices

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Baroque and early music for Oxford

Inspired by the name of Handel’s last oratorio, Instruments of Time and Truth is Oxford’s own period instrument orchestra. We present baroque, early and classical music on period instruments in the city’s historic venues, performed by international musicians who live and work in Oxford. Discover early music in Oxford.

What’s on

What's On
Celestial Art
Nov 21
Celestial Art

Celebrate Edward Higginbottom’s 80th birthday with a spectacular evening of Baroque music. Purcell’s glorious Hail! Bright Cecilia is paired with Lalande’s dramatic Dies Irae, marking the 300th anniversary of his death, and Handel’s magnificent My Heart is Inditing. Performed by IT&T, the Oxford Consort of Voices and 14 soloists, conducted by Edward Higginbottom.

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Oxford's 1749 Messiah
Dec 12
Oxford's 1749 Messiah

Handel's Messiah as Oxford first heard it in 1749, recreated in full by Instruments of Time & Truth and Edward Higginbottom at the Schwarzman Centre.

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Saturday 12 December 2026 · Schwarzman Centre, Oxford

Oxford’s 1749 Messiah

Handel’s Messiah as Oxford first heard it, recreated in full with Edward Higginbottom

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Watch and listen

Handel’s Mi palpita il cor, recorded live in the Holywell Music Room with soprano Anna Devin.

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