Our 10th Anniversary

Since its formation in 2014 Instruments of Time & Truth (IT&T) has flourished and become an integral part of the musical landscape of Oxford. The ensemble was founded by local musicians Gabriel Amherst and Judith Evans to provide a platform for international performers resident in and around Oxford and as an asset for its musical community. 

IT&T is proud of its association with the community and has performed with many of the college choirs in the city as well as student choirs and local choral societies. Outside of Oxford they have performed at prestigious venues including Garsington Opera at Wormsley, Longborough Opera, Kings Place and have performed internationally in France, Spain, the Canary Islands and as part of Valetta Baroque Festival in Malta.

In addition to its work with our local community IT&T promotes its own concerts, often exploring lesser-known works or rediscovered gems. Recent concerts have included works by Margarita Cozzolani, Antonio Caldara and Jan Dismas Zelenka. Each IT&T season contains 2 important landmarks, in December Edward Higginbottom gets everyone in the festive mood by directing an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah to a sold-out University Church. In the summer 6 members of our artistic community take the helm of a chamber concert each in the stunning Christ Church Cathedral. These intimate concerts showcase some of the most talented musicians in one of the most beautiful venues in the country. 

The Challenge

Did you know that ticket income covers about 1/3 of our total annual costs, often not even covering the cost of mounting a performance? As a charity we are reliant on the very generous support of our friends and donors. Over the last few years we have moved from a player-led volunteer organisation to one with a professional management structure to enable us to facilitate the growth of the ensemble. This comes at a cost.

We are looking for donors to support IT&T in this, our anniversary year and beyond to help us meet these inescapable costs, without which IT&T can’t exist.

Over the last few years organisational costs have increased, our non-artistic overheads total about £50,000 annually, this is for staffing, insurance, accounting and all of the ‘non-glamourous’ bits. 10 years is an opportunity for us to look back and reflect with pride on what we have achieved but also a chance to think strategically about the next 10 years and beyond.

If you, like us, want to see IT&T continue to grow and be an important part of the cultural landscape of Oxford we would love to hear from you.

Donations can be made online using the link below or by emailing development@timeandtruth.co.uk.