In spring 2024 we restarted this series in Oxford.
Famous people talk about their lives, share their opinions, and discuss the music that has meant the most to them in their lives. Each one has had a prominent career and is happy to express some strong opinions! OSJ plays their chosen pieces live in the concert hall conducted by John Lubbock – often brand-new arrangements of an eclectic programme. Find out what they feel passionate about during their interviews with the BBC’s Sue Cook
In 2016 we enjoyed fascinating evenings with ex cabinet minister David Mellor, Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray, entrepreneur Sir David Tang, actor Timothy West and Nicholas Parsons from Just a Minute. In 2017 we welcomed Prue Leith cook, author and TV personality, Libby Purves journalist from Mid Week, Sir Roy Strong, art historian, writer and garden creator, and John Julius Norwich, historian and author.
2018 brought Sir Trevor McDonald broadcaster, Sir Simon Jenkins columnist, Lord Hague politician, Lord Archer novelist, and national treasure Joanna Lumley. Plus Sir Martin Smith financier and philanthropist at the Ashmolean.
In 2019 the series moved to the Wigmore Hall: February Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Twickenham. March Stanley Johnson; writer, former politician and environmental journalist. April Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, journalist and broadcaster. May Dame Mary Archer; scientist, specialist in solar energy, and chair of the trustees of the National Science Museum Group. And in Oxford Festival of the Arts: Prue Leith, cook, author, host of The Great British Bake Off
The series continued with Kevin Whately, Nicholas Parsons, Alastair Campbell and Alan Titchmarsh. For 2020 we welcomed Alexander Armstrong and Timothy West, before the series was paused during lockdown
