RETUNE Festival

RETUNE is a collaboration between the Alternative Canon Project, Oxford University Music Society (OUMS), and the Faculty of Music. We present a festival that reflects the diversity of underrepresented groups in music, both past and present, including performers, composers/arrangers, teachers, patrons, curators, writers and activists.

The Alternative Canon Project (ACP) was founded by the students of Somerville College Music Society and has grown to support diverse musical programming across the University. Through provision of resources and curation of their own events, the ACP is showcasing the benefits of playing and listening to music by composers and artists from a diverse range of backgrounds. OUMS is at the forefront of University Music Societies in promoting inclusivity and representation within the world of classical music, having launched the Diversity in Music Project last year. They are delighted to have an official partnership with ACP.

Both Projects are testament to the intellectual curiosity and dedication that students across the University bring to the commitment of giving voice to the under-represented. At the Faculty of Music, the teaching, coaching, mentoring and academic dialogues this year have likewise given a strong spotlight to the questions, courage and actions of those who have used music to empower. This year, the Faculty has expanded on its commitment to the yearly International Women’s Day celebration by involving students and professionals in an ambitious array of mentored-projects culminating in public performances at the Holywell Music Room.

Over the course of two weeks, venues across Oxford will be hive of activity for a series of student and professional concerts, talks, workshops, and pre-concert events, curated by ACP, OUMS, and the Director of Performance and Performance Studies Dr Maria Razumovskaya with the Music Faculty's Events Team.