On Wednesday 8th June, at 7.30pm, The Oxford Concert Party will be in concert in the beautiful Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, celebrating our achievements, thanking those who have supported us and introducing a guest musician, an ex-offender whose life was turned around by one of our prison projects.

Twenty-five years ago we conceived the idea of the Oxford Concert Party, a music group that would break boundaries, remove barriers but above all, bring the healing power of music to as many people as possible. Just six months later we gave our first concert and since then we have delivered innumerable projects for dementia groups, prisons, day centres and schools, and broadcast and toured nationally and internationally.

Music is not only a source of great pleasure but also a powerful tool, enabling the healing of the mind and spirit, in individuals and across communities. Our experience over the last twenty-five years has proved to us that music can transform and change lives. During the evening, we will be performing “Roll Over Beethoven” with Peter, an ex-offender who will talk about how participating in one of our prison projects over a decade ago started the process of changing his life from one of crime to law abiding.

The evening will be an opportunity to show what we believe to be a unique approach and to update you with news of our most recent work in prisons, day centres and schools, and looking forward to future projects. You will also find out why The Daily Telegraph said of us, “A decidedly unstuffy bunch of superb musicians … Look out for them whenever your spirits need a lift” .