General booking is now open for Waterperry Opera Festival’s Winter Festival 2025, taking place 12 to14 December at the Holywell Music Room in Oxford. This much-loved seasonal celebration promises an enchanting weekend of music, festive storytelling, and family-friendly performances.
What’s On
Christmas Jazz with The Easy Rollers
Friday 12 December, 7.30 pm
Returning by popular demand, acclaimed vintage jazz ensemble The Easy Rollers will light up the Holywell with a sparkling evening of Christmas jazz and crooner classics. Inspired by the glamour and swing of the Jazz Age, their high-energy performance promises a festive highlight.
The performance runs for 45 minutes, followed by a 25-minute interval, and concludes with a further 45-minute set. Ticket prices range from £22 to £45, with special rates of £22 available for Under 35s and Blue Light card holders, and wheelchair seating priced at £25.
Handel’s Messiah
Saturday 13 December, 7.00 pm
Now firmly established as a Waterperry Christmas tradition, Messiah has captivated sell-out Oxford audiences since 2021. Led by Bertie Baigent, with distinguished soloists and period instrumentalists, this uplifting performance will once again transform the magical setting of the Holywell Music Room. A London performance follows at St Marylebone Parish Church on 20 December.
The performance takes place from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, including a 20-minute interval. Tickets are priced between £25 and £60, with discounted rates of £25 available for Under 35s, Blue Light card holders, wheelchair seating, and companions.
The Nutcracker: Family Concerts
Sunday 14 December, 2.00 pm & 3.30 pm
A special treat for younger audiences, The Nutcracker will be brought to life by the Waterperry Wind Quintet and narrator. This bite-sized retelling of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is the perfect introduction to classical music – joyous, magical, and family-friendly.
Each performance lasts 30 minutes. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £12 for under 16s, while children under 2 can attend free of charge.
The Winter Festival marks the first season for Waterperry Opera Festival’s new Artistic Director & CEO, John Savournin, who said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Waterperry Opera Festival to begin to shape the future of the festival and celebrate the fantastic legacy left by Guy Verrall-Withers and our core team, Rebecca Meltzer and Bertie Baigent.
And I am especially looking forward to meeting you, our audience, and sharing our plans for this wonderful, ambitious and unique festival, set in the beautiful gardens of Waterperry.”
Visit the Waterperry Opera Festival’s website to secure your place for Winter Festival 2025.
