Venue information

Set within the riverside grounds of St Hilda’s College in Oxford, the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building (JdP) is one of the city’s most respected venues for chamber music, recitals and cultural events. Named in honour of the celebrated cellist Jacqueline du Pré, the venue combines modern design, exceptional acoustics and an intimate atmosphere that attracts performers and audiences from across the UK and beyond.

Opened in 1995 as Oxford’s first purpose-built concert venue since the eighteenth-century Holywell Music Room, the JdP has established a reputation for artistic excellence. Its 168-seat Edward Boyle Auditorium provides an outstanding setting for chamber music, classical recitals, jazz performances, lectures and spoken-word events, with acoustics designed by Arup and a Steinway D concert grand piano at its heart.

Over the years, the venue has welcomed an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed musicians and ensembles, including cellist Steven Isserlis, the building’s patron, alongside leading chamber groups, soloists and visiting artists. Regular concerts, educational programmes and community events continue to make the JdP a vibrant centre for music and performance in Oxford.

Beyond public performances, the building is also available for hire, offering flexible spaces for concerts, recordings, rehearsals, conferences, lectures and corporate events. Facilities include the Edward Boyle Auditorium, the light-filled Brian Duke Foyer and a range of professional practice and teaching rooms equipped with high-quality pianos and recording capabilities.

Whether attending a world-class recital, discovering emerging talent or hosting a special event, the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building offers a unique cultural experience in one of Oxford’s most picturesque settings.

Facilities

Edward Boyle Auditorium
The heart of the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, the Edward Boyle Auditorium is a 168-seat performance space renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Equipped with a Steinway D concert grand piano and flexible seating arrangements, it regularly hosts chamber music concerts, recitals, lectures, recordings and conferences, providing audiences with exceptional sightlines and sound quality throughout the venue.

Brian Duke Foyer
Added as an extension to the original building, the light-filled Brian Duke Foyer serves as a welcoming social and event space. Its striking glass design makes it ideal for pre-concert gatherings, interval refreshments, receptions, corporate functions, networking events and art exhibitions, while offering attractive views across the college grounds.

Practice Rooms
The JdP Music Building includes four specialist practice and teaching rooms available for hire by musicians, tutors and students. Each room is equipped with high-quality pianos and music facilities, providing professional spaces for rehearsals, music lessons, individual practice and small ensemble work.

Stevenson Room
Designed for advanced piano practice, professional musicians and chamber ensembles, the Stevenson Room features a Steinway A grand piano and offers a spacious environment suited to rehearsals, coaching sessions and specialist music tuition.

MacKinnon Room
The MacKinnon Room is equipped with a Yamaha U3 Silent Piano, allowing musicians to practise, record and teach using both acoustic and silent modes. Its acoustic treatment makes it particularly suitable for instrumental practice and music education.

Lee Room
Featuring two upright pianos, the Lee Room is well suited to piano teaching, duet rehearsals and collaborative practice sessions. The space is regularly used by teachers, accompanists and students preparing for performances and examinations.

Salmon Room
A versatile teaching and practice space, the Salmon Room includes a Yamaha upright piano and a harpsichord, making it particularly appealing for early music rehearsal, individual practice and specialist tuition.

Opening hours

Opening times vary depending on performances, rehearsals, room bookings and college events.

Getting there

Walking
Coming from Oxford High Street walk over Magdalen Bridge, and at the Cowley Plain roundabout turn right onto Cowley Place. You will pass Magdalen College School, and St Hilda’s College is at the end of the road on the right. Once inside the grounds, turn left and follow the signs to the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building. Approx. 15 mins from Oxford High Street.

By Bus
Bus numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 400, 280, U1 and U5 all stop at Cowley Plain with stops located on St Clements, Cowley Road and Iffley Road. The JdP Music Building is no more than a 5 minute walk from any of these stops – walk to the roundabout and turn down Cowley Place and you will find the College at the end of the road on the right.

By Train
From Oxford train station take bus 5 to the Cowley Plain stop and from there it is a 5 minute walk to the JdP Music Building: walk to the roundabout and turn down Cowley Place and you will find the College at the end of the road on the right.

By Car
Pay and display parking may be available in St Clements public car park, and there are a limited number of spaces sometimes available in Magdalen College School car park directly opposite the main entrance to St Hilda’ss. Disabled parking is available – please call to reserve a space.

The JdP has step-free access from the main entrance.

The stalls seating area on the ground floor is step-free and seating is flexible to make space for wheelchair users. The Gallery is accessed via stairs and there is no lift.

Toilets:

The JdP has an accessible toilet in the main foyer.