Trinity College has announced the launch of Events at Trinity, a new public programme of activity in its Levine Building that was opened by the then Prince of Wales in May 2022.
The inaugural season of events includes public talks by some of the College’s world-renowned academics and fellows, a programme of classical music recitals from leading UK artists, together with immersive deep dives into everything from gardening to the architectural legacy of Sir Christopher Wren in Oxford.
College President Dame Hilary Boulding said, “The stunning new Levine Building, set in the College’s woodland garden, is a wonderful space that allows us to welcome the public into Trinity – particularly our neighbours in the local community.
“We’ve designed a programme which has something for everyone: talks, performances, discussions and debates. So if you have ever wondered about the range of work that takes place in Oxford’s colleges, come and experience it for yourself.”
Creative Director Andrew Miller MBE said, “It’s been a privilege to bring the College’s beautiful new public spaces to life with this inaugural programme.
“We are looking forward to sharing the latest academic thinking on vital subjects such as the safety of surgery and the impact of recessions, as well as presenting sumptuous musical experiences in the de Jager Auditorium. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Trinity.”
Some of the highlights of the first year’s programme, which runs from October 2022 through to June 2023, include:
On 02 November, Trinity Professor Peter McCulloch shares his research into how science can make surgery safer for all of us. Professor McCullouch has carried out hundreds of operations, primarily in the field of cancer.
So, he knows better than most that surgery carries the risk of complications and the response of surgeons to these events when they occur is often crucial in deciding if someone lives or dies.
On 16 and 23 March 2023, celebrated garden designer and broadcaster Chris Beardshaw discusses his exciting new design for the herbaceous border on Trinity’s North Lawn, where he has been tasked with restoring this historic landmark and transforming one of the most iconic views in Oxford.
Chris says of this commission, ‘The gardens and grounds of Trinity College, ever since their formation, have been a showcase for horticultural fashions, talents, and leading styles of the day. To be responsible for designing and curating a garden that is relevant to students and visitors of today is an absolute honour.’
Rising star violinist Leia Zhu is just 16 years old and performs at Trinity on 27 November. Her astonishing virtuosity is just one facet of an engaging and truly remarkable young artist. “It is fun!” she says.
“That’s also the beauty of making music. Each time it is different.” In the welcoming acoustic of the de Jager Auditorium, she plays Franck’s soaring Violin Sonata, as well as music by Schubert, Hindemith and Poulenc: composers who were eternally young in spirit.
In April 2023, Trinity is delighted to be taking part in Wren300 – a national festival marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren – arguably the greatest British architect of all time. Wren’s extensive work in Oxford is well loved, including Trinity’s own Garden Quadrangle and Chapel.
So the College is the perfect location for a weekend of musical, visual and academic exploration of Wren’s long life and enduring legacy featuring The Georgian Group’s 2023 Symposium, an exhibition from Trinity’s own archives and a concert from Instruments of Time & Truth in Wren’s Chapel.
Further information about the full season can be found on the Trinity College website.
