The Oxford University Music Society ( OUMS ) is one of the oldest societies in the University of Oxford , England , tracing its origins back to 1872. The Society was formed in 1916 by the merger of the Oxford University Musical Club , founded in 1872, and the Oxford University Musical Union , founded in 1884. Originally called the Oxford University Musical Club and Union , it changed its name to the Oxford University Musical Society in 1983.
6-662: The Oxford University Musical Club ran the Public Classical Concerts series from 1891 to 1914. These led to the Oxford Subscription Concerts series subsequently. The concerts included the Oxford Symphony Orchestra . The Oxford University Music Club also sponsored weekly concerts in the historic Holywell Music Room . Sir James Steuart Wilson (1889–1966) sang for the Club. OUMS was founded to promote
12-506: Is the city of Oxford 's chamber music hall, situated on Holywell Street in the city centre, and is part of Wadham College . It is said to be the oldest purpose-built music room in Europe , and hence Britain's first concert hall . The Holywell Music Room, which is part of Wadham College , Oxford, was one of the earliest purpose built concert venues in the world and the first in Europe. Prior to
18-440: The advent of concert halls, recitals would happen at private aristocratic venues, royal courts, or in churches. It was built in 1748, probably under the direction of William Hayes and it was designed by Dr Thomas Camplin, the vice-principal of St Edmund Hall . The venue was important for popularizing the music of Haydn in 18th century England. He was the most frequently performed composer during 1788–1791; at short notice he
24-615: The appreciation and performance of music within Oxford University. OUMS runs eight ensembles: In addition to the above ensembles, the Oxford University Chamber Music Society, Oxford Millennium Orchestra , and Oxford Chamber Orchestra (alumni orchestra) are affiliated with OUMS. OUMS is supported by the Oxford University Music Faculty. Holywell Music Room The Holywell Music Room
30-513: The following year. In 1959, the building was restored. The building was Grade II* listed in 1954. The building cost £1,263 and 10s, equivalent to approximately £2.5 million in 2018, and included chandeliers that had previously been hung in Westminster Hall for Coronation of George IV and donated to Wadham College . The building was funded by public subscription. The auditorium seats 200, includes an organ , which likely dates from
36-595: Was unable to attend a planned visit to the venue while in Oxford in 1791. By 1836, the building was being used for purposes beyond concerts, including auctions and exhibitions. During the 1870s, the Oxford Philharmonic Society would give weekly concerns. In 1910, the building was leased by the Oxford University Musical Union, and John Henry Mee wrote his essay The Oldest Music Room in Europe
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