Events at Dorchester Abbey

For generations people have brought their gifts and skills to enhance the life of Dorchester Abbey and this tradition continues as a huge variety of groups and organisations hire and use the Abbey each year as the venue for a wide and vibrant programme of concerts, theatre, visual arts and other events.

If you would like to hire the Abbey for your event then take a look at our information for hirers.

Feb
6
Fri
Moving Music Concerts
Feb 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Moving Music Concerts @ Dorchester Abbey
Moving Music concerts are offered by the charity Sound Resource, which promotes music for health and wellbeing.

 

Instrumental & song performances by talented young musicians, with sing-along songs led by Hannah Davey.

11.30am: Pate’s Grammar School musicians

2pm: Magdalen College School musicians

 

All are welcome, particularly people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers. Reserve places in advance for your preferred concert time: movingmusicconcerts@gmail.com; 01865 251305. Pay what you can at the door, guide £8.

 

More information: https://soundresource.org.uk/whats-on/

 

Dress warmly!

Feb
7
Sat
Concert of Classical & Jazz Music by Autistic Performers
Feb 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Concert of Classical & Jazz Music by Autistic Performers @ Dorchester Abbey

Following the great success of this concert last year, another inclusive evening with Derek Paravicini and friends featuring young performers across the spectrum of neurodiversity.

An inclusive evening of inspirational music-making.

Following its success last year, OSJ Music for Autism presents another inclusive concert, featuring amazing pianists Derek Paravicini,  Ashleigh Turley  and other young musicians across the spectrum of neurodiversity including five autistic choristers from Litchfield cathedral.

With Poppy McGhee violin and Hannah Davey soprano.

Born three and a half months prematurely, Derek is blind and has severe autism. But with perfect pitch, innate talent and a lot of practice, he became a concert pianist by the age of 10. He can play almost any piece by ear in any key and style and is one of the most extraordinary pianists and musicians of his generation. Explore his YouTube channel to find out more about Derek’s incredible journey and musical abilities, and to hear his truly unique stylistic interpretations.

Ashleigh has been blind since birth, is on the autistic spectrum and has hearing difficulties. At a very young age, Ashleigh developed a love of music and is able to play the piano, drums, organ, guitar and saxophone all to a very high standard. Ashleigh has also been supported by The Amber Trust, and as well as performing she now also composes her own music.

Poppy loves to perform, but what is really important to her is being able to bring pleasure to others through her music. Poppy is a music scholar at Marlborough College where she studies with Philip Dukes. She is a member of the Junior Department at the Royal Academy of Music, leads the Somerset County Youth Orchestra, and hopes to study and perform professionally.
In recognition of Poppy’s exceptional work for a number of charities, most notably the Amber Trust, Future Talent, and AYM (Awards for Young Musicians), Poppy was awarded a Rotary Young Citizen’s Award (2021), and a Diana Award (2021) – the former being one of only six such awards nationally.

Hannah is both a classical and jazz singer, and enjoys a busy and varied career performing around the UK and Europe.
In her life as a classical soprano, Hannah’s professional engagements take her across the country performing song recitals, oratorio and orchestral concerts. As a jazz vocalist, Hannah sings with the Derek Paravicini Quartet and as part of a piano duo creating stunning realisations of the great standards.

Free tickets available for NHS workers and for the disabled. Please email admin@osj.org.uk.

When you purchase tickets, we politely ask that you consider adding a voluntary donation to support our work in the community and with children in Special Educational Needs schools.

PLEASE PARK RESPONSIBLY IN DORCHESTER VILLAGE. DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAY ACCESS NEAR TO THE ABBEY. Parking areas for events are signposted: either the Recreation Ground at the Oxford end, or in the field over the bridge.

£20

Feb
14
Sat
BEETHOVEN with RYAN WANG piano
Feb 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
BEETHOVEN with RYAN WANG piano @ Dorchester Abbey

Ryan Wang – BBC Young Musician of the Year 2024
The Overture of 1807 vividly shows Coriolanus’s conflicted inner state through a fierce, rebellious theme in C minor representing the general and a tender, pleading theme in E-flat major for his mother.
Piano Concerto No 1 of 1798 is a work of youthful energy and classical poise, demonstrating his developing Romantic style within the formal structure of the Classical period.
Symphony No 7, composed in 1812 at the peak of his powers, is an energetic, rhythmically driven masterpiece often described as the “Apotheosis of the Dance”.

Feb
28
Sat
LUMOS Experiences ~ Candlelit Concerts
Feb 28 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LUMOS Experiences ~ Candlelit Concerts @ Dorchester Abbey

EVENT CANCELLED PLEASE SEE INFORMATION FOR TICKET HOLDERS FOR REFUND OR TICKET TRANSFER

 
It is with deep regret that we must announce the **Cancellation of our Candlelight Experience scheduled for Saturday 28th February in Dorchester-on-Thames**. This is due to unforeseen circumstances outside of our control and we are truly sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause. 
 
As a token of our appreciation, we’d love to offer you free tickets for friends and family to another one of our Lumos Experience’s Shows across the country, or a future show in Dorchester-on-Thames.
Refunds will also be available if you would not like to transfer your tickets to another show. 
 
Please contact via email at customerservice@lumoslive.co.uk and let us know which option you’d like to choose. Please include your full name, email address, and order number, followed by the option you’d like to choose.
 
Thank you sincerely for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you soon. 
 
With heartfelt apologies and thanks, 
The Lumos Team

 

www.lumos-experiences.com

Mar
7
Sat
Baroque with The Thames Consort
Mar 7 @ 7:00 pm
Baroque with The Thames Consort @ dorchester abbey

Baroque

Come and immerse yourself in the vocal and chamber music of the Baroque Period with the Choir of Thames Consort!  Handel, Corelli, Schutz, Croce & Bach

With

Sharon Warnes and Claire Parkin – Violins

Judith Dallosso – ‘Cello

Director and Continuo – Jeremy Boughton

This is a fundraising event for Dorchester Abbey

Mar
14
Sat
Benson Choral Society Spring Concert
Mar 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Benson Choral Society Spring Concert @ Dorchester Abbey
 

Brahms German Requiem: A Masterpiece of Consolation

Experience with Benson Choral Society one of the most powerful and moving choral works ever written: Johannes Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem.

Unlike traditional Latin requiems, Brahms created a “human requiem” to comfort the living. Driven by the grief of losing his mother and his mentor Robert Schumann, Brahms meticulously selected German biblical texts to offer a universal message of hope, peace, and shared humanity.

This monumental work, Brahms’s longest composition, stands apart for its deep emotional resonance, rich romantic melodies, and exquisite choral writing. The music offers us a journey from anxiety and sorrow to ultimate consolation and peace.

We will be performing the original version for piano duet, created by Brahms himself.

Join us for a performance of this timeless masterpiece  and Brahms’s vision of comfort at Dorchester Abbey on Saturday, 14th March at 7.30pm. Tickets are available online at www.bensonchoralsociety.org.uk.  Seats: £20 reserved, £17 unreserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar
21
Sat
ROSALIND VENTRIS PLAYS WALTON, AND RACHMANINOV
Mar 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ROSALIND VENTRIS PLAYS WALTON, AND RACHMANINOV @ Dorchester Abbey

Walton’s Viola Concerto is a 20th-century masterpiece for the “Cinderella instrument” of the viola, known for its melancholic opening, brisk scherzo, and eloquent epilogue.
‘Rach 2’ is a long, glorious, and deeply melodic Romantic symphony with soaring melodies, rich orchestral sound, and passionate, brooding atmosphere.

Rachmaninov Motets for choir
Walton Viola concerto
Rachmaninov Symphony No 2

Rosalind Ventris viola
Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey.
John Lubbock conductor
OSJ Voices
Orchestra of St John’s

Mar
28
Sat
Rock Choir Live! A Charity Concert for Wallingford Family Centre & Sue Ryder Oxfordshire
Mar 28 @ 6:45 pm – 9:45 pm
Rock Choir Live! A Charity Concert for Wallingford Family Centre & Sue Ryder Oxfordshire @ Dorchester Abbey
 

Rock Choir Charity Concert – Supporting Wallingford Family Centre & Sue Ryder

Join us for an uplifting evening of music with the incredible Rock Choir, all in support of two local charities providing vital care in our community: Wigod Way Wallingford Family Centre and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.

About Wigod Way Wallingford Family Centre

A community-run charity since 2017, the Family Centre have over 1,000 local families registered, they support through play sessions, parenting support, SEN groups, baby groups, fitness sessions, one-to-one help, food and clothing parcels, and tailored support designed around each family’s individual needs. Last year alone families attended over 300 sessions, with total footfall reaching 10,171 visits.

Parents describe the centre as:

“A lifeline for local families… I would be lost without it.” “Finding somewhere like Wigod finally put my motherhood journey on a more positive trajectory.”

Your ticket helps ensure these vital services continue as demand rises.

About Sue Ryder – South Oxfordshire

Sue Ryder provides expert, compassionate palliative care for people living with life-limiting conditions, along with emotional and practical support for families. Their team helps people live the best life they can, even at the toughest times — ensuring no one faces illness or bereavement alone.

About Rock Choir

Rock Choir is the UK’s leading contemporary choir, known for its feel-good performances and huge community spirit. Expect uplifting harmonies, well-loved songs and an evening full of energy, joy and connection.

Why Your Ticket Matters

All funds raised will be shared between the Family Centre and Sue Ryder, helping to:

• provide children and parents with crucial support for families

• ensure local families receive compassionate palliative and bereavement care

 

 

May
1
Fri
Dorchester Festival
May 1 – May 10 all-day
Dorchester Festival @ Dorchester Abbey

Dorchester Festival is an amazing 64 events raising money for Dorchester Abbey and, in 2026, Be Free Young Carers, a local carers charity. Come and see The Kings Singers, sing with John Rutter, folk with Steve Knightley & Rusty Shackle, dance to Jay Rayner’s jazz sextet, be fascinated by Ashmolean Director Xa Sturgis, mesmerised by poet Brian Bilston, race ducks, find scarecrows, laugh with Nick Page, cook and do historical trails and much much more!

Find out more on the Festival website here

Jun
20
Sat
Benson Choral Society Summer Concert
Jun 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Benson Choral Society Summer Concert @ Dorchester Abbey

More Details Coming Soon!