Welcome

SOUNDS IN STONE

‘Sounds in Stone’ is a concert inspired by the museum’s collections, with music reflecting the story of life, our planet, and the universe beyond. Centered on voice and piano, with special arrangements for oboe, viola, and violin, the programme spans classical and contemporary works - from Copland’s reflections on nature to Britten’s seascapes and Björk’s haunting Jóga.

Performed by musicians from the European Space Agency’s climate team, led by mezzo-soprano Susanne Mecklenburg with pianist William Hancox, this concert offers a rare meeting of scientific insight and musical expression. Join us for an evening where the history of life resonates through sound as well as stone and stars. The musical pieces will be introduced with specimens that inspired their choice by two of the Museum’s geological research and collections staff.

ARTISTS

Susanne Mecklenburg | voice

William Hancox | piano

Sophie Hebden | oboe

Michael Eisinger | viola

Briony Turner | violin

PERFORMANCE

Friday, 27 February 2026 7:00 PM

Natural History Museum Oxford

19:30 - 21:30 (doors and bar open 19:00)

Tickets Oxford Museums and Collections Web Store

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

What do you think when you think wine? Imagine someone is offering you a glass of wine, asking for your opinion… its starts fruity, continues with love potions and drinking songs, adds a few juicy notes about Bacchus, creates exuberance and ecstasy, invokes the autumn sun and grape harvest… and has a tipsy ending. Well, if this sounds like a good wine – join our musical wine tasting! Music by Piazzolla, Gershwin, Händel, Verdi, Offenbach, Debussy, Strauss, Warlock, Barbara and others.

ARTISTS

Susanne Mecklenburg | voice

William Hancox | piano