Maki Sekiya, St Anne’s Camerata chamber orchestra deliver a memorable evening
The Common Room in the Radcliffe Observatory was filled to capacity on Friday 31 May for a concert featuring pianist Maki Sekiya, Green Templeton College’s Musician-in-Residence, together with St Anne’s Camerata chamber orchestra, conducted by Dr John Traill.
The first half of a highly adventurous programme was devoted to solo works by Beethoven (his Opus 109 sonata) and Liszt’s Campanella, after which came Mozart’s piano concerto no.14.
Green Templeton’s Musician-in-Residence Maki Sekiya performed an adventurous programme in the Observatory Common Room on Friday 31 May (Credit: Pedro Stoeckli)
Maki made light of this varied and challenging repertoire, holding her audience in thrall with the clarity and dynamic range of her interpretations. The concerto was a beautifully balanced dialogue between soloist and the Camerata.
The audience spent the interval climbing the next flight of the Radcliffe Observatory’s long curving staircase for a second half in the wonderful acoustics of its second floor Tower of the Winds.
The second half of the concert took place in the Tower of the Winds (Credit: Pedro Stoeckli)
Here, the Camerata played Spring, a gentle piece composed by Martyn Harry of St Anne’s College, and then Metamorphosen by Richard Strauss. This major work of 1945 portrayed the torture of the war years and drew an emotionally charged performance from the young players of St Anne’s.
The discovery of the Observatory’s second floor as a superb venue for music-making will undoubtedly ensure that more concerts will take place there in the future.
The partnership of Maki Sekiya with John Traill and the Camerata made for a truly memorable evening.
The partnership of Maki with John Traill and the Camerata made for a truly memorable evening (Credit: Pedro Stoeckli)
Congratulations to all of the @gtcball2026 survivors 🪼🫧🪸🧜🌊✨
From the ocean floor to the dance floor 🌊🪸🫧💙🧜 🐙🪼
We had an incredible evening at the Nautilus Ball! @gtcball2026
The Radcliffe Observatory is having a conservation makeover...
Behind the printed wrap is a complex network of poles and platforms, giving specialist teams access to every part of this remarkable building.
The Observatory is now undergoing a new phase of work that combines careful conservation of its historic fabric with major environmental upgrades.
Protecting one of Oxford`s most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 🏛️
Over the past week, we have celebrated the extraordinary Green Templeton community through events, volunteering, competitions, challenges and fundraising for student support. It has been wonderful to see alumni, fellows, supporters, friends, staff and students coming together to show our support for students.
From the Garden Party and the Photography Competition, to the Memory Wall and Biscuit Decorating Competition, the week has been filled with moments that reflect the warmth, inclusivity and spirit of our college.
Thank you to everyone who made a gift, attended an event, volunteered their time or followed along throughout the week. Together, we have raised over £65,000 for student support. These gifts will help students pursue opportunities, navigate financial pressures, participate fully in college life and thrive during their time at Oxford.
#ThankYou
#GivingWeek
#Fundraising
#StudentSupport
#Oxford
📸 Congratulations to Sophia Hall (MSc Medical Anthropology, 2025), winner of the Green Templeton College 2026 Photography Competition!
Sophia`s reflection on Vincent captured perfectly the sense of belonging that so many people find at Green Templeton.
A huge thank you to everyone who entered the competition and to everyone who voted. Your support also helped unlock £1,000 of funding as part of our Community & Giving Week challenge!
