The 18th Oxford Lieder Festival has announced its will focus on the world of storytelling and fairy tales, from Norse legend to the Brothers Grimm.

The new season will showcase leading artists including Louise Alder, Ilker Arcayürek, Benjamin Appl, Nikolay Borchev, Katherine Broderick, Stéphane Degout, Tara Erraught, Marcus Farnsworth, Maria Forsström, James Gilchrist, Ben Johnson, Sophie Karthaüser, Stephan Loges, Christoph Prégardien, Dorothea Röschmann, Katharina Ruckgaber, Ashley Riches, Carolyn Sampson, Thomas Oliemans, Kitty Whately and others, alongside pianists including Eugene Asti, Graham Johnson, Christopher Glynn, Matti Hirvonen, Hartmut Höll, Simon Lepper, Malcolm Martineau, Cédric Tibérghien and Roger Vignoles.

The festival will open with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with Camilla Tilling and Neal Davies performing orchestral songs by Schubert and Grieg.

Additionally, Roderick Williams will be in residence for five days to perform Schubert’s three song cycles in the sparkling English translations by Jeremy Sams and two world premieres from newly-appointed Associate Composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad are set to be featured throughout the festival. A number of new commissions by Martin Suckling and Ross Griffey will be performed.

The festival will also showcase a number of events including live magic, a film screening, and a ghost trail. Audiences will also be able to experience chamber music concerts.

The festival runs from Oct. 11 – 26, 2019.