who are we?
We are an Oxford based initiative committed to diversifying the musical canon.
Initially founded at Somerville Music Society to ensure that the musical offering was as diverse as Somerville’s inclusive heritage, the Alternative Canon Project has encouraged increasingly diverse concert programming, as well as a growing library of works.
Recently, we’ve been expanding. We want to show the whole of Oxford (and beyond) the huge benefits of playing music by composers and artists from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The musical canon is the standard concert repertoire, constructed to elevate the status of a narrow group of works and composers.
We aim to ensure that our repertoire will not be limited by the cultural and ideological forces that shaped this tradition, incorporating music by composers that have historically been excluded from processes of canon formation.
why?
we don’t discourage engagement with canonic composers…
… or believe that underrepresented works should be solely kept in a separate sphere. But, we do believe that there is a need for dedicated spaces which can challenge the canon with more force. As a targeted space, we hope to contribute to an alternative version of what the canon could look like.
what do we do?
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So many people want to diversify their repertoire but don't know where to start. We provide resources to help people find works, funding, and information to create more inclusive programmes. Many of our resources are linked here.
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Through dedicated concerts, we create a targeted space for composers outside of the canon. As well as being a memorable and enjoyable musical experiences, we hope our events will redress the balance of concert programmes in Oxford and beyond. We also help to promote events with a strong 'alternative canon' ethos. Find out more here.
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The Alternative Canon Pledge asks student ensembles to commit to programming works by underrepresented composers. Specific numbers and quotas are decided on an individual basis, based on existing programming choices and what is deemed realistic. To find out more, read, and sign the Pledge, see our dedicated page here.
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The RETUNE Festival is a two-week series of workshops, panels, and concerts celebrating the commitment, courage, and creativity of underrepresented music-makers. The inaugural Festival was held across venues in Oxford in March 2024 as a collaboration between the Faculty of Music, Oxford University Music Society, and the Alternative Canon Project. Plans are underway for RETUNE 2025 - watch this space!
the acp team
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Erin townsend
Logistics
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ella machtynger
Marketing & Logistics
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evie brenkley
Finance & Logistics
Previous ACP team members
Trina Banerjee
Chloe Green
Alice Knight
Michelle Stanley
Angie Wyatt