A unique classical music performance reimagining the songs of iconic British band Radiohead will take place in their hometown of Oxford this Sunday. London Concertante, a renowned ensemble familiar with performing the works of classical composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, and Vaughan Williams, is set to reinterpret songs from Radiohead’s extensive catalogue, bringing a fresh symphonic perspective to the band’s innovative and genre-defying music.
The concert, part of the Radiohead Reimagined tour, will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, one of Oxford’s most iconic and historic landmarks. Artistic director of London Concertante, Chris Grist, who is also the orchestra’s founder, described the performance as “a real homecoming” for the ensemble, as Radiohead hails from Oxford.
“We’ve taken this show across various cathedrals and abbeys throughout the UK, but performing in Oxford, where Radiohead started, adds something really special to the occasion,” Grist tells the BBC. “It feels significant to bring this show back to the band’s roots, where it all began. It’s a celebration of both Radiohead’s music and the city that helped shape their sound.”
The Radiohead Reimagined show offers a symphonic twist on both the band’s guitar-driven anthems and their more experimental works. From their early albums, The Bends and OK Computer, which introduced the world to their unique blend of alternative rock, to later releases such as Kid A and In Rainbows, the ensemble will perform reworked versions of songs that capture Radiohead’s evolving sound.
Grist, who has long been a fan of Radiohead, says that curating the songs for this performance was a challenging but rewarding process. “It has been a really fun challenge,” he says. “I spent a lot of time listening to every single Radiohead album, and narrowing down the songs was not an easy task. But the goal was to stay true to the music while reimagining it for an orchestral setting. We’ve embraced the more musically challenging moments and created arrangements that push the boundaries of what classical music can do.”
The band’s wide-ranging musical journey, from their early alternative rock anthems to their more experimental and electronic-infused works, has earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim. Radiohead’s influence has also grown in recent years, with the band becoming increasingly recognised as not only a significant force in rock music but also as a cultural phenomenon.
Alongside their Radiohead Reimagined concert, the band’s cultural legacy continues to expand. Oxford’s prestigious Ashmolean Museum will soon host an art exhibition dedicated to Radiohead’s visual and sonic artistry. Additionally, a stage production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon will combine the music from their Hail to the Thief album with William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, creating a fascinating fusion of two powerful cultural forces.
For Grist, the growing recognition of Radiohead’s cultural importance marks a shift in how both classical music and rock music are perceived. “In the past, there was this sense of snobbery in the classical world towards rock music,” he observes. “But over time, that has evaporated. There’s a growing recognition that rock music has a valuable role to play in shaping cultural and artistic discourse, and there are rich opportunities to explore the crossover between genres. We’re excited to be a part of that movement.”
Grist’s goal with Radiohead Reimagined is not only to create a tribute to the band’s music but also to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary genres. He believes that the performance can introduce new audiences to the world of classical music while also providing a fresh, symphonic lens through which Radiohead fans can experience their beloved tracks.
“We’re not dumbing down the music. We want to show that classical music can engage with rock on an equal footing,” Grist explains. “For a Radiohead fan, this concert will offer a new way of experiencing their favourite songs. But for someone from a classical music background who might not be familiar with Radiohead, they’ll be able to hear this symphonic concert and see how rock music can be transformed into something grand and complex.”
The concert promises to appeal to a broad range of listeners, whether they are long-time fans of Radiohead or classical music enthusiasts looking to experience something different. Grist hopes that the show will encourage exploration and cross-pollination between the two worlds, offering a new perspective on both genres.
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As Radiohead Reimagined continues its UK tour, Grist and the ensemble look forward to performing in other iconic venues across the country, bringing the fusion of rock and classical music to audiences who may never have considered the two worlds could meet in such a harmonious way.
“Music has a way of transcending boundaries,” Grist concludes. “By reimagining Radiohead through the lens of classical music, we hope to create something that resonates with everyone. It’s not just about celebrating the band’s legacy—it’s about showing how music, no matter its origin, can unite and inspire people in new and unexpected ways.”
For Oxford, the concert represents a fitting tribute to a band that has shaped not just the city’s music scene, but the global cultural landscape. The Radiohead Reimagined performance promises to be a momentous occasion, blending the innovative spirit of Radiohead with the timeless elegance of classical music in a city that played a pivotal role in the band’s journey.
