Marios Papadopoulos, renowned professor at the Clavicologne, will lead the Oxford Piano Festival

Marios Papadopoulos, a renowned pianist and conductor, will lead the 27th Oxford Piano Festival in 2025. His multifaceted expertise offers Clavicologne masterclass participants valuable insights and a rare opportunity to learn from his extensive experience in performance and orchestral leadership.

Participants of the Clavicologne masterclasses will have a chance to learn from Marios Papadopoulos, a prolific recording artist, conductor, author, member of the Oxford University Faculty of Music, and Fellow by Special Election of Keble College, Oxford. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, among many other prestigious titles. His vast experience includes serving as the Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and founding the Oxford Piano Festival, which has been attracting young musicians for 27 years.

Described by The Times at his 1975 piano recital debut as having "all the attributes of one of the world’s greatest players," Papadopoulos has enjoyed an international career both as a pianist and conductor. He has performed as a soloist and conductor with many of the world's greatest orchestras and worked alongside eminent musicians globally.

Beginning his career as a concert pianist, Marios Papadopoulos founded the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in 1998, where he has served as Music Director ever since. Under his direction, the orchestra has flourished, performing regularly in Oxford and beyond while fostering a strong relationship with the University of Oxford.

Praised as "excellent" by Gramophone magazine and "thoroughly impressive" by BBC Music Magazine, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is known for creating exceptional and unique musical experiences, offering fresh and engaging interpretations of beloved works in the classical repertoire.
In addition to his achievements in music, Papadopoulos has also made significant contributions in other areas. In the summer of 2021, he published his first book, a memoir titled Beyond Dreams and Aspirations: My Journey to Oxford, which chronicles his early career, the founding of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, and his insights on musical interpretation.

The Oxford Piano Festival, founded by Marios Papadopoulos in 1999, welcomes pianists, educators, experts, and enthusiasts to some of Oxford’s most historic venues, including Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, and Christ Church Cathedral. The festival aims to inspire, support, and encourage exceptional music-making at the piano.

Marios Papadopoulos is a fascinating example of a pianist who excels in various roles, including virtuoso, chamber musician, accompanist, conductor, academic, and teacher. This holistic approach is highly valued by the Clavicologne International Music Festival and its participants. Students in his masterclasses will have a unique opportunity not only to absorb his technical mastery but also to gain insight into his wisdom and experience in leading orchestras and navigating the challenges of the classical music industry.