Jacqueline du Pré: A Legacy of Inspiration
Jacqueline du Pré’s name is synonymous with extraordinary artistry, musical passion, and the transformative power of the cello. Her recordings, particularly of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, continue to inspire musicians worldwide, setting a standard of expressive depth and technical brilliance. As an honorary fellow of St Hilda’s College, her connection to Oxford remains a cherished part of our history, especially through the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building (JdP), now celebrating its 30th anniversary.
This year, as we reflect on her enduring impact, we are honoured to receive a unique tribute: a set of three commemorative postage stamps, commissioned in New Zealand by Tony Ward, a philatelist and admirer of Jacqueline’s music. The stamps, created in collaboration with the English Chamber Orchestra, are a personal and artistic homage to her legacy. Though not available for general sale, these stamps—limited to just 50 copies each—hold a special place in marking what would have been her 80th birthday. We are deeply grateful to Michael and Susan Wilkinson, a St Hilda’s alumna, for their generosity in presenting a set to the College, to be displayed in the JdP and preserved in our archives.
A Year of the Cello: Celebrating the JdP’s 30th Anniversary
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, we are focusing this season on the instrument she made sing like no other: the cello. The performance last night (26/02/2025) by Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih was a fitting tribute, featuring a rich and varied programme that spanned centuries and styles.
Isserlis, one of today’s most revered cellists, brought his characteristic depth and lyricism to works by Prokofiev, Kabalevsky, Beethoven, and his own grandfather, Julius Isserlis. The concert highlighted the cello’s expressive range, from the angular brilliance of Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C major to the deeply personal Ballade in A minor, dedicated to Pablo Casals.
Equally captivating was pianist Connie Shih, whose sensitivity and artistry made her a perfect partner in this musical journey. An internationally celebrated performer, she brought a commanding presence to the programme, seamlessly blending technical brilliance with expressive nuance. The duo’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata in A major, a masterpiece of musical dialogue, underscored the equal partnership between cello and piano—a fitting reflection of the spirit that Jacqueline du Pré brought to her own collaborations.
As we celebrate the legacy of Jacqueline du Pré and the continuing vibrancy of the JdP music building, we look forward to more performances that honour her passion for music and inspire the next generation of artists.
For more on our upcoming concerts, visit st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp-music-building.
