Two of the most distinctive and cherished musicians at the heart of British folk music, Belinda O’Hooley and Jackie Oates, come together to tour music from their first album as a duo, As The Light Draws In.

Friends and musical collaborators for many years, O’Hooley and Oates bring together two unmistakable musical voices: Belinda O'Hooley’s expressive piano playing and songwriting joins Jackie Oates’s exquisite singing and resonant five-string viola. The concert weaves together original compositions, traditional folk music and song, and pieces from their shared musical history, with humour, beauty, and connection.

In October 2026, O'Hooley and Oates released "As the Light Draws In," which was recorded in a home studio without overdubs to capture the energy of their live performance. They took the album on tour in Autumn 2026 including major folk festivals and Cecil Sharp House.

A two-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner and five-time nominee, Jackie Oates is an exquisite singer, expressive fiddler, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work has redefined contemporary English folk. Belinda O’Hooley is an acclaimed pianist, singer and composer, widely known as one half of O’Hooley & Tidow, whose work includes the theme song to the BBC/HBO drama Gentleman Jack.

‘One of folk's brightest talents.’ - The Guardian (Jackie Oates)

‘Belinda’s playing was reflective, stark, yet full of warmth, and riveting from start to finish.’  Klofmag

If you require the assistance of a carer to attend this performance, please contact info@ocmevents.org to reserve a free carer ticket.

Presented in partnership with, and supported by, St John's College, Oxford.

Photo: Gareth Clarke

Venue info: https://ocmevents.org/venue/st-johns-college-auditorium/

OCM is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. OCM is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL. Supported with funding from Oxford City Council. Affiliate Organisation of Oxford Brookes University.

If you require the assistance of a carer to attend this performance, please contact info@ocmevents.org to reserve a free carer ticket.Booking terms and conditions: https://ocmevents.org/booking-terms-conditions/

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