The Count Basie Orchestra live in Oxford

Experience The Count Basie Orchestra live on December 18th

The Count Basie Orchestra will perform at Olivier Hall in Oxford, United Kingdom on December 18, 2026. The orchestra carries forward the legacy of William “Count” Basie, renowned for a distinctive big band sound rooted in swing jazz. Their music is characterized by driving rhythms, call-and-response arrangements, and prominent use of brass and reed sections, evolving over decades to incorporate influences from blues, gospel, and even contemporary arrangements while maintaining a core commitment to improvisation and energetic performance. The orchestra has a history spanning nearly ninety years, initially founded by Basie in 1935 and continuing under various musical directors since his death in 1984.

Olivier Hall is located within the Sheldonian Theatre complex at the University of Oxford. Completed in 1669 by Christopher Wren (also architect of St Paul’s Cathedral), the Sheldonian was designed as a university hall for academic ceremonies and music performances. Olivier Hall specifically refers to the theatre's renovated performance space which underwent significant refurbishment completed in 2015. It is known for its excellent acoustics and intimate setting, accommodating approximately 700 attendees.