It is a sad fact that even in the world of art and culture humanity’s proclivity for competition can cause needless upset. Consequently, it is a great step towards civilisation when cultural organisations work together to help promote each other’s events. The Oxford Music Network is an example of this. Initiated by Peter Burrows it comprises the diverse musical genres of Oxford Lieder, Music at Oxford, the City of Oxford Orchestra, the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, Oxford Contemporary Music and Oxford Improvisers, plus the guidance of Oxford Inspires. This represents a wide spectrum of music in the city.

By working together on concerts and events that involve all these styles the Network aims to widen the interest and increase the audience base for everyone involved. Thus a lover of Grieg could be tempted by the fruits of free improvisation and a devotee of European jazz may discover new delights in the works of Mozart.

To launch this new enterprise Oxford Music Network has organised a series of lunchtime concerts in the Baptist Church on Bonn Square. Each concert will last just 40 minutes and the audience are encouraged to bring their own lunch to eat during the performance in the church, where tea and coffee will also be provided.

There is a concert every Thursday at 1.15pm, starting on June 4. The first features Oxford Lieder’s Sholto Kynoch accompanying Swedish singer Mae Heydorn.

Then Oxford Improvisers bring the Castello Trios, including international drummer Javier Carmona. Award-winning pianist Dominic John represents the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building; the Tea Hodžic Trio from former Yugoslavia are featured by Oxford Contemporary Music; the dynamic sounds of the Vardanyan String Quartet are provided by Music at Oxford; and the City of Oxford Orchestra will put together a programme for duo.

Details are on a flyer available in all the racks in town or on the Oxford Music Network website. The flyer will also give a discounted price of just £3 to any of these lunchtime events from this new organisation.