At Holywell Music Room in Oxford: Tim Burton's Universe by Mystery Ensemble

From the shimmering wonder of Alice in Wonderland to the festive magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas, from the haunting lyricism of Edward Scissorhands to the eccentric brilliance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — this concert immerses you in the soundscapes that shaped Burton’s unique cinematic universe.

At the heart of it all is the music of Danny Elfman, Burton’s lifelong collaborator and one of the most distinctive film composers of our time. Elfman’s music blends playfulness with menace, tenderness with grandeur — a perfect mirror of Burton’s visual imagination. Alongside Elfman, highlights include unforgettable moments from Corpse Bride, the cult favourite Beetlejuice, the gothic sweep of Batman, and the razor-sharp drama of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

In this premiere, Mystery Ensemble brings Burton’s worlds to life in unique arrangements. Expect soaring voices, bold instrumental colours, and an atmosphere that shifts in an instant — from the macabre to the magical, from the intimate to the epic.

This is not just a soundtrack concert — it is a live theatrical experience. The concert's mysterious magic will arise from the connection between the musicians and the surrounding architecture.

Feel as if you are stepping inside a Tim Burton movie itself!

The concert organisers are the creative agency RED EVENTS & Distribution ltd, which produces exceptional cultural events in ancient mansions, on rooftops, in greenhouses, and in other most atmospheric venues across Europe, Great Britain, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and other countries. Also in the repertoire – a collection of concerts by candlelight and with complete immersion in the space of video art and sound.

PROGRAMME

The Batman Theme

The Joker’s Poem

Corpse Bride

The Addams Family Theme

Wednesday Main Titles

Jack’s Lament

Ice Dance

The Piano Duet

Jenny’s Theme

Johanna

Mike Teavee

Descent Into Mystery

Remains Of The Day

Love Theme

Making Christmas

Augustus Loop

Birth Of a Penguin

Proposal (Alice’s Theme)

What’s This?

Edward Scissorhands

Beetlejuice

Alice’s Theme