The Academy of St Martin in the Fields will bring their live classical performance series, Tinklings, to the Lamb and Flag.

The series features musicians playing short pieces of music and discussing them with the audience.

On Sunday, December 15, they will be combining the Christmas writings of Tolkien with music for strings and flute in Oxford.

Violinist Catherine Morgan studied music at Oxford before studying violin at the Royal College of Music.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (Image: The Academy of St Martin in the Fields) Ms Morgan, who has been playing with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields for more than 20 years, said: “I’m really excited that they [the orchestra] will be helping me with my informal classical chamber music performances, which take place in a gorgeously refurbished, community-owned pub in central Oxford, the Lamb and Flag.”

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, often referred to as ASMF, was founded on the principle of player autonomy and responsibility.

They perform without a conductor, which means every musician has to take responsibility and no one can just follow.

This, they believe, creates an “energetic and communicative” performance.

Ms Morgan said: “It [playing without a conductor] means that everyone involved has to take responsibility, and no one can just follow.

“We feel it’s energetic and communicative, and it’s a lot of fun to perform like this, with such wonderful players.”

Catherine Morgan (Image: The Academy of St Martin in the Fields) The orchestra is known for their versatility, performing in various combinations of instruments and in unusual venues.

They have even performed on the Paris catwalk for Alexander McQueen.

They also coach music students and run workshops with people experiencing homelessness at the Connections Centre in Trafalgar Square.

Ms Morgan believes live music and performance are crucial for society.

She said: “Our Connections sessions have reminded me just how much live music means to people all across society.

“When you experience it live there is a depth of sound, and variety of emotion and atmosphere in the room that not even the most expensive speaker could reproduce.”

She also expressed concern about the future of orchestras, saying the country is at risk of losing a “huge legacy” and heritage as world leaders in music.

She said: “We have not one but many world-famous conservatoires, orchestras, and festivals, which draw students and audiences from all over the globe.

“We should be really proud of our musical reputation, as a nation.

“Most of all, we need politics of all sides to get back behind music right from childhood, grassroots level.”