The Oxford International Song Festival, the UK's largest festival dedicated to the art of classical song, will take place from October 9 to 24 and feature 59 events in celebration of its milestone year. Centered around the theme of 'Love Songs,' the programme explores love in all its forms through music, poetry and conversation. Sholto Kynoch, artistic director of the Oxford International Song Festival, said: "When a small group of friends founded this Festival in 2002, none of us imagined where the journey would lead. "Love lies at the heart of so much great song, and this year's Festival explores its countless expressions – joyful, heartbreaking, transformative and unexpected." The festival will be held in Oxford, including the newly opened Schwarzman Centre, which will host the opening concert.