After a successful return to performing over the last academic year, University Music are delighted to report the continued success of music-making on campus as students look forward to concerts this Autumn. From Vaughan Williams to Gospel, and everything in between, this semester’s events boast a wide variety of exciting music and guest artists for both students and the wider community to enjoy.
Particular highlights of the semester include a visit from world-renowned saxophonist Jess Gillam, who will take part in a relaxed Q&A session facilitated by the University Music Society, as well as a concert from our Jazz Orchestra spotlighting the music of the Grammy-award winning American composer, Maria Schneider.
In a break from tradition, Symphony Orchestra will be heading to Town Hall for the culmination of the ‘Gospel Revisited Project’, featuring professional drummer and bandleader, Ray Prince. Ray started this project to emphasise the importance of gospel music and the impact that it had on the wider African-Caribbean diaspora, and University Music are thrilled to be able to present this partnership to our audiences.
Philharmonic Orchestra also have an exciting performance lined up – with a programme full of Williams’ to celebrate both the 150th anniversary of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the 90th birthday of prolific film music composer John Williams.
This November sees the Music Society return to one of its most loved venues - St Georges Church, Edgbaston, where our three Instrumental Choirs will perform their termly concert. Following a sold-out concert last autumn, the Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone choirs are looking forward to a night of music in this beautiful and friendly venue. Furthermore, if you’re planning on visiting the Birmingham Christmas Markets this year, do keep an eye out for members of the University of Birmingham Brass Band who will be out busking in the city centre to raise money for their upcoming trip to UniBrass in February.
Finally, we are proud to once again host a selection of concerts from many of our choirs. Particular highlights include the University Chorus performance of Will Todd’s ‘Mass in Blue’, the UK premiere of Benedict Landauer’s ‘Stars’ by the Birmingham University Singers, the traditional University Carol Concert which will feature music from University Upper Voices, and the termly formation of Birmingham University Liturgical Choir who make their annual visit to Lichfield Cathedral in November.
University Music provides the University of Birmingham with one of the liveliest music-making scenes of any campus. With around 1500 positions available in our 35-plus ensembles, members participate in a variety of instrumental and vocal groups, across a range of abilities and styles. University Music is open to students, staff, and the local community, and provides participants with opportunities for professional coaching, exceptional concerts, and also offers scholarships for incoming students to the University.
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