University Music celebrates 125th Anniversary
Students joined together to perform an uplifting programme celebrating the rich musical heritage of Birmingham, as part of the125th Anniversary celebrations.
On Saturday 21st June, thousands of people travelled to campus to take part in the 125th Anniversary celebrations. The day began with the Community Festival which invited the public to, amongst other activities, take a closer look at how research at the University is being implemented in society. A wide variety of interactive activities were on offer for people of all ages to take part in, including some pop-up sporting events from UB Sport.
University Music were pleased to be taking part in this Festival with a programme of musical entertainment from the Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, South Asian Music Ensemble, and Saxophone Choir. Visitors in the Bramall foyer were treated to a selection of upbeat pieces from our student ensembles, and we were particularly pleased to feature the South Asian Music Ensemble in collaboration with the Sonia Sabri Company, who have enjoyed a successful first year with University Music.
Later in the evening, a number of ensembles took to the stage for the 125 Anniversary Concert – playing to a vast crowd of 5000 on the Green Heart festival stage. Paloma Trigas led the Folk Band in a rousing opening act which featured current and alumni performers, alongside some traditional Irish dancing!
The first half of the programme was performed by the University Philharmonic Orchestra – an 80-strong ensemble featuring students from all subjects and year groups. The programme included a specially commissioned piece from Associate Professor in Music (and Ivor-Novello nominated composer) Ryan Latimer, music written by Edward Elgar during his time as Professor of Music at the University, an exciting suite from the Lord of the Rings films, and four songs from the Electric Light Orchestra catalogue. Music student Sam Sharpe took on the role of Erdington-born Jeff Lynne, and he was joined by an additional rhythm section and backing vocalists.
Following the interval, which included an energetic performance from the Guild of Students’ K-Cover Society, the University’s flagship Jazz Orchestra took to the stage, led by Director of Jazz Studies Jonathan Silk. Jazz Orchestra were joined for this concert by five guest vocalists – Maya Jordan (alumni), Natasha Parker (Biochemistry student/Music Scholar), Sam Sharpe (Music student), Jennifer Brookes (Outreach Officer, EPS), and Stephen Parkes (Teaching Fellow, BIA).
These vocalists were the winners of the 2025 Birmingham’s Got Talent competition and performed songs from Birmingham-based artists such as Jamelia, UB40, Duran Duran, Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath, and many others in brand new arrangements for big band by Jonathan Silk.
Presented by University of Birmingham alumni and TV presenter Ben Shephard, the concert was a resounding success and highlighted the wealth of talent and energy from the students and all those in the wider University community.