Unique partnership gives boost to University music

The massed forces of the University of Leicester orchestras, bands and choirs are celebrating the launch of a unique collaboration between the University and the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra in a concert of world music on Saturday 13th March.

The concert, showcasing the thriving musical life of the University, cements a partnership that enables musicians from the Orchestra to offer masterclasses, orchestral training, programming and conducting advice to members of the University’s orchestras and bands. They also give individual instrumental tuition to recipients of the University’s popular music scholarships.

The partnership also enables University of Leicester students to buy tickets to Philharmonia concerts at discounted prices and also enjoy privileged access to rehearsals and networking opportunities with members of the Orchestra.

Philharmonia musicians have already been working with the Students’ Union music groups since the start of the academic year. Raqib Huq, a spokesperson for the Orchestral Society, commented: “This year has been a great start to the partnership. Our orchestra has had sectional rehearsals with some of the Philharmonia’s best musicians. This was a huge help in pulling off an ambitious programme for our Christmas concert!

“Our conductor Paul Jenkins is working with Robin O’Neill, Professor of Conducting at the Royal College of Music and Principal Bassoon in the Orchestra. For an upcoming concert, two of our soloists are having lessons from Maya Iwabuchi, leader of the Philharmonia.

“We cannot believe how fortunate we have been to have all of this! We’re planning to extend this with similar projects for the other music societies and very much looking forward to developing the partnership.”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess, who, with Assistant Registrar Jo Wood, spearheaded the prestigious partnership, said: “It is a real achievement to become the first university without a music department to develop a major link with a first-rate national orchestra. It is our belief that no other mainstream UK university has such a link with an orchestra of this calibre.

“This partnership embraces the Philharmonia’s belief that musical excellence should be available to all, which is very much in tune with the University’s acclaimed ethos of being ‘elite without being elitist’.”

Mrs Jo Wood added: “This partnership will give music a stronger profile in the University alongside the work we have done on art and sculpture. It will enhance the cultural life of the University in a dynamic way and will enrich the lives of staff and students, as well as the wider community through our concerts.”

The partnership augments the Philharmonia’s thirteen-year residency at Leicester’s major concert venue De Montfort Hall and the involvement with the local community this has generated.

David Whelton, Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra, added: “It’s enormously important for us at the Philharmonia Orchestra to ensure everyone has access to the very finest quality music experience, both as audience members and performers.

“The University of Leicester has a vibrant music scene hosting a number of orchestras and ensembles and it is a great opportunity for the Philharmonia Orchestra players, many of whom are Professors at leading conservatoires across Europe, to share their knowledge and passion in a series of rehearsals and lessons. We hope that this partnership will inspire students and ensure that the musical life at the University of Leicester continues to grow from strength to strength.”

The concert of world music will take place on Saturday 13th March at 7.00pm at the Church of St James the Greater, London Road, Leicester. It will feature the University of Leicester Big Band, Orchestra, the Concert Band and Choral Society and Chamber Choir.

Admission will be £8, (£6 concession, £4 NUS and under 19s). Tickets will be available on the door, or in advance from Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough Centre, PO Box 138, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA, tel 0116 252 2455. The centre is open 10am - 6pm, Mondays - Fridays (please call to check opening hours on Bank Holidays).

Tickets are also available from the University Bookshop, David Wilson Library, University of Leicester, tel 0116 229 7440; and Tourist Information Centre, 7/9 Every Street, Town Hall Square, Leicester, tel 0116 299 4444.