University Music Spring 2025 highlights
University Music are delighted to report the continued success of music-making on campus as students look forward to a varied programme of concerts this Spring.
Following a hugely successful sold-out performance of Verdi’s ‘Messa da Requiem’, University Chorus are thrilled to be returning to the stage with Bob Chilcott’s ‘Circlesong’ in their concert this March. University Chorus, led by Julian Wilkins, are joined this semester by University Upper Voices who will be singing alongside the choir as well as presenting a selection of their own pieces.
Frequent concert-goers within University Music will also recognise Bob Chilcott as Principal Conductor of Birmingham University Singers, a position which he undertakes alongside his role as Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers. This March, we are delighted to be welcoming the BBC Singers onto to perform a Barber Evening Concert featuring the two choirs. This concert also sees the world premiere of a new choral work by Professor of Composition Michael Zev Gordon.
Highlights of our orchestral activities include a performance of Holst’s famous ‘The Planets’ suite, which Philharmonic Orchestra are excited to be rehearsing alongside Haydn’s Symphony No. 104. Furthermore, winner of the 2024 Soloist Prize and principal flautist Anthony Howe will be performing Malcolm Arnold’s first Flute Concerto with the Symphony Orchestra.
Brass Band will once again be representing the University in Unibrass, the world’s only inter-university brass band contest, and this year will be bringing a space-themed programme! The band will be travelling to the Cardiff University to present their 20-minute entertainment programme to a live audience and global livestream, as well as a panel of specialist adjudicators. Our newest University Music ensemble Gospel Choir are also proud to be representing Birmingham in the University Gospel Choir of the Year grand finale in March. They will be joining nine other university choirs in what promises to be a vibrant and dynamic event in London.
Finally, we’re pleased to report that our partnership with Wylde Green URC Church will continue into the spring with an exciting and varied programme of solo and joint recitals from final year undergraduate recitalists. Student jazz musicians will also be performing some informal sets in the Bramall foyer on various Wednesdays throughout the term.
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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