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A SYMPHONY IN THE MAKING
While we can all agree the year so far has been extremely challenging,
the University of Liverpool is looking ahead to autumn 2021 and the
opening of its new Teaching and Performance Centre.
Housing the 400-seater Tung Auditorium with room for a 70-piece
orchestra, and state-of-the-art lecture theatres, including the 600-seater
Paul Brett Lecture Theatre, it is hoped that the opening of the Centre
will provide a much-needed boost to students and audiences alike. The
Centre will also become the new home for the University’s popular
Lunchtime Concert Series.
For Professor Catherine Tackley, Head of Music at the University of
Liverpool the vision from the beginning has been to deliver a first class
experience for students, whilst providing a venue that will enrich the
cultural life of the city of Liverpool.
“Music is something that anyone, from any academic discipline or
background, can get involved in and derive satisfaction from. And
it’s not about being the highest level professional, either; it can be just
as important as a leisure activity that enriches people’s lives, be that
through amateur performance or appreciation. Anyone who has ever
been to a concert or a gig, never mind made music themselves, knows
the feelings that music can engender.” - Professor Catherine Tackley
As well as having the opportunity to stage professional public
performances, students will be able to learn about working in the music
industry, as well as gaining hands-on experience about careers in sound
recording, live professional broadcasting or managing a venue.
It’s also hoped the Centre will provide many opportunities for wider
collaboration between musicians and community organisations across
the city, with the new venue providing a high-quality, medium-sized
venue suited to the performance of a very diverse range of musical
genres – from classical and contemporary composition to jazz and folk.
Since it launched its fundraising campaign for the Centre in 2019,
the University has received tremendous support from its alumni
and supporter community. The Tung Foundation in Hong Kong,
after whom the main auditorium is named, have given generously
to the campaign, as have other alumni including Dr Paul Brett, who
also remembers seeing The Beatles play at the Cavern Club in 1962!
Jonathan Rushworth is another generous supporter to the Campaign,
the Rushworth family name long being synonymous with music in the
city for nearly two centuries.
As well as our benefactors, the project has gained wonderful support
from our campaign ambassadors, among them Tranmere born, awardwinning
actor, singer and comedian Dame Patricia Routledge DBE,
who discovered her passion for music and performance while studying
at the University of Liverpool.
“I believe music is the purest art form and all the art should be
encouraged. They are the soul of a nation.” – Alumna and honorary
graduate, Dame Patricia Routledge.
Our ambassadors have been helping us raise the profile and advise us
on our campaign. They include Yoko Ono Lennon, honorary graduate
and long-term supporter of student opportunities at the University;
music enthusiasts Robin Bloxsidge and his partner Nick Riddle, who
are both passionate about the arts in Liverpool; alumna and acclaimed
soprano Dr Joan Rodgers CBE; alumna Professor Averil Mansfield
CBE, the first British female Professor of Surgery; and fellow alumna
Dr Shirley J Thompson OBE, award-winning composer and Professor
of Music.
Liverpool’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music embodies its
commitment to supporting new music in all genres and investment in
the importance of music socially and economically. This is something
the University recognises and why we’re excited for the opening of our
Teaching and Performance Centre that we hope will contribute to the
city’s already world-beating musical legacy.
Inspired to find out more?
If you would like to discover more about music at the University of
Liverpool’s Lunchtime Concert Series please visit: https://www.
liverpool.ac.uk/music/events/lunchtime-concert-series/
If you wish to find out how you can get involved in supporting the
project, and even naming a seat, visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/
symphony/
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