Salford University celebrates

50 years of Salford’s Musical Arts Programme

The 50th anniversary of the University of Salford's Musical Arts Programme was recently celebrated with a showcase of soloists and ensembles.

The University of Salford Brass Band entertained an appreciative audience with new works by the winners of the Kirklees Composing and Arranging Competition before the finale, featuring Belgian euphonium star Glenn Van Looy (a current doctoral student of the University) and James Fountain (Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) appeared, courtesy of support by Geneva Instruments Ltd.

In addition, the University Symphonic Wind Band led by postgraduate student, Ryan Broad and Dr. Brett Baker, premièred a new commission by Joe Stephenson alongside Jan Van Der Roost's impressive Olympica.

A number of new student arrangements also featured and the popular University Choir, led by Sue Hickey, delighted with songs by the Bee Gees, Snow Patrol and Burt Bacharach. A spokesperson stated: "2018 promises to be an exciting year for brass and wind at the University of Salford, with international guest artists, residencies with prominent composers and performances throughout Great Britain already in the pipeline."

The University also recently hosted a Tenor Horn Spotlight Day, supported by The Geneva Group and starring the Company’s Development and Performing Artist/ Foden's solo horn star - Jonathan Bates.

The event saw players of all ages and abilities enjoy themselves. A spokesperson from Geneva commented: "It was great to see so many players coming together from across the UK and the feedback following the day has been really positive.

“Hopefully, days such as this will be a starting point of really promoting the tenor horn as a soloist instrument and encouraging as many players as possible to get involved with similar activities."

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