Philharmonia announces new partnership
The Philharmonia Orchestra and the University of Leicester have announced a partnership, which will support University music-making and allow students to attend Philharmonia concerts at greatly discounted rates. This is the first partnership that the Classic FM Orchestra on Tour has established with a university.
Philharmonia members will coach the University’s music ensembles in the run-up to major concerts, give individual lessons to students with music scholarships, offer programming advice to music societies, and support the conductors of University ensembles. Students will be able to attend Philharmonia rehearsals and meet musicians at social events organised around concerts.
The partnership builds on the orchestra’s long involvement with the local community as part of its 13-year residency at the city’s De Montfort Hall, which is adjacent to the University campus. David Whelton, Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra, comments: “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. 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 partnership was formally launched at the Philharmonia’s concert at De Montford Hall on 14 October, which featured Nicola Benedetti. The Orchestra’s stall at the Freshers’ Fair attracted 1000 students.
