Music

Our music partnerships are rethinking how music can be used to have an impact on Leicester communities, while DMU staff and students are benefiting from expert tutors to develop their skills, leadership and experience as musicians.

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Philharmonia Orchestra

In December 2016, DMU announced a unique strategic partnership with the internationally-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra who have held a highly successful residency programme in the city of Leicester for over 20 years. 

The five year vision for the partnership will focus on four key themes of international engagement, education, digital and audience development. With accompanying programme strands centred around community engagement in collaboration with DMU Square Mile and Local, research-engaged practice and the development of new technologies and immersive platforms that effectively communicate the ‘live’ orchestral experience outside of the traditional concert hall environment. The partnership will also include coaching programmes for the new DMU Orchestra and emerging campus ensembles and co-producing performance projects in the city.

Performing over 160 concerts per year across the world, the Philharmonia is one of the world’s great Orchestra’s, widely acknowledged for its pioneering approach to the role of an orchestra in the 21st century.

The Philharmonia leads the field for the quality of its playing and its innovative work with residencies, music education, audience development and the use of new technology to reach a global audience. 

Philharmonia Orchestra

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Darbar Festival

Founded in 2006, Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust (Darbar) believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir, thrill and inspire. Through digital connectivity, shared experiences and enrichment we ensure that one of the finest art forms reaches the widest possible audience. Darbar delivers premium quality live events, music education, broadcasts and digital engagement through artistic innovation and creative technology. Darbar are also committed to providing a platform for new talent from the UK and India.

Darbar and DMU Music curate the DMU Indian Classical Music Series; a unique programme of lunchtime concerts featuring some of the finest Indian classical musicians in the world who will also be performing at London’s Southbank Centre later this year as part of the celebrated annual ‘Darbar Festival’ – the largest festival of Indian classical music outside of India. The 2017 concert series celebrates Women in Music and forms part of the University’s #LoveInternational campaign, providing campus and city audiences in Leicester with unique lunchtime concert experience hosted in the historic DMU Trinity House Chapel.

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Guildhall School of Music and Drama

The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) is one of the world’s leading Music conservatoires widely recognised as global leaders in developing the skills, leadership and experience of musicians that are essential for working as an artistic leader in a variety of cultural, community and education settings.

DMU’s partnership with the GSMD seeks to develop the skills and experience of both student and staff musicians to design, deliver and ultimately lead participatory music programmes across DMU Square Mile and DMU Local projects, working with schools, communities, charities and healthcare services across the city. Through a unique skills and leadership development programme delivered during the University’s November ‘Enhancement Week’ coupled with a comprehensive mentoring programme, DMU musicians will have a unique opportunity to work with both staff and students from the internationally-renowned ‘Creative Learning’ Faculty at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

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EMJazz/Leicester Jazz House

Leicester Jazz House CIC is one of five voluntary jazz organisations, funded by Arts Council England, working cooperatively in the East Midlands to promote high quality ‘live’ jazz in Leicester with accompanying education programmes for primary and secondary schools.

Now in its second season, DMU Music and Leicester Jazzhouse curate the annual DMU International Jazz Series which strives to bring leading international contemporary jazz artists and ensembles to DMU and city audiences.

Leicester Jazz House

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