University Philharmonia and Choir

The University's Lakeside Arts Centre organises two major ensembles, the University Philharmonia and University Choir.

University Philharmonia

This auditioned symphony orchestra is directed by the Sir Charles Mackerras Conducting Fellow, the professional freelance conductor Jonathan Tilbrook. Jonathan has had a varied career embracing operatic, choral and orchestral conducting and his interests are reflected in the wide range of repertoire performed by the Philharmonia. He is also Head of Postgraduate Studies at Trinity College of Music.

Following audition, membership is by invitation as the number of players required varies according to the repertoire being performed. The University Philharmonia aims to reach the highest standards of performance and requires dedication and committed attendance during the intensive rehearsal periods which run over a fortnight before each performance.

University Philharmonia usually performs three or four concerts a year. This year’s repertoire includes

• Mahler’s Symphony No.2 in C minor ‘Resurrection’
• Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks
• Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances.

University Choir

The University Choir is the largest choir on campus. Membership is open to all students at the University. The University Choir Director DAvid Lawrence is a highly accomplished choir conductor, having worked with numerous ensembles and is currently associate conductor of the CBSO Chorus.

This year the choir will perform Duruflé’s Requiem as well as joining University Philharmonia in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.2. Other recent repertoire has included Verdi’s Requiem and Mozart’s ‘Great’ Mass in C minor.

For more information about the choir or if you are interested in joining please contact the Lakeside Music Assistant: Maria Ryan

The current rehearsal schedule is now available here.
 

Student traineeships

Lakeside Arts Centre frequently offers four student traineeships attached to the administration and management of the University Philharmonia and University Choir. These traineeships are advertised on the Lakeside noticeboard in the Department of Music and on the Lakeside Arts Centre website in the summer term. For more information please contact the Lakeside Music Officer Catherine Hocking.