BBC Proms debuts

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240807 bbc proms debuts tom fetherstonhaugh photo credit kaupo kikkas 5

Four recent Music alumni made their BBC Proms debuts on Sunday 4 August in an eclectic programme which ranged from Brahms, Dvorak and Bartok to Burt Bacharach, Piazzolla and Stevie Wonder. Tom Fetherstonhaugh (Merton, 2016) was conducting his Fantasia Orchestra which included players Athena Hawksley-Walker (Merton, 2016) and Rebecca McNaught (Merton, 2014); most of the pieces had been especially arranged for the Fantasia Orchestra by Harry Baker (St Anne's, 2015). The Prom will be broadcast on BBC 4 on Friday 9 August at 8pm, and is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.

 

Photo: Tom Fetherstonhaugh © Kaupo Kikkas

Professor Laura Tunbridge delivering lecture, with student musician on stage behind

'Everyday Beethoven' - Professor Laura Tunbridge

Professor Laura Tunbridge repeated her inaugural lecture as Heather Professor of Music at this year's Meeting Minds weekend for alumni. As the 200th anniversary of his death approaches in 2027, Ludwig van Beethoven remains ubiquitous, his music still dominating concerts, films and advertising. In 'Everyday Beethoven', Professor Tunbridge explores the friendships, collaborations and musical relationships that enabled the composer to come to prominence. A recording of the lecture is now available to watch online.
Professor Jennifer Walshe

Professor Jennifer Walshe and Irish National Opera and win 2026 Sky Arts Award

Bate Collection

Dr Vai featured in Gramophone discussing the curation of the permanent exhibition Resonant Histories at the Bate Collection

The Head of Collection and Curator has been interviewed by Gramophone about Resonant Histories, the new permanent exhibition at the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. The exhibition explores the histories and stories behind musical instruments, bringing their cultural significance and musical heritage to life, and offering visitors new perspectives on the collection and the stories its instruments hold.