Music
Durham University Music Societies
Durham’s musical life is so diverse and comprehensive that it is hard to escape. Ranging from orchestras, bands and choruses, to gospel choirs, gamelan ensembles, African drumming, and chamber choirs, there is something here catering for every musical taste.
The university’s music societies have a well-established reputation and are known throughout Britain and abroad for providing an uncompromising experience of musical performance for students. Many of the ensembles that the university houses perform concerts in this country and recent tours from Durham have visited destinations such as New York, Germany, France, Austria, and Spain.
Housed in the Music School, in the picturesque surroundings of central Durham, and the newly-equipped Sir James Knott Hall of Trevelyan College, the university ensembles rehearse on a daily basis. Most of the groups perform at least once a term, providing entertainment at a range of University functions, as well as their own concerts. Our groups think and work creatively to ensure that they explore the best local performance venues. Regular concerts take place in Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, The Sage Gateshead, as well as many of the college halls and chapels.
College Music
As a result of the collegiate system of Durham University, many colleges have their own chapel choirs. These are run independently, usually managed by the colleges and employing their own directors of music, and they form a key part of the university’s music strategy. Our college choirs are also testament to the wide range of opportunities offered to Durham students.
While they all promote high quality music, following the style of the English cathedral tradition, there is an emphasis on inclusivity within the chapel choir network. A number of the colleges promote membership of their choir to their own students, and it is certainly the case that each choir sets their own ethos and aims. While some colleges employ professional musicians as their chapel director of music, others prefer to offer the opportunity to students to take up a directing role.
The most important thing about music in Durham is that it is entirely student run. Each group is managed by their own executive committee, and each appoints their musical director. Students also conduct most of Durham’s musical ensembles, including the university’s symphony orchestra, operas, and chamber choir. The vitality and creativeness that comes with this approach is evident in performances and productions the year round in Durham, where we really do represent the ‘Durham Difference’.
