25 Nov 2023
Manchester music students have become the envy of the nation’s young scholars by appointing one of the world’s leading composers as patron to their society.
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies will visit The University of Manchester on 26 November, to mark his new role with The University of Manchester Music Society. The students will play a concert in his honour.
Maxwell Davies, who is a University of Manchester alumnus, was appointed Master of the Queen’s Music by Buckingham Palace in 2004 – the 21st composer to take on the role since it was created in 1625.
As Master of the Queen’s Music, he raises the profile of classical music in the UK as well as composing works for the Queen.
At the University he will meet students, listen to their compositions, give a masterclass, as well as hearing them perform one of his most important pieces from the 1960s, ‘Ecce Manus Tradentis’.
Salford born Maxwell Davis is a prolific composer over 40 years. His Violin Concerto No.2 received its UK premiere this year in the Royal Albert Hall, London, at the BBC Proms.
And his string sextet - 'The Last Island' - was performed for the first time at the Wigmore Hall in a 75th birthday concert recently.
He lives in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland, where he writes most of his music.
Professor Phillip Grange, Head of Music, at The University of Manchester said: "This is a major coup for our students and we heartily congratulate them.
“Max studied at The University of Manchester between 1952 and 1957 and is undoubtedly the most famous alumnus of the Music Department.
“It’s a great honour to welcome him to the Martin Harris Centre to mark his appointment.“
David Tagg-Oram, President of The University of Manchester Music Society added: “We are extremely honoured to have Max as our patron, and to benefit from his insight and experience - especially as he was originally a performer, musicologist and composer in Manchester.
“When Max was an undergraduate he set up New Music Manchester - a group committed to contemporary music, so it’s most fitting that he takes up his new role in Manchester’s family at a concert so close to his heart.
Vaganza, The University of Manchester’s new music ensemble, will perform at the concert which will take place at 3pm on 26 November in the Cosmo Rodewald Hall at the University’s Martin Harris Centre.
Notes for editors
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About the martin Harris centre:
The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama is situated at the heart of the oldest part of the University of Manchester Campus, just off Oxford Road on Bridgeford Street. Opened in 2003, the Martin Harris Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities incorporating The John Thaw Studio Theatre and The Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall.
The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
The University of Manchester
Bridgeford Street, Manchester, M13 9PL.
Telephone: 0161 275 8951
Box Office Hours: 14:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday
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