University of Bristol, Music Department

10/06/2025

We were all saddened to learn of the recent death of Raymond Warren, Professor of Music here at Bristol between 1972 and his retirement in 1994. A distinguished composer, Raymond was an inspirational figure to an entire generation of students and a central figure in shaping the ethos of our department. His commitment to fostering a welcoming and collegial atmosphere within the department and to serving the wider community remain with us to this day and we are deeply grateful for everything he did for us. Our sincere condolences go to his family.
[pictured in the Theatre bar, Victoria Rooms, on 2 November 2018, when we celebrated his 90th birthday with a special lunchtime concert]

02/06/2025

We're very much looking forward to welcoming you to our forthcoming Open Days on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June. You will meet our wonderful students and staff and get a sense of this very special place. Details here if you have not already booked (and fast filling up):
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visits/open-days/

28/05/2025

We are very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing; he was a regular supporter of our concert series. Our sympathy to Jerry's family and friends at this sad time.

We are shocked to hear our great friend and supporter Jerry Cowhig has passed away. Jerry was Chairman and a member of the Board of the Bristol Ensemble until very recently, and gave many years of wonderful support and guidance to us all. He was a real member of the Bristol Ensemble family and will be sorely missed. Condolences to all his family.

24/05/2025

Bristol University Music Society Summerfest is starting ***under the Portico of the Vic Rooms***, but they're planning to move to RFG as advertised shortly!
Everyone is welcome to this festival of musical variety!

21/05/2025

For your delectation and delight:

Wednesday 21 May, All Saints, Pembroke Road, Clifton, 7.15pm: Bristol University Singers (see poster and our Events section)

Thursday 22 May, Victoria Methodist Church, 1.15pm: A Free Chamber Music Concert by Bristol University Music Society

Thursday 22 May, Victoria Methodist Church, 7-9pm: A Free Open Rehearsal with I Fagolini MD Robert Hollingsworth and Bristol University Singers (see our Events for details)

Friday 23 May, Victoria Rooms, 1.15pm: Bristol University Music Society presents a variety concert

Saturday 24 May, Royal Fort Lodge Gardens or, if wet, Vic Rooms Portico: 1.30-8.30pm *SummerFest*, brought to you by Bristol University Music Society

Huge thanks to our wonderful students to all this music making!

20/05/2025

As well as tomorrow's concert at All Saints, Pembroke Road, Clifton (See details in the poster), on Thursday evening in Victoria Methodists you are invited to an open rehearsal with University Singers given by I Fagolini's MD Robert Hollingsworth from 7-9pm - come and attend any part or all of the rehearsal (and free admission - details in our "Events")!

13/05/2025

We are extremely sorry to hear about the passing of our former colleague Matthew Best. He was a lovely gentleman, being unassuming and extremely approachable and, of course, was also a superb Bass and a conductor too. His teaching expertise was excellent and our students loved his tuition. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends - he leaves us with many happy memories.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of RNCM vocal professor Matthew Best on Saturday […]

28/04/2025

Would you like to study music in a friendly and inclusive department with a super range of curricular and extra-curricular music making? Look no further - do come to one of our Open Days on Friday 13th or Saturday 14th June and meet our students and staff. We very much look forward to meeting you soon! Sign up here:
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visits/open-days/

08/04/2025

Patrick and Amaia don't need sockets - they're on full power anyway!

08/04/2025

01/04/2025

Our dear colleague Professor Michael Ellison, directed some premieres that attracted national attention entitled 'Recollections of Displacement' - his Hezarfen Ensemble commissioned and performed six pieces in total - well done Michael and the Hezarfen Ensemble!
You can find out more here:

At a time of a worldwide tendency holding onto the ideals of the nation state while emphasising its dominant ethnicities, the Turkish ensemble Hezarfen draws attention to the in-between space in which displaced people find themselves. In the program Recollections of Displacement they portray these e...