University News Last updated 17 January 2024
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh returned to Royal 探花直播 Conservatoire (RBC) at 探花直播 (BCU) on Wednesday and met with representatives from leading institutions across the United Kingdom to discuss ways of making music more inclusive.
The Duke, pictured right with RBC Principal Stephen Maddock OBE, also sat in on rehearsals at the RBC鈥檚 Jazz Club, which included a performance from student Ben Shankland, recently crowned聽BBC Radio Scotland鈥檚 Young Jazz Musician of the Year.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said it was an 鈥渉onour鈥� to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh back to RBC, adding: 鈥淭he visit by His Royal Highness brought to light the significant work RBC undertakes to promote the study of music to people from all walks of life.
鈥淥ur University firmly believes in the value of arts for all, whether it鈥檚 in its transformative effect on individuals and society, or through its contribution to the economy.鈥�
The Duke of Edinburgh was formally named as 探花直播 Conservatoire鈥檚 first Royal Patron in 2016. The following year, the institution, which is home to some of the most talented music students from the UK and beyond, was granted its Royal title by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
On arriving at the RBC on Wednesday, The Duke of Edinburgh was greeted by Professor Mba, RBC Principal Stephen Maddock OBE, High Sheriff of West Midlands Wade Lyn CBE, and Lord Mayor of 探花直播聽Councillor Chaman Lal.
Principal Maddock said he was 鈥渄elighted鈥� to host a visit from the Royal Patron and be able to introduce him to a number of RBC students and staff.
RBC student Ben was among them and said he was 鈥渢hrilled鈥� to have played for The Duke.
鈥淚 am really passionate about jazz, and it was great to be able to share that with The Duke of Edinburgh,鈥� said Ben, a talented pianist. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not every day that you expect to meet a member of The Royal Family in the Eastside Jazz Club.鈥�
The discussion about the future of music provision included representatives from the City of 探花直播 Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Music Theatre, Chetham鈥檚 School of Music, London Mozart Players, Northern Ballet,聽National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and聽Shireland CBSO Academy.
The Duke鈥檚 tour of RBC鈥檚 musical facilities included the prestigious Organ Studio, which houses a Eule Pipe Organ and two Steinway grand pianos.