If you are interested in playing, singing or simply listening, check out the Music Centre to see what’s on offer. There’s plenty going on – so don’t miss out!
The University Music Centre promotes a wide range of music for performers and listeners from the university and also from the wider community. It is based near Old College in the Old Assembly Rooms. Within this elegant Georgian building - which is also the home of the ‘Welsh for Adults’ Mid-Wales Centre - the Joseph Parry Hall provides a splendid setting for small-scale concerts and has been much used for recital broadcasts by the B.B.C.
The Centre provides practice and teaching rooms and is equipped with pianos, harps, a two-manual electronic organ, a harpsichord, a chamber organ and percussion and other instruments. Its music library holds an extensive sheet-music collection, which includes a considerable amount of chamber and orchestral music. A good stock of music books can be found in the Hugh Owen Library - and, of course, the enormous resources of the National Library of Wales are close at hand. In addition, some residential halls have pianos and facilities for individual and group practice.
Something about our history
Aberystwyth is a prominent musical centre with a long and distinguished history. Well over a century ago the University College established one of Britain's first music departments. From its beginnings, under Professor Joseph Parry - an almost legendary figure in Welsh culture, the musical life of the College developed in a mutually enriching relationship with the town that has given music in Aberystwyth its special character. By the 1920s, when Sir Walford Davies - later to be made Master of the King's Music - was professor, Aberystwyth had become a significant musical focal point. Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Holst were among the many celebrated artists who held special affections for Aberystwyth; it was here, too, that Bartok gave his first public recital in Britain. Performance has always been at the heart of College music. It pioneered the engagement of full-time resident performers to give regular chamber concerts, and that commitment to professional performance as an important stimulus continues through the many distinguished performers who come here to work alongside our own musicians.
The close-knit character of Aberystwyth strengthens its musical life, ensuring that efforts are concentrated rather than diluted as they can be in larger centres. The town's pre-eminent status as an established seat of learning and its place at the cultural heart of a wide catchment area ensures a regular visits by first rate artists, orchestras and opera companies to its concert halls and theatres.
Although music degrees are no longer offered here, The University appreciates the importance of a vital musical life.
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