Society Spotlight: Music Society

Written by Nuria Bonet

The University of Manchester’s Music Society mainly aims to provide its members with a large variety of performing opportunities to suit their standard, commitment and tastes.  A large variety of ensembles gives any musician the chance to perform at high level, be it orchestras, choirs or chamber ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chorus, Ad Solem  Chamber Choir, Operas and Musicals, Big Band, Baroque Orchestra.

The society also organises Friday Lunchtime Concerts in which members showcase their talent every few weeks. The Ad Solem Choir has recorded several cd’s and organise concert tours abroad every year. This summer, the Symphony Orchestra will also tour in Europe with concerts in Mannheim and Prague, getting the chance to show itself abroad. You may have guessed it, the Music Society never stops working hard to bring all kinds of music to students. In fact, several of our members are even attempting to pass their Grade 1 in an instrument they’ve never picked up before for charity!

Being a member allows you to join and audition for ensembles. Furthermore, you will also get free entry to all of our concerts, free access to our basement practice rooms, access to the teacher database (student teachers contacts) and an invitation to all of our social events. All this for £15? Bargain!

The Music Society is also all about social occasions and you will be welcomed by a strong and friendly community. We love a pint after rehearsals and more than one after concerts. Traditional events include the three-legged freshers pub-crawl, the Christmas Party and the Summer Ball, which includes its very own awards ceremony and a video with the highlights of the year. We are even active in the most unthinkable area: sports. Who would want to miss the Music Society Annual Rugby Match (usually only played for half an hour due to fitness issues)?

Any student or staff member can join us and you are guaranteed to meet interesting new people. Non-members can still enjoy the many Music Society concerts. Evening concerts are just £3 for students and Lunchtime Concerts are free! Our concerts bring you high quality music without fuss, overpriced tickets or dress code.

Finally, we organise Estival in the second week of June. It is a university music festival taking place in the Martin Harris Center packed with 3 concerts a day and various side performances. We will also have a bar running all day to ensure that you fully enjoy the experience. Stay tuned on www.estival.co.uk!

If you would like to join us, email [email protected]. If you fancy to come along to one of our concerts, visit www.mumusicsociety.co.uk to see what is on.