SYMPHONIC CHOIR
LUUMS Symphonic Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble for undergrads, postgrads and members of the community from Leeds University, and beyond!
Our aim is to bring together people of all musical abilities and backgrounds with a passion for singing. We have our friendly and relaxed rehearsals every Thursday in term time (5:00-7:00pm) in the School of Music, followed by a trip out to grab some food and to get to know the group.
We cover sacred and secular music from across the classical canon, culminating in 3-4 performances per year. Recently, we have performed music by Gibbons, Purcell, Rutter and Haydn. In the second semester we perform a larger scale work for augmented forces, most recently Bach's Magnificat and Vivaldi's Gloria.
This coming year the choir is planning performances of pieces by Whitacre, Britten, Faure and Gjeilo alongside some exciting newly commissioned works written for the choir.
If you would like more information please contact our manager Connie:
luums.symphonicchoir@gmail.com
Or join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/425190888123054/
Or just drop into a rehearsal!
Thursdays, 5-7pm
Rehearsal Hall, School of Music
To find out when our next concert is, click here:
Connie Lynas
Manager
Connie is a 3rd year Music and Music Psychology student from West Sussex. After having been a member of Symphonic Choir for two years and greatly missing it on a year abroad, she is very excited to be returning to Leeds and be more actively involved in the choir. Primarily being a Flute player and having grown up playing in local and county level orchestras, singing has always been a fun and non-pressurised musical area for her, and she is passionate about people coming together and enjoying themselves through singing. She looks forward to a great year of singing beautiful pieces and having a good time!
Oliver Rudland
Conductor
Oliver is a first year PhD in the school of music. He has returned to education after a period working as a freelance composer and teacher (in an attempt to finally get a full-time job!) He studied composition at the RCM, London and then Cambridge University where he also taught for several years. He has written three operas.
His research is in community music-making and social participation and so is delighted to be conducting the non-auditioned LUUMS Symphonic Choir this year!
He is also working on a new opera based on the novel ‘A Kestrel for a Knave’ by Barry Hines, as a part of his PhD.
Samuel Boobier
Manager
Sam is a fourth year PhD student in the School of Chemistry. Sam was a Chorister at Bradford Cathedral before moving to University of St Andrews to take up a Choral Scholarship. Sam managed to combine singing in choirs and operas alongside studying, as well as receiving tuition in conducting whilst on study abroad at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Conducting highlights at St Andrews include Music Society Wind Band, Opera Society (also Secretary), Music Society Singers (also Manager) and taking a production of Pirates of Penzance to Edinburgh Fringe.
Since moving to Leeds, Sam has conducted LUUMS Chamber Choir, LUU Opera Soc and is currently conductor of LUUMS Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Sam has been a member of Symphonic Choir was three years and was conductor in 2018/19. He loves the ethos of the choir, bringing together people of all ages and background together who love to sing, and is delighted to be managing the choir this year