LUUMS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
LUUMS Symphony Orchestra, or ‘Symph’ as it is more fondly known, has around 70 auditioned positions up for grabs – including strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion. This friendly, sociable and hard-working orchestra is a really great ensemble to get involved with. Having already undertaken ambitious projects, such as Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, this year’s repertoire will be no less challenging! There is a lot of exciting and varied repertoire planned, ranging from the staples of the classical world, to some of the lesser-known works. We perform 3 local concerts a year, and also go on tour every summer to a major European destination which is a definite highlight! It requires real dedication to be a member of our team, but this just makes the experience all the more rewarding, and our many social events and trips to the pub after rehearsals even more enjoyable Being part of an ensemble like Symph is a fantastic way of making friends with like-minded people, who enjoy working together to perform great repertoire. Every year we also run a concerto competition. This gives the opportunity for a Leeds student to perform a full concerto with the Orchestra.
Auditions for the Symphony Orchestra 2020/2021 will take place during freshers’ week in September. Though, due to the current pandemic, they may have to be run a little differently than usual. We’ll keep you updated regarding how the auditions will work as we see how the situation unfolds.
Thursdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, School of Music
To find out when our next concert is, click here:
Lotte Davis
Manager
Lotte is a 3rd year Music Student from Gloucestershire. Having played flute in Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and piccolo in Symphony Orchestra during her time at University, Lotte is excited to be the manager of Symphony Orchestra this year. The experience of being secretary of LUUMS last year has prepared her for the role. She has loved being involved in LUUMS as it has been such a large part of her university experience, and excited to see what the coming year shall bring.
Kit Orange
Conductor
Kit is a second year undergraduate BA music student at the University of Leeds. After conducting the brass band at his college for two years, he was very excited to have been given the opportunity to conduct the Symphony Orchestra this year. Playing in the Kirklees Musica Youth Orchestra as a trombonist for several years, he got his passion for orchestral works at a young age. A first study pianist, he has worked extensively with LUU opera society as a répétiteur, observing productions and taking an active part in rehearsals. Kit is taking the module in conducting this coming year and is also working on his technique regularly with Martin Pickard. He also started conducting the Thornton Singers - a choir in Bradford - this year, and has been really enjoying spending so much time leading ensembles this year.
Matthew Tate
Manager
Matthew is a 2nd year (BA) Music student from Godalming, Surrey. He started playing cornet in his local brass band aged 6 and, after switching predominantly to the trumpet a couple of years later, he has played in a wide variety of wind, brass and orchestral groups ever since. In his first year, Matthew absolutely loved playing in the LUUMS Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra as well as getting to know some amazing people through these groups. Matthew is determined to enjoy another fantastic year of music making despite any potential challenges relating to the current unprecedented pandemic.