DMU announces exciting partnership with internationally-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) today announces a new partnership with the internationally-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra.

The five-year partnership will deliver a wealth of opportunities for students, develop links between musicians and staff from the two organisations, and support DMU’s world-leading research in the field of electronic music.



The partnership is underpinned by DMU’s support of the Orchestra’s De Montfort Hall (DMH) residency, which this year celebrates its 20th year. DMU will be the Philharmonia’s ‘Principal Partner’ at DMH for the duration of this relationship, which includes a Chancellor’s Concert each season, a performance attended by students and staff from the University.

DMU’s Music, Technology and Innovation research centre will also become a key partner to the Philharmonia’s Digital team, working together on projects to reach new audiences.

And DMUlocal – DMU’s flagship programme to share the skills of our students and staff for the public good – will team up with the Philharmonia and Highfields Community Centre on a new project to highlight the benefit of music as a stimulating and therapeutic tool for people living with dementia, paired with the positive effects of intergenerational working. The project will also involve a comprehensive piece of research by academics at DMU.

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “Universities have an important role to play in providing opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to engage with arts and culture. I am enormously proud of the culture of creativity and innovation for which DMU is renowned.
 
"To join the creative forces of DMU with that of an organisation of such international standing as the Philharmonia Orchestra marks an exciting, bold new chapter of music provision and collaboration.”

Philharmonia Orchestra Managing Director David Whelton said: “Whether through its recent sporting glory or the richness of its artistic and cultural life, Leicester is a city that punches well above its weight. The Philharmonia Orchestra is delighted to have a role in the city’s success, part of which is our relationships with higher education institutions in Leicester. Further to the work of our players with students from the University of Leicester, we are pleased to broaden our reach in this area with this new strategic partnership with DMU.

“Thanks to Prof. Dominic Shellard and his team, we have a unique opportunity to bring together the world-class musicians of the Philharmonia Orchestra with the passionate, talented students of DMU.”

Sarah Levitt, Head of Arts and Museums at Leicester City Council, said: “Leicester is fortunate to have two outstanding universities and a major international symphony in residence at De Montfort Hall. The Council is delighted that these two innovative institutions are to collaborate in such a deep and meaningful way, to the mutual benefit of students, musicians and audiences, but also – crucially – for the wider community.”

Key benefits of the partnership include:

• The chance for students to join a Student Ambassadors programme, promoting concerts to audiences across Leicester, particularly to young people. Ambassadors will also host student visits to Philharmonia Concerts at De Montfort Hall and gain valuable experience in arts and events management
  
  
• A series of “industry insight” talks for students interested in working in the creative industries
  
  
• A unique collaboration and exchange programme between MTI students and staff and participants in the Philharmonia’s celebrated Composers Academy, delivered in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Society

The partnership will benefit students in a range of disciplines and include opportunities for all university students and staff to get involved.

DMU’s established community contacts across Leicester and Leicestershire will also enable the orchestra to engage with traditionally hard-to-reach communities.
 
DMU has links with high-quality arts organisations throughout the city and county. Earlier this year, it became the first university to sign a partnership with Arts Council England to give students more opportunities to get involved in the arts. ACE chief executive Darren Henley said universities had an important role to play as custodians of arts and culture, as well as investing in the arts.  
 
The Strategic Partnership will be formally signed at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre in autumn.