Partner of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Liverpool Hope University: The Higher Education Partner of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Liverpool Hope University and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are two of Liverpool’s oldest institutions: the Liverpool Philharmonic Society was established in 1840, and Hope’s roots go back to 1844. Links between Hope and the RLPO can be tracked back to the mid-nineteenth century. Before the building of Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street, the Liverpool Philharmonic Society held its meetings and concerts in the Collegiate Institute, a fine sandstone building which still overlooks the gardens on Hope's Creative Campus. The first oboist of the orchestra, a Mr Caffarata, also ran the choir and occasional orchestra (largely comprising Philharmonic players) which played for church services in the early days of the church on Creative Campus, St Francis Xavier.

Professional and informal links between the University and the RLPO had been evident for many years, but in 2007 Liverpool Hope and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic announced a formalised partnership which has been of enormous benefit to both institutions. Hope has made a significant investment in the orchestra, and is a major sponsor; in return, players and other members of the Phil’s staff have worked alongside tutors and students at Hope, greatly enhancing the work of the Music Department and other areas of the creative and performing arts. In 2009 Vasily Petrenko was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Hope and is now a Visiting Professor in the Music Department.

Liverpool Hope’s commitment to this enterprise has been based upon a strong desire to invest in the best of the region’s music making, and to leave a lasting legacy in terms of the impact of the orchestra’s work in the cultural life of the city. In particular, the University wants to support the engagement of students and young people with the whole range of activities that the Phil undertakes. Both institutions believe that such investment is vital, given the opportunities that this presents in firmly establishing and developing a rich musical experience for upcoming generations.

Members of the orchestra are visiting fellows of the University, and teach in Hope’s Music Department. In some cases, this is as instrumental tutors, but groups from the orchestra have participated in composition workshops, musicology and analysis classes, given advice about a range of performance issues, performed in lunchtime and other concerts, and welcomed Hope students to rehearsals and concerts at the Philharmonic Hall. Students from Hope have been keenly involved in the exciting community project at the Friary School, In Harmony. All composition students have their work performed by members of the orchestra.

Each year, Liverpool Hope offers four RLPO Scholarships, which are open to all orchestral instrumentalists studying Music at Liverpool Hope. In addition, there are four Choral Scholarships. Working so closely with members of one of Europe’s leading orchestras has enhanced considerably the work of a department which was already known to be a forward-looking, exciting place to study. To find out more about the Hope–RLPO link visit the RLPO website at:

http://www.liverpoolphil.com/247/further-amp-higher-education/liverpool-hope-university.html

A student writes:

I want to thank the University for providing the opportunity for the workshop of student string quartet compositions with members of the RLPO yesterday. It was the first time I have had a composition performed by professional players and it was a wonderful learning experience for me. The added dimension that live performance brings to a piece only heard previously on computer play-back is astonishing. Having been distinctly nervous about the encounter I found the atmosphere of the workshop wholly supportive and the comments that the players made across the range of works were insightful and practical.

Vasily Petrenko unveiling the plaque at the opening of Hope Theatre, Capstone, March 2010

Last Updated ( Monday, 17 January 2011 )

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