Robin, along with his partner, Nick Riddle, are members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society and regular attendees at the University’s Lunchtime Concerts. We caught up with Robin after he and Nick had attended a special MA student showcase concert in the Victoria Gallery & Museum to find out more.
Why is music important to you?
“We’ve been going to the Philharmonic for half a century! When I was at University, well-known music scholar, Basil Smallman, was Pro-Vice-Chancellor - he was always very keen on performance.”
Why is a space like this needed in Liverpool?
“Not everyone only likes one kind of music and different music can produce different things. Liverpool embodies this diversity, from a lot of eclectic and classical music at the lunchtime concerts through to more experimental and electronic forms in Open Circuit. It is really important to be inclusive about music.”
Why do you think this project is important?
“Traditionally, the University of Liverpool was the place that did music in the city. And it still is the leading place in the city for music education and working with the Philharmonic. The University is doing so much for children in the area, it has been great seeing schoolchildren coming to the lunchtime concerts. But it isn’t just music; young people get confidence that’s transferable to other areas of life, even for non-music students. This project needs to – and will – benefit the wider community.
“I’m very proud of Liverpool because I’ve been here a long time and it’s a good thing for the city. Liverpool is music, the only English city with UNESCO city of music status. The Philharmonic is the oldest continual English professional symphony orchestra. It will be very valuable for students to learn how to run a place, not just in theory but in practice.”
You can find out more about this project, or make a donation to support our fundraising efforts.
“Not everyone only likes one kind of music and different music can produce different things. Liverpool embodies this diversity, from a lot of eclectic and classical music at the lunchtime concerts through to more experimental and electronic forms. It is really important to be inclusive about music.”
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