The year 2021 marks an important musical milestone at Bangor University, 100 years since E T Davies became the University’s first full-time Director of Music in 1921. It’s a time to celebrate the rich and diverse history of music at Bangor, looking back over a century of musical moments, and then forward to the next 100 years, with some exciting new developments on the horizon.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate our centenary with a packed calendar of events, which promises something for everyone! Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months, as we release an exciting schedule of concerts, performances and masterclasses - a tribute to the quality and variety of music-making in Bangor and beyond.
The programme will include performances from professional music ensembles, including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera, with each visiting orchestra including works by composers associated with Bangor.
Bangor’s Department of Music, Drama and Performance, will, of course, play a pivotal role in the celebrations, with a host of exciting events planned to mark the School of Arts, Culture and Language’s commitment to artistry, musicianship and education. Concerts from the University Symphony Orchestra and the University Chorus will celebrate the centenary, by including in their repertoire music composed between 1921-22. The University’s musical ensembles will also provide a number of colourful performances which will all include music written by Bangor composers.
As well as live concerts and performances, a range of masterclasses will bring together the very best young practitioners from across the UK, presenting a programme of exciting masterclasses to enrich the student experience at Bangor.
Events will take place, not only in the University buildings, including Pontio, but also throughout the city, in locations such as Storiel and Bangor Cathedral. The community is at the heart of everything we do, and this is a celebration, not just for the Department of Music, Drama and Performance, but for the whole University and the people of Bangor, North Wales and beyond.
We can’t wait to celebrate 100 years of music with you all!