Centre for
Music Performance


Music unites us. It has the power to inspire, comfort and transcend the every day. It provides a window into other cultures, and an outlet for self-expression.

It is life-affirming.

Music has long been integral to Cambridge

The time is ripe for those who value the arts to show their support — and the Centre for Music Performance underlines the University of Cambridge's commitment to the advancement of musical performance.

About

The Centre for Music Performance (CMP), led by Simon Fairclough, is committed to increasing the visibility, scale, ambition and reach of musical performance at Cambridge, positioning it among the very best centres of musical performance internationally.

Each year the CMP enables thousands of students of all subjects, backgrounds and levels of musical experience to make music a core part of their rounded education at Cambridge.

The Centre is equally committed to enhancing the University’s long tradition of musical excellence and to developing new opportunities across genres that bring the life-enriching benefits of music to a far wider range of students, including those with limited or no previous musical experience.

The CMP runs an exceptionally broad programme of musical activities, enabling students to engage in music making of all styles and standards, from complete beginner to the very highest levels of excellence. From orchestras to DJing classes and from instrument lessons for beginners to masterclasses with world-leading performers, the musical offer is increasingly rich.

The Centre supports an environment in which innovative musical endeavours can gain traction, enriching the musical life of the Cambridge community and beyond, and reinforcing the University’s reputation as a seedbed for generations of prominent professional performers.

“As a music undergraduate, I learned the joy of the practice room, where it’s just you and the piano and nothing else. I’m still a keen pianist, and I’m eager to see music in all genres and at all levels made available to students of different subjects and backgrounds. Music is fundamental to a rounded education. I’m delighted to see the Centre for Music Performance continue to pursue its mission of enhancing Cambridge’s tradition of musical excellence while bringing new opportunities to students at the start of their musical journeys.”

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Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor

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Support us

At a time of intense pressure for the performing arts, the University is making a substantial annual investment to cover the Centre’s core staffing and operating costs, but we now seek partners who will help the CMP achieve its full potential by supporting transformative educational and artistic opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.

By supporting the Centre for Music Performance, you will help us bring the life-enriching benefits of music to a far wider range of students, including those with limited or no previous musical experience.

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Join the CMP Supporters' Circle

Supporters' Circle members provide crucial financial support enabling the University to present an outstanding artistic programme and ensuring that students can access and participate in music across all genres and at all levels.

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Leave a legacy to the CMP

Legacies are vital for every part of the Cambridge experience. A legacy gift for The Centre for Music Performance will enable students, staff and local residents to make music of all genres a lasting part of life at Cambridge.

Other supporter opportunities

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Support the Symphony Chorus

Help to ensure that this large symphonic choir continues to provide world-class musical performances.

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Support an event

Create unforgettable musical encounters for audiences of all ages by supporting concerts and events across Cambridge.

Contact

To find out more about how you can support music performance at Cambridge, please contact:

Derek Wilson, Head of Development — Sport, Music Performance, Clubs and Societies
Email: derek.wilson@admin.cam.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1223 330015

“Joining the Advanced Popular Performance Scheme (APPS) and participating in events run by the Centre for Music Performance has been a wonderful opportunity to grow as an artist!

One of my main motivations for applying was to work on advanced vocal and breathing techniques that would enable me to access new vocal colours while using my voice sustainably. I feel like I’m able to tell stories through music better, by applying what I’ve learned on this scheme to both my songwriting and performances.

More broadly, being involved in the Cambridge music scene, which is increasingly diverse, is a perfect creative outlet to help manage the stresses of having a job and doing a part-time PhD at Cambridge!”

Jordan Moxey (Queen's College)
PhD student in Public Health and Primary Care,  singer-songwriter and vocalist on the CMP's Advanced Popular Performance Scheme

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Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, April 2020, performing Knower's 'Gotta Be Another Way' (arranged, mixed and directed by James Cozens).

Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, April 2020, performing Knower's 'Gotta Be Another Way' (arranged, mixed and directed by James Cozens).

Tess Jackson, CUMS Conducting Scholar 2019-20, conducting Cambridge University Orchestra

Tess Jackson, CUMS Conducting Scholar 2019-20, conducting Cambridge University Orchestra

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The Choir of King's College, Cambridge

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Arc Quartet, Instrumental Awards Scheme for Chamber Music

Arc Quartet, Instrumental Awards Scheme for Chamber Music

Arc Quartet, Instrumental Awards Scheme for Chamber Music

Sir Mark Elder conducting Cambridge University Orchestra

Sir Mark Elder conducting Cambridge University Orchestra

Sir Mark Elder conducting Cambridge University Orchestra

Image credits

  • Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, photographer Hideaway Streatham.
  • Cambridge University Chamber Choir, photographer Emma Warner.
  • Arc Quartet, Instrumental Awards Scheme for Chamber Music, photographer Nick Rutter.
  • Sir Mark Elder conducting Cambridge University Orchestra, photographer Tristan Selden.
  • Images of Sir Mark Elder and The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, reproduced with kind permission from the Provost and scholars of King’s College, Cambridge.