Celebrating a second year of creative collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra
The partnership between the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Universities for Nottingham has entered its second year with remarkable achievements, bringing together students, professionals, and the wider community in a shared celebration of music, creativity, and collaboration. From high-profile performances to innovative student-led projects, the initiative has continued to enrich Nottingham’s cultural landscape while offering students hands-on experience with a world-class orchestra.
Published on 12 September 2025
Categories: NTU Arts;
The second year of the partnership between the BBC Concert Orchestra and Universities for Nottingham has been a resounding success, marked by bold artistic ventures, deep community engagement, and transformative student experiences. From the grandeur of the BBC Proms arriving in Nottingham for the first time to the intimate collaborations between student filmmakers and composers, the partnership has continued to redefine what’s possible when education and professional artistry meet.
One of the year’s most celebrated moments was the performance of Carmina Burana at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall. This powerful choral work brought together the BBC Concert Orchestra with choirs from both NTU and the University of Nottingham, as well as the Southwell Minster Chorus. The concert drew an audience of over 1,800, including 505 first-time attendees, and was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3 — an extraordinary platform for showcasing regional talent.
Reflecting on the year, Amy Bere, Director of Culture at Nottingham Trent University, said:
“In the second year of the partnership, we have expanded opportunities for our students and community to engage with the BBC Concert Orchestra and to use the BBC’s platform to showcase our regional excellence nationally and internationally.”
The partnership’s commitment to student development was evident in projects like Journeys, which paired NTU filmmakers with UoN composers to create original short films scored and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Meanwhile, Screen Sounds, a side-by-side performance of film and television music, gave student instrumentalists the chance to perform alongside professional musicians.
One student shared their experience:
“Playing different music to the usual orchestral repertoire with a larger ensemble was very fun, as well as the opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra and learn from the members of the orchestra.”
Beyond performances, the partnership fostered mentorship, masterclasses, and guest lectures from BBC Concert Orchestra professionals, enriching the academic experience and opening doors to future careers in the arts. The formation of the Nottinghamshire Music Stakeholder Group further strengthened the partnership’s civic mission, aligning resources to support regional cultural development and youth engagement.
As the collaboration moves into its third year, the momentum continues with plans for a performance of Verdi Requiem, a film music festival, and a co-curated BBC Radio 3 broadcast involving young people from across Nottingham. The achievements of 2024–25 stand as a testament to the power of creative partnership, and the promise of what lies ahead.