Hundreds of Musicians to Rally in Cardiff Against Closure of University’s School of Music
A stirring display of unity and protest is set to take place in Cardiff, with hundreds of musicians from all over the UK planning to gather on Saturday, February 22nd. They will come together for a unique demonstration against Cardiff University’s proposal to shut down its esteemed School of Music. The musicians are inviting supporters and fellow artists to join them in a march starting from Museum Avenue at 1.30pm, culminating in a free public performance at Gorsedd Gardens at 2pm.
The highlight of the event will be a full orchestrated performance featuring the Cardiff University Salvation Symphony Orchestra and Chorus led by a talented group of conductors. Additionally, there will be enchanting performances by the Cardiff University Brass Band and other ensembles. The musical repertoire promises to be captivating, including renditions of the Welsh national anthem, Handel’s ‘Hallelujah chorus,’ Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus and Palladio.
The musicians plan to extend their demonstration with a “city busk out” from 4pm, taking the protest to the streets of Cardiff to amplify their message. This protest comes on the heels of Cardiff University’s recent announcement proposing the slashing of 400 academic positions and the closure of various schools, including music, nursing, and modern foreign languages, citing financial pressures.
Amidst the turmoil, support for the music school has surged, with luminaries of the arts world, such as opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, signing an open letter against its closure. Tens of thousands of individuals, including renowned mathematicians, have also added their voices to petitions denouncing the cuts in music education.
In a powerful statement, the organisers of the protest rally highlighted the significance of music education and demanded the preservation of the School of Music. They called for job security for staff facing potential redundancies and urged the university to tap into reserve funding to safeguard humanities teaching.
The protest serves as a poignant reminder of the School of Music’s rich legacy, having nurtured exceptional talents like composers Karl Jenkins, Grace Williams, and Alun Hoddinott. It has also been a home to distinguished academics and musicians, showcasing a surplus budget and high student satisfaction rates.
The outcry against the proposed closure has reverberated across various sectors, with institutions, professional bodies, and notable figures condemning the decision. The support from organisations like The Musicians’ Union and Welsh National Opera underscores the widespread concern for the future of music education in Wales.
As the debate over Cardiff University’s cost-cutting measures intensifies, the protesters are resolute in their stand to defend the value of music education. Amidst this turmoil, the future of higher education, particularly in the arts, hangs in the balance. The Cardiff University spokesperson reiterated that the proposals are subject to community feedback and collaboration to ensure a sustainable approach to music education.
The gathering of musicians in Cardiff symbolises a powerful display of solidarity and determination to preserve the cultural and academic heritage of music education. As they raise their voices and instruments in protest, they send a resounding message that the arts are an integral part of education and society.