Yesterday, The Earl of Wessex was in Birmingham to attend a concert at the city’s Conservatoire, which is part of Birmingham City University. Also in attendance at the concert was Julian Lloyd Webber, renowned British cellist who is also Principal of the Conservatoire (and brother of the famous composer Andrew).
Prince Edward was in attendance in his role as Birmingham Conservatoire’s Royal Patron. The Queen’s youngest son took on the role back in March 2016, and he is the first member of the Royal Family to have a patronage with the Conservatoire. The Earl is well-known for his love of the arts, particularly concerts and theatre, which forms a large part of both his royal duties and his private life.
HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, has unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally open the new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. pic.twitter.com/7f69PKGOBk
— Birmingham City Uni (@BCUPressOffice) 11 March 2018
Last night’s performance was a Royal Gala Opening Concert to mark the official opening of the Conservatoires’ new home, a £57 million building which is situated on the Birmingham City University campus in the Eastside region of the city.
The concert was performed by the college’s Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, who is the Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. As well as attending the concert, Prince Edward unveiled a plaque to officially commemorate the opening of the new facility.
The concert closes and @JLloydWebber hands flowers to this evening’s conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, as the orchestra and chorus take the audience’s applause. pic.twitter.com/o99b01NWWC
— Birmingham City Uni (@BCUPressOffice) 11 March 2018
Ahead of his visit to the concert, the Earl of Wessex said: “This evening’s celebration is not just about the United Kingdom’s first purpose-built music college for a generation, but also a prefix which recognises the fantastic contribution this institution has made to music education over many years. The past is merely the foundation for the next stage, when these unrivalled facilities will hopefully inspire students to greater achievements; which in turn will enhance Birmingham’s reputation as a vibrant centre in the world of music and can only lead to wider recognition and appreciation.”
The concert will be broadcast tonight on BBC Radio 3 from 7.30pm in the United Kingdom, and we should have more photos to update you with; check back!
