Now for some Hub news...

Southampton Musical Alumni - Ed Denham

Local composer Ed Denham (ex-pupil of Cantell School and Richard Taunton Sixth Form College) has recently started his year as Junior Composer with Opera North. Ed’s musical training in Southampton Youth Orchestra and Southampton Youth Choir has helped develop his particular interest in opera. Ed was involved in various Taunton's Community Opera productions including the Cosi Fan Tutte and Noye’s Fludde projects. More recently, Ed was commissioned to write an opera for Nottingham University’s operatic society.

Ed’s project with Opera North will focus on introducing children on the autistic spectrum to opera, helping them discover this art form through composition. In the summer we will welcome Ed back to Southampton for another Community Opera project.

FREE 'Off Stage' creative careers event

The Mayflower Theatre / Tuesday 26 March / 9.30am - 12noon or 12.15 - 14.45pm 

If you work with young people aged 13 - 16, please encourage them to attend this FREE creative careers event (focusing on off-stage careers in theatre and live music production). You can book any number of young people onto the morning or afternoon session.

Led by professionals in the creative industries, there will be a mixture of workshops focusing on lighting and sound, costume, marketing, front of house and venue management, as well as education and outreach programmes. The event will be managed by Artswork in partnership with Creative and Cultural Skills, and The Mayflower. For further information, please contact Jay-Michelle Mendivil: email jaymichelle@mail.com or call 078 4153 5735.

Kevin Appleby named Concert Hall Manager of the Year 2013

As part of last week's Association of British Orchestras conference in Leeds, Concert Hall Manager of Turner Sims, Southampton, Kevin Appleby, was awarded the prestigious Concert Hall Manager of the Year Award in the Rhinegold Awards 2013. Violinist Nicola Benedetti presented the award to Kevin at the ceremony that honoured the backstage talent in the UK’s classical music industry. Click here to find out what's happening at the Turner Sims concert hall. 

Image credit: Jonny Walton Kaptur.

Ukulele Workshop - Bitterne C of E Junior School

On 14 January the Ukulele Jam brought fun and musical learning to the Musketeers Club at Bitterne C of E Junior School. Many students played the ukulele for the first time and were able to perform 'Oh When the Saints' by the end of the session. Colin led the taster workshop and even taught the children how to adopt the official ukulele rock pose!

Seven days, ten venues, one city 

25 February - 2 March 

Southampton Solent University students will present (for the fifth year running) SMILEfest 2013. This exciting week-long programme of live music gigs and club nights will also include internationally renowned guest speakers, music workshops and art exhibitions. The festival will culminate in a fantastic gig at Southampton Guildhall with headliners Reverend and the Makers. For more information click here.

The Southampton Academy of Music and Sound launches lessons for girls

Events throughout the year

The Academy of Music and Sound is determined to encourage more girls to learn guitar, drums and bass. The academy will be holding seminars at weekends and during school holidays for girls to come and have a lesson, or be introduced to an instrument.

These seminars will be run by female musicians currently working in the music industry (including the drummer and bassist for music artists James Arthur, and Cher Lloyd). If you (or someone you know) are interested in attending a seminar, please call the academy on 023 8082 9666 for more information or follow the academy on Facebook to receive invites to events.

Rock The House 2013 competition

Rock The House is a music competition which caters for two separate age groups: musicians over the age of 19 and musicians under 19. 

The under 19s' live final will be performed in front of a top judging panel, prolific among the music industry. The prize (which money just can't buy!) includes music equipment, masterclasses and experience seminars delivered by industry specialists.

Click here to find out how to get involved in the competition.

Southampton Flute Choir, Southampton Clarinet Chorale and Premier Flutes

These ensembles held their annual New Year concert on 26 January at St James Church. They were joined by gifted solo recitalists from our Southampton Music Service, performing a repertoire ranging from French Romantic flute music to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Even the audience was keen to participate! Congratulations to all our young performers.

Rock and pop workshop

14 February / 4 - 6.30pm / Richard Taunton Sixth Form College / FREE / All welcome

Although this workshop is open to anyone interested in finding out more about Trinity College London's rock and pop qualifications and syllabus, it is best suited to music tutors and students at all levels across the city. Local rock band Groove Merchant will also be performing. Click here for more information or call 023 8083 3648 to book a place.

View Southampton Music Service's spring term concert dates here.