The Solem Quartet will continue their Ensemble-in-Residence role with the University of Liverpool’s Department of Music for a further three years, building on the previous three years of success.
The news comes in the week the Department’s popular, free Lunchtime Concerts begin their Autumn programme.
Head of Music, Professor Catherine Tackley said: “This is an educational partnership in the true sense of the word with exciting performance and composition collaborations between students, staff and the Quartet.
“We look forward to the continued development and exchange of skills and experience as we settle into the wonderful new teaching and recording facilities provided by the Gordon Stephenson Building refurbishment and open the new Arts and Humanities Centre.”
As well as performing, The Solem Quartet contribute to students’ musical education.
Among its successes are First Class awards in their final recitals for two Chinese pianists – with no experience of chamber music – after studying the Beethoven Piano Quartets with the ensemble.
They also helped an undergraduate compose a song with string accompaniment, that was then selected to be performed in front of a 200 strong audience as part of the Lunchtime Concert series.
The Solem Quartet said: “The residency at the University of Liverpool is hugely beneficial for us as a quartet. Education work is of the utmost importance to us as an ensemble and we love working with students and lecturers and giving concerts at the University.
“Our presence in the Department of Music helps to create an environment that is nurturing for music students. Not only do they receive chamber music coaching from us but also rehearse, perform and compose with us as experienced professionals.
“We believe this collaborative work gives students an insight into the professional world.
“Similarly, being available as live musicians in analysis and history classes brings examples to life and the music out of the score, making a huge difference to students’ engagement.
“Lastly, we firmly believe a new concert hall would be of huge benefit to the University.
“Primarily, it will raise the quality of music making in the Department of Music; performing and teaching in a concert hall raises the bar in terms of what practitioners can aim for musically.
“Secondly, having a creative space in the centre of the University campus would put music at the heart of University life and allow us to garner a relationship with the broader University community, both through teaching and performance.”
The University of Liverpool’s Lunchtime Concert series opens on Wednesday September 25. All performances are free to attend but booking is recommended. Please visit: www.liverpool.ac.uk/music/events/lunchtime-concert-series/