Raise the Roof Launch
Friday 12th March 2010
On 2 March 2010, HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, pledged his support for Chetham's School of Music's 'Raise the Roof' appeal to raise £1million for its new 21st Century learning environment and full orchestral auditorium.
The 'Raise the Roof' appeal was officially launched on the 2nd March at a prestigious event at The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre in London. Chetham's Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performed alongside the Bach Choir and celebrated international soloists, conducted by Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers and ex-student David Hill.
Prince Edward called upon music enthusiasts across the UK to support the growth of one of the country's leading musical institutions.
His Royal Highness, who is the Royal Patron for Chetham's School of Music said: "For forty years, Chetham's School of Music has nurtured and inspired young musicians from across the world. Each generation of students has the opportunity to then demonstrate their level of achievement not so much through examinations, but through the passion and enthusiasm with which they perform.
"The School is embarking on an ambitious yet exciting development and I urge people to consider how they can help us to fulfill our dream for the next era of young musicians as well as future generations of audiences."
Located in the heart of Manchester's Medieval Quarter, the first phase of construction works for Chetham's School of Music's £36million new school building will begin towards the end of March.
The building, which has been designed to provide Chetham's with a 21st Century learning environment, also ensures that the School is open and accessible to the public and will include two performance spaces including a full orchestral auditorium with 400 seats.
It will also provide state-of-the-art music and academic facilities for the 290 students at the School and an outreach music centre to develop and grow its hugely successful community music programme.
Claire Hickman, Head of Chetham's added: “This Appeal signals a new era for the School. The investment in the buildings will provide the best facilities for our students, however it is through the generosity of the wider public that we hope to create and grow a destination for music and cultural enthusiasts across the world and for our students to continue to 'Raise the roof'.”
Former Chetham's students include
Max Beesley, pianist Peter Donohoe, cellist Guy
Johnston, violinist Jennifer Pike,
conductor Daniel Harding, cellist Matthew Bailey and Jazz pianist Gwilym
Simcock as well as current student, Peter Moore, who was the youngest person
ever to win the prestigious title of BBC Young Musician of the Year in May
2008.
For more information please visit www.chethams.com
or call 0161 834 9644
