Founded in 1907, the University Music Society is the oldest society at the University of Birmingham, and is still the largest music-making body on campus. We have over 400 members and organise a variety of ensembles and concerts at the university and beyond. The society is run by a committee of staff and students and works closely with the Department of Music, which is ranked second in the country for research.
This academic year, the UMS is extremely grateful to have Dr Elaine Padmore, as its honorary president.
The two full-sized orchestras, Symphony and Philharmonic, regularly play challenging repertoire in reputable venues across Birmingham, both alone and as accompaniment to the 200-strong University Choir. Wind Band and Brass Band feature together in a tour-de-force of lung-powered fireworks, while the Chamber Choir brings a sparkler-sized evening of magic to beautiful ecclesiastical settings. The UMS Big Band puts on a slightly more informal, extremely high-quality night of jazz classics and originals, and the newest addition to the UMS family, Saxophone Ensemble, never fails to entertain.
If this wasn’t enough, the UMS holds many popular social events throughout the year for all its members. The highlight, the annual ball held in the spring term, is an event you will never forget!
Whether a potential audience member or a prospective performer, the UMS looks forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!