University News Last updated 27 March
Secondary school students from Lordswood Boys’ School paid a visit to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire recently to discover the life and music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges as part of RBC’s French Season.
The students attended their first-ever university-style lecture, which was led by Christopher Dingle, Professor of Music and Director of RBC’s French Music Research Hub. Here, they discovered the life of St-Georges, his music and the key features of 18th Century Parisian style galant.
Following the lecture, the students joined staff and students on the Bradshaw Hall stage to listen to and explore Saint-Georges’ Symphonie Concertante in B-flat, op. 6, no.2, the first known performance anywhere of the version for violin and cello soloists with orchestra
Director of Music at Lordswood Boys’ School Marie Lowndes-Ford said: “We were honoured to witness a historical moment – the first-ever showcase of one of his compositions. Our students engaged brilliantly, asking insightful questions.
“A huge thank you to RBC Project Support Officer Ben Jones and Associate Professor in Music Education Richard Shrewsbury for making this event possible and for giving us such a warm welcome. We can’t wait for our next visit.”
Pictured: Students from Lordswood Boys’ School.