OBERTO regulars will, we're sure, be appalled to read this. Opera has always been a strength at Brookes, in terms of publications, awards, research income, and our OBERTO events have created vital connections between academia and the opera industry. They are completely unique.
We are sad to share with you the news that Oxford Brookes University has decided to close its music department. Below a statement from the music team - we are all devastated.
Obviously our opera research unit is no more, because the staff members involved were made redundant, but we thought followers might like to read about this, which connects to many of the themes discussed at our conferences over the years. Please buy Alex's book!
Available to pre-order! My new book, "Someone Else's Music: Opera and the British" traces attitudes towards opera, 1920-2020.
It reveals a forgotten history of popular opera-going, which challenges the elitism stereotype. It also examines when and why that stereotype arose. /
Young lad next to me @southbankcentre got his ticket for a fiver. Such good value and a fabulous concert. Rachmaninov 2 was stupendous and I enjoyed those tricky Strauss songs. Heart warming to chat to a youngster with a passion for classical music
Our series of staff spotlights continues. Meet Dr Matt Lawson, Senior Lecturer in Music and specialist for film music, especially all things John Williams!
At Brookes we have always had an excellent track record of introducing young people to opera for the first time - in some cases giving them a potentially lifelong source of enjoyment. If the BA Music closes, as currently planned, all this stops.
We are introducing a new series of posts highlighting the wonderful staff that make up the Music team at Brookes!
Today's Staff Spotlight: Prof Alexandra Wilson
(Professor of Music and Cultural History) @amwilson_opera@ObertoBrookes@obuengagement@oxford_brookes
ISM Chief Executive @deborahannetts and members of the ISM Council have written to Oxford Brookes, calling on them to reconsider their ‘deeply concerning’ decision to close their music department.
Read the letters in full 👇
.@RoyalHistSoc has today issued a statement on the proposed cuts and closures @oxfordbrookes in #History & other depts https://t.co/Igp8NHLqnu
These cuts are extensive. They risk the future of staff students, and the very research culture for which Brookes historians are known.
Without a music department at Brookes, there won't be an OBERTO opera research group! Please sign the petition, set up by Brookes music students, if you support music education and opera research at Brookes! #savemusicatbrookes#savebrookesmusic#opera
https://t.co/DBN6tLBQlh
Please keep sending your thoughts on the Brookes music closure to the VC and governors. A 12-month reprieve for all staff to develop new programmes would really help us. Steady stream of letters good - keep them coming.