The University of Cambridge have agreed to create a Centre for Music Performance (CMP) that will “transform the visibility, scale, ambition and reach of musical life at Cambridge,” it was announced yesterday (25/03)

The Centre, led by a new Director of Music Performance, will be dedicated to goals of diversity and outreach. Celebrating music of all genres, as part of the University of Cambridge, it is hoped that it can soon seal the University’s position on the world stage of music.

Committed to allowing all students a place for experiment and innovation, the CMP is due to open towards the end of the year. The website for the new initiative cites a mission to “support music performance at all levels, in all genres, and for students of all subjects.”

In launching the new centre, organisers have also voiced a hope that it will contribute to the recovery of the physical University, as well as offering a means to improve student wellbeing. It has also been confirmed that the CMP will work in tandem with the collegiate music system, reaching students at all colleges.

Addressing the announcement, Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Toope, said: “At a time of unprecedented stress for the performing arts, I am proud that Cambridge is creating a new Centre for Music Performance.”

He continues: “A step-change in the visibility, breadth, reach and role of music performance, it will nurture the highest aspirations of the very best performers, besides offering a wonderful array of opportunities to those with previously limited experience. In the long run the Centre will be a stimulus for interdisciplinarity, research excellence and all-round personal development. I am thrilled to see the CMP go ahead at Cambridge.”

Chair of the Faculty Board of Music and 1684 Professor of Music Katharine Ellis stated: “The Faculty of Music is delighted to see the new Centre for Music Performance come into being. This new hub will be a game-changer supporting musicians right across the University, from soon-to-be professionals to those for whom music offers precious release from the stresses of intensive study.”

She adds: “It will be a beacon for Cambridge’s already rich musical life and will enable students to access its variety more readily than ever before. We look forward to contributing to the CMP’s success.”

The Centre will also work with local schools in an outreach capacity, aiming to enrich the musical life of the University and the wider Cambridge community. It will strive to widen access to musical training for prospective students of all backgrounds, highlighting Cambridge as the first choice for aspiring musicians.