Young musicians from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University will again take centre stage with the BBC Concert Orchestra. They are performing as part of the Universities for Nottingham Partnership (UfN), which launches its 2026 programme with two major concerts. Now in its third year and recently extended to 2029, the collaboration highlights Nottingham’s student talent and offers a rare chance to perform with one of the UK’s leading orchestras.
Holst’s The Planets Opens the Season
The first performance takes place on 20 March at Nottingham Trent University. Chief Conductor Anna‑Maria Helsing will lead Holst’s The Planets. The programme also includes Academic Festival Overture, conducted by the University of Nottingham’s Harry Lai. The event will guide audiences from the power of “Mars” to the quiet beauty of “Neptune”, offering an evening of dynamic orchestral colour.
Verdi’s Requiem at the Royal Concert Hall
On 25 March, the focus shifts to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. Combined choirs from both universities will join the orchestra for Verdi’s Requiem, again under Helsing’s direction. Professional soloists will perform alongside the student chorus, delivering one of classical music’s most dramatic and emotionally charged works. This second concert showcases a large‑scale collaboration between students, international musicians and professional vocalists.
Partnership Strengthening Skills and Cultural Life
Supported by UfN, the partnership enriches Nottingham’s cultural life and gives young musicians experience at a professional level. University of Nottingham Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Jeremy Gregory has praised the project as an “extraordinary opportunity”, recognising the ambition and commitment shown by the students. Leaders from both universities and the orchestra also highlight its positive impact on skills, confidence and community engagement.
These landmark performances underline Nottingham’s growing reputation as a vibrant centre for culture. They also demonstrate how emerging talent and internationally recognised musicians can share one stage to deliver high‑quality music‑making.