The University of St Andrews Music Society

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The University of St Andrews Music Society

The largest provider of student music groups in St Andrews. Music Society, or MusSoc, consists of six groups and almost 200 members.

With five auditioned ensembles (Big Band, Chamber Choir, St Andrews Strings, Symphony Orchestra and Ukelear Fusion) and one unauditioned ensemble (Wind Band), we welcome students of varying abilities and backgrounds into our musical community. Groups rehearse weekly, working towards an end of semester concert with tickets open to the public. Each is rehearsed/conducted by students, with the except

ion of our Symphony Orchestra who employs professional conductor Iain McLarty. Group socials usually take the form of a trip to the pub following rehearsals but may also include pub quizzes, pizza nights and pot-lucks. In addition to these, there are several Society-wide socials throughout the year, including BBQs, black-tie dinners and ‘flat crawls’. At the start of each academic year, MusSoc organises a large ‘Music Fayre’ with up to 30 different musical groups from across St Andrews attending. Coming along to this is a great way to find out about all of the musical opportunities the town has to offer and sign-up to auditions. Look out for our lunchtime concert series during term, which raises money for Music in Hospitals. Concerts take place on a Friday from 1:10 - 1:50pm in the Laidlaw Music Centre and are entirely free to attend. For more information about Music Fayre, membership, auditions and more, please visit our website.

27/03/2024

This week will be the Fermata Quartet at our LTC! Come hear some classic repertoire as well as an original composition, it’ll be a shame to miss it!

20/03/2024

Join us this week for a rendition of Brahms’ Trio in E-Flat Major, played by music centre scholars Ziying (Piano), Arabella (Violin) and Owain (Horn). Written in the wake of Brahms’ mother’s passing, his “Horn Trio” encapsulates a poignant blend of elegy, nostalgia, and exuberance. It stands as a testament to Brahms’ most intimate and personal expressions, regarded now as one of the greatest achievements of romantic chamber music.

See you in the Laidlaw this Friday!

18/03/2024

Get your orders in for our 2024 Music Society merch now!
Choose to stay warm from a range of high quality fleeces, hoodies, and quarter zips, all of which are customisable. And similarly, get cosy with our bobble hats, socks, and joggers!
Thanks to our fresher reps Cara and Rufus for designing these, we are super impressed and can’t wait to be wearing them around town soon!
Click here to fill out our form- https://forms.gle/jjRXeU27Q8W8GuGSA

27/02/2024

Tickets out now on FIXR for our annual St Andrews University Music Society Ball!
Dinner and Ceilidh tickets available!
We would love to see as many of you there at the Old Course Hotel as possible- no an event to be missed!

https://fixr.co/event/st-andrews-university-music-society-ball-tickets-618413713

23/02/2024

Come join us this afternoon in the Laidlaw Music Centre!

Haydn’s Horn Concerto No. 1 in D major, Hob. VIId:3 is a staple of the horn repertoire. It was written around 1762-63 during Haydn’s time as Kapellmeister to the Esterházy family in Eisenstadt. Consisting of three movements, Allegro, Adagio and, Allegro, it showcases the capabilities of the natural horn and reflects the composer’s mastery of the classical style. It will be performed by Ross Donaldson (Horn), Trent Francis (Violin 1), Lorna Richardson (Violin 2), Rose Gallichan (Viola), Neve Green (Cello), and Joe Bradstreet (Double Bass).

The second piece in the programme is modern composer Ian Deterling’s Duet for Horn and Cello in C Minor Op. 3. The work is a theme and variations which manipulates the main melody while juxtaposing it with contrasting counter melodies and foreground. Beginning slow and sombre, rhythms and tempo gradually build throughout the piece to an energetic finale.

See you there!

16/02/2024

Student Bassoonion Lunchtime Concert

After an excruciatingly long hiatus, the “critically” acclaimed Student Bassoonion are back with their exciting and highly-anticipated lunchtime concert, ‘Jarring and Unexpected’. Ranging from renowned and well-loved bassoon classics - ‘Bassoon Saloon for Four Bassoons’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - to more niche repertoire by obscure composers, such as Prokofiev and Beethoven, they promise it shall be not just a concert, but a celebration of the orchestra’s most excitingly versatile (don’t quote us on this) and eccentric instrument.

15/02/2024

After an excruciatingly long hiatus, the “critically” acclaimed Student Bassoonion are back with their exciting and highly-anticipated lunchtime concert, ‘Jarring and Unexpected’. Ranging from renowned and well-loved bassoon classics - ‘Bassoon Saloon for Four Bassoons’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - to more niche repertoire by obscure composers, such as Prokofiev and Beethoven, they promise it shall be not just a concert, but a celebration of the orchestra’s most excitingly versatile (don’t quote us on this) and eccentric instrument.

See you tomorrow!

09/02/2024

Musical Theatre Society Lunch Time Concert

Join Musical Theatre Society (MusT) for a theatrical lunchtime concert, showcasing enchanting melodies from the unforgettable scores of Carrie and Jekyll and Hyde, along with hits from other beloved shows. From the emotional journey of adolescence with Carrie to the gripping narrative of Jekyll and Hyde, this concert serves as a the perfect preview of the musical brilliance these shows promise before they take centre stage later in the semester!

08/02/2024

Join Musical Theatre Society (MusT) for a theatrical lunchtime concert, showcasing enchanting melodies from the unforgettable scores of Carrie and Jekyll and Hyde, along with hits from other beloved shows. From the emotional journey of adolescence with Carrie to the gripping narrative of Jekyll and Hyde, this concert serves as a the perfect preview of the musical brilliance these shows promise before they take centre stage later in the semester!

See you there tomorrow!

01/02/2024

Join us in the Laidlaw Music Centre this Friday!

Georgina Duncan will be performing Grieg’s lyric piece Op. 12, Norsk, Debussy’s deux arabesque and Cui’s Prelude Op. 64, No. 9 in E major, and a duet which would be Schubert’s 3 Military Marches No. 1

See you soon!

26/01/2024

Steve Reich - Piano Phase

Piano Phase is a minimalist composition by composer Steve Reich, written in 1967, involving two pianos. The premise is rather straight forward: each pianist begins a one-bar phrase, which they then repeat for around 5-10 minutes. But there's a catch: one player stays at the same tempo whilst the other speeds up! This makes the piece very challenging to play, but leads to a beautiful series of phases for the listening audience.

25/01/2024

We hope to see you tomorrow at the Laidlaw Music Centre for our first LTC of the Candlemas semester!

Piano Phase is a minimalist composition by composer Steve Reich, written in 1967, involving two pianos. The premise is rather straightforward: each pianist begins a one-bar phrase, which they then repeat for around 5-10 minutes. But there’s a catch: one player stays at the same tempo whilst the other speeds up! This makes the piece very challenging to play, but leads to a beautiful series of phases for the listening audience.

22/01/2024

Be like Sibelius (our man in the party hat) and drown your sorrows (responsibly) with your fellow musicians at The Rule this Friday for our infamous Symphony of Lash!

We hope to see you there!

21/01/2024

Join us at The Union today in the Rehearsal Room from noon, as we shall be available to answer any questions you may have about Music Society!

17/11/2023

University of St. Andrews Horn Society

Ross Donaldson

Join us for a captivating Horn Society lunchtime concert this Friday at the Laidlaw Music Centre. Immerse yourself in the artistry of quartets and duets featuring a diverse selection of classical masterpieces. The program includes iconic compositions such as Bach's Fugue in A Minor, Bozza's Suite for Four Horns, and Rimsky Korsakov's evocative Notturno. Experience the rich and resonant sounds of the horn as our talented musicians showcase their skill and passion in this midday musical treat. Don't miss out on a delightful afternoon of horn music at its finest.

16/11/2023

Join us for a captivating Horn Society lunchtime concert this Friday at the Laidlaw Music Centre. Immerse yourself in the artistry of quartets and duets featuring a diverse selection of classical masterpieces. The program includes iconic compositions such as Bach's Fugue in A Minor, Bozza's Suite for Four Horns, and Rimsky Korsakov's evocative Notturno. Experience the rich and resonant sounds of the horn as our talented musicians showcase their skill and passion in this midday musical treat. Don't miss out on a delightful afternoon of horn music at its finest.

McPherson Recital Room
1:10pm, tomorrow !

13/11/2023

Ukelear Fusion, St Andrew’s one and only ukulele band, returns to the stage this semester for their semesterly concert. From jazz and musical theatre to heart-warming rock classics, the band has covered songs of every genre and aims to surprise once more this year with a fresh set list of songs filled with melodic picking, upbeat strumming, and beautifully layered harmonies.

McPherson Recital Room, Laidlaw Music Centre
7:30pm

Tickets available here!- https://www.yourunion.net/events/6642/2532/

11/11/2023

Tickets out now! https://www.yourunion.net/events/6642/2530/?fbclid=PAAaYGa8jkEcznlRhr11HbRv61-IqVtwNmi-HqOvVZJLkZZkgXCKHp8S99C84_aem_AZudcs_TNAkCsCnitp1dEPxSfXC8TzsiJwCSCgticHXtljy6iq1zbyarrLEL7YG0rEk

Travel through the ages with Big BUStA and relive Nostalgic Classics with the University of St Andrews Wind Band!

The Big Band of the University of St Andrews – better known as Big BUStA - is a 20-piece jazz orchestra that enjoys playing an eclectic range of music, from classic big band swing to funk, Afrobeat and Latin jazz. The University of St Andrews Wind Band, St Andrews’ largest wind ensemble and un-auditioned group, invites you to join us for an evening of music under the guide of our student conductors. From Freddie Freeloader by Miles Davis and Cute by Count Basie to Back to the Future by Alan Silvestri and the Hebrides Suite by Clare Grundman, we look forward to welcoming you!

Doors open 19:30
Concert begins 20:00
Holy Trinity Church

See you there!

07/11/2023

Repost! The Week 9 LTC this week will be in St Salvator’s Chapel on Sallies Quad!

The scholarship brass quintet will perform an eclectic range of music, featuring a movement of the Malcom Arnold Quintet, a Jazz Etude and more!

The scholarship wind quintet will perform a selection of movements from the second wind quintet by German composer and cellist Franz Danzi and ‘La Cheminee du roi Rene’ by French Composer Darius Milhaud.

See you in Sallies Chapel this Friday!

06/11/2023

Join Music Society for our annual formal dinner on the 25th November from 7pm at Rusacks Bridge Restaurant!

Tickets now live on FIXR- https://fixr.co/event/music-society-formal-dinner-tickets-46789644

06/11/2023

Tickets on sale now for the St Andrews Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the year, Thursday 23rd November in Holy Trinity Church!

From the hypnotic melodies of Ravel’s Bolero to the jazz-infused rhythms of Bernstein’s modern classic West Side Story, St Andrews' student-managed symphony orchestra presents an eclectic and energetic evening of dances.

Tickets are now in sale here- https://www.yourunion.net/events/6642/2531/

04/11/2023

Join us in the McPherson Recital Room this Friday 10th November @ 19:30, for an evening of music from around the world!

St Andrews Strings and Chamber Choir's first concert of the year will feature a wide variety of repertoire, including selections from Grieg's Holberg Suite and Piazzolla's Libertango, as well as contemporary choral works ranging from Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque to Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu, the Lord’s prayer sung in Swahili, arranged by Abi Collins. The evening will conclude with a joint performance of Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine!

Get your tickets here- https://www.yourunion.net/events/6642/2529/

03/11/2023

**UPDATE**
Our Big Band concert will be postponed due to unfortunate circumstances with the venue.

Tickets will be refunded through FIXR.

Keep an eye out on socials for updates on a new date!

02/11/2023

A busy week for your calendars!
Come join us this Friday, 1:10pm for our week 8 LTC-

In 1910, two song cycles were published in Vienna: Schindler-Mahler’s Fünf Lieder and Berg’s Vier Gesänge. Schindler-Mahler’s work takes tonal song writing to its limit, and Berg’s work breaks totally new, atonal ground. We hear these two revolutionary cycles alongside Beethoven’s An die ferne Gelibte, the first ‘true’ song cycle – with its novel through composed structure and thematic continuity. This programme presents an evolution of Viennese song: how one extraordinary city developed and shaped one of its most important exports, the German Lied.

I’ll see you there !

Address

Queen's Terrace
St Andrews
KY169QF

Website

https://linktr.ee/standrewsmusicsociety

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Videos

Student Bassoonion Lunchtime Concert

Student Bassoonion Lunchtime Concert After an excruciatingly long hiatus, the “critically” acclaimed Student Bassoonion are back with their exciting and highly-anticipated lunchtime concert, ‘Jarring and Unexpected’. Ranging from renowned and well-loved bassoon classics - ‘Bassoon Saloon for Four Bassoons’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - to more niche repertoire by obscure composers, such as Prokofiev and Beethoven, they promise it shall be not just a concert, but a celebration of the orchestra’s most excitingly versatile (don’t quote us on this) and eccentric instrument.

Musical Theatre Society Lunch Time Concert

Musical Theatre Society Lunch Time Concert Join Musical Theatre Society (MusT) for a theatrical lunchtime concert, showcasing enchanting melodies from the unforgettable scores of Carrie and Jekyll and Hyde, along with hits from other beloved shows. From the emotional journey of adolescence with Carrie to the gripping narrative of Jekyll and Hyde, this concert serves as a the perfect preview of the musical brilliance these shows promise before they take centre stage later in the semester!

Steve Reich - Piano Phase

Steve Reich - Piano Phase Piano Phase is a minimalist composition by composer Steve Reich, written in 1967, involving two pianos. The premise is rather straight forward: each pianist begins a one-bar phrase, which they then repeat for around 5-10 minutes. But there's a catch: one player stays at the same tempo whilst the other speeds up! This makes the piece very challenging to play, but leads to a beautiful series of phases for the listening audience.

University of St. Andrews Horn Society

University of St. Andrews Horn Society Ross Donaldson Join us for a captivating Horn Society lunchtime concert this Friday at the Laidlaw Music Centre. Immerse yourself in the artistry of quartets and duets featuring a diverse selection of classical masterpieces. The program includes iconic compositions such as Bach's Fugue in A Minor, Bozza's Suite for Four Horns, and Rimsky Korsakov's evocative Notturno. Experience the rich and resonant sounds of the horn as our talented musicians showcase their skill and passion in this midday musical treat. Don't miss out on a delightful afternoon of horn music at its finest.

Musical Magic From the Cast of Little Women

Musical Magic From the Cast of Little Women The cast of MusT’s Little Women are thrilled to present a selection of songs from the show, plus a bonus song! Ella Byrne-Cabot (featured ensemble) will perform “Killer Instinct”, from “Bring it on! The Musical”. Next, Owen Leidich, as Little Women’s Laurie, will perform “Take A Chance On Me”. We will then hear “Here Alone” from Emma Koonce as Marmee. Finally, Owen and Bella Yow will perform “The Most Amazing Thing” as Laurie and Amy March. We hope you enjoy!

St. Andrews Music Society - Jazz Works

St. Andrews Music Society - Jazz Works C Jam Blues - Duke Ellington Driftin' - Herbie Hancock# Red Clay - Freddie Hubbard On Green Dolphin Street - Bronislaw Kaper

Lunchtime Concert Week 4 - University of St Andrews Student Bassoonion

Lunchtime Concert Week 4 - University of St Andrews Student Bassoonion In their debut performance, the University of St Andrews' Student Bassoonion presents an exciting and ecletic repertoire, with more bassoons than you'd ever expect to see in one room! Need we say more? Featuring bassoonists James Ross, Jemma Clarke and Harry Edey, we invite to listen to the wonderful Fig Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin, ELO's Mr Blue Sky, and the unknown and unrecorded "Terzett for 3 bassoons" by Franz Xaver Wolf (which could very well be a world premiere)! PLEASE NOTE that we are now able to accept donations by card, as well as cash. Lunchtime Concerts are FREE ENTRY, however we will also be accepting donations for our selected charity, Music for Hospitals and Care.

Lunchtime Concert Week 2 - Jazzworks

Lunchtime Concert Week 2 - Jazzworks The JazzWorks house band returns for another lunchtime concert, featuring classic broadway tunes, contemporary small-ensemble compositions and more!

Lunchtime Concert Week 8 - Baroque Ensemble

Lunchtime Concert Week 8 - Baroque Ensemble This week’s lunchtime concert will feature a newly formed, fully student-led baroque ensemble, exploring repertoire ranging from Purcell’s dramatic Abdelazer Suite to the energetic concerti grossi of Handel and Vivaldi. Lunchtime Concerts are free entry; however, we will also be accepting donations for our selected charity, Music for Hospitals and Care. A link to donate is provided below. https://gofund.me/26574a9f

Music Society lunchtime concert

Lunchtime Concert with the St Andrews Cello Ensemble!

Lunchtime Concert with the St Andrews Cello Ensemble! Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f Our last lunchtime concert of the year will be the debut performance of the St Andrews cello ensemble, organised through the music centre. The concert features a range of South American music, from the fiery tangos of Argentinian composer Piazzola, to Chabuca Granda’s most famous Peruvian waltz, La Flor de la Canela. The ensemble will also be joined by Natalie Klaes to play Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras no.5 - one of few pieces originally written for 8 cellos and a singer.

Lunchtime Concert with St Andrews Trombone Quartet!

Lunchtime Concert with St Andrews Trombone Quartet! Please consider donating to the charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f Come to see the first ever performance of the St Andrews Trombone Quartet, prepare for your minds to be blown! We will be playing a wide variety of repertoire, from a traditional Brass Band March to Latin Jazz, with composers including Beethoven and Listz. Slide on down this Friday at 13:10 for a programme that is sure to make your week.

Lunchtime concert with Laidlaw Guitars!

Lunchtime concert with Laidlaw Guitars! Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f This concert will feature solo and ensemble performances of music from 18th century Scotland to 21st century America. With classical, trad, tango, and rock numbers, the great variety of strengths and musical interests shared and celebrated amongst guitar students at Laidlaw will be put on full display.

Lunchtime concert with Laidlaw Guitars!

Lunchtime concert with Laidlaw Guitars! This concert will feature solo and ensemble performances of music from 18th century Scotland to 21st century America. With classical, trad, tango, and rock numbers, the great variety of strengths and musical interests shared and celebrated amongst guitar students at Laidlaw will be put on full display.

George Squared: lunchtime concert with George Cherry and Georgina Duncan!

George Squared: lunchtime concert with George Cherry and Georgina Duncan! Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f Join us to hear these two talented pianists perform a variety of classical pieces! Together, they will play Grieg’s Norwegian Dance no. 2, and then George will play pieces by Kapustin, Chopin and Mozart, while Georgina will play an eclectic programme of Debussy, Chopin, and finishing with one of Rachmaninoff’s most famous Preludes. This is not the first time Georgina and George have shared the stage as they performed with their piano quartet ‘Keys’ Graham Fitkin’s Untitled 11 in February.

George Squared: lunchtime concert with George Cherry and Georgina Duncan!

Lunchtime Concert celebrating Drag Walk with The Fruit Machine!

Lunchtime Concert celebrating Drag Walk with The Fruit Machine! In honour of Drag Walk we’re honouring the #icons, darling, of one of the greatest decades in music history: the 70s. We’re talking David Bowie, Diana Ross, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac. Come listen to your favourite classics, and feel free to sing along! For information on Drag Walk please head over to the SaintsLGBT+ page here: https://www.facebook.com/saintslgbt Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f

Concert with Mike Ma, Lifan Liu, Zhenjun Liu and Morgan Jones!

Concert with Mike Ma, Lifan Liu, Zhenjun Liu and Morgan Jones! Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f This concert will highlight chamber repertoires from a rare arrangement with two soprano instruments and the piano: clarinet and violin. However, the colour of the two instruments has been well blended by composers such as Milhaud and Khachaturian, who created some of the most rich and emotional pieces within classical music

Music Society Lunchtime Concert with JazzWorks

Music Society Lunchtime Concert with JazzWorks Please consider donating to the wonderful charity Music in Hospitals and Care, either through the QR code on the screen or throguh our GoFundMe link here: for the charity Music in Hospitals and Care, and you can also donate through our GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/26574a9f Join us for the first lunchtime concert of the semester with the wonderful Jazzworks! There'll be lots of fantastic and fun music, the perfect way to end the first week of classes

University Music Society and Fringe of Gold present: The Art of Energy

University Music Society and Fringe of Gold present: The Art of Energy The Artworks which inspired the world premieres heard during today’s concert can be viewed here: www.energyethics.st-andrews.ac.uk/galleries The University of St Andrews Music Society raises money for Music in Hospitals and Care, a UK charity that improves the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of live music. Only with your support will we help more people benefit from the healing power of live music. Please give generously today, either by scanning the QR code on the screen or by visiting www.mihc.org.uk Programme St Andrews Percussion Ensemble with associate teacher Thomas Lowe Pylon (World Premiere) Neil Tòmas Smith responding to artwork by Ted Leeming Thomas Lowe David Kerr (guest) Grace Renouf-Bilanski Mairi McKeown St Andrews Scholarship Wind Quintet with associate teacher Alex South From wind quintet, op. 43 Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) i) Allegro ben Moderato Gaia, Mother Earth (World Premiere) Emma Arandjelović responding to artwork by Katerina Evangelou Zoe Scott (flute) Alasdair Notley (oboe) Nicholas Field (clarinet) Billy Rooke (horn) Jemma Clarke (bassoon) St Andrews Scholarship Brass Quintet Farewell to Stromness Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016) Rewinding (World Premiere) Tom Green responding to artwork by Adam Sebire Matthew Foulds (trumpet) Ewan Riddell (trumpet) Owain Thorp (horn) Joe Atkinson (trombone) Seonaid McCormack (bass trombone) St Andrews Scholarship Saxophone Quartet Andante et Scherzo Eugène Bozza (1905-1991) Terrae Cycles (World Premiere) Sarah Horick responding to artwork by Natasha Awuku Tim Burgess Isla Cartney Ben Wong Shona M’Gadzah The Art of Energy Neil Tòmas Smith is a composer of chamber, orchestral and choral works based in Edinburgh. He is fascinated by the mechanics of