Manchester University Wind Orchestra (MUWO)
Manchester University Wind Orchestra (MUWO) was formed in October 1996 by its Musical Director Philip Robinson, and has now grown to over 80 members. MUWO’s approach is simple and unique: regardless of ability and degree course, it welcomes players who are willing to have fun, play confidently, and put in 100 percent effort. The band plays a wide variety of wind music, focusing on original wind band repertoire and premiering over a dozen works including a number of MUWO commissions. The band has also recently gained its second Gold Award at the National Concert Band Festival, held in Cardiff in April 2009.
MUWO rehearses every Wednesday evening during term-time, 7.15-9.15pm, in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall (usually followed by drinks in a local pub!). Alongside the regular season of concerts (details below), MUWO has travelled on many successful tours throughout Europe, including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Belgium to name a few.
Our Musical Director, Philip Robinson, graduated from The University of Manchester in 1998. Among other roles, he has been Musical Director of Sing Live North West, and Assistant Director of Music at Stockport Grammar School, where he combined teaching with directing three wind bands. In September, he takes over as Director of Music at The King’s School in Chester. He is also the current Chairman of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (BASBWE).
This year, Philip’s duties as Musical Director will be assisted by Ralph Corrigan and Ian Pay, PhD and Masters Music students at the university.
MUWO rehearses every Wednesday evening during term-time, 7.15-9.15pm, in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall (usually followed by drinks in a local pub!). Alongside the regular season of concerts (details below), MUWO has travelled on many successful tours throughout Europe, including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Belgium to name a few.
Our Musical Director, Philip Robinson, graduated from The University of Manchester in 1998. Among other roles, he has been Musical Director of Sing Live North West, and Assistant Director of Music at Stockport Grammar School, where he combined teaching with directing three wind bands. In September, he takes over as Director of Music at The King’s School in Chester. He is also the current Chairman of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (BASBWE).This year, Philip’s duties as Musical Director will be assisted by Ralph Corrigan and Ian Pay, PhD and Masters Music students at the university.
We are open to players who are approximately grade 7 or above, and do not audition. For more information on the ensemble, please contact muwo@mumusicsociety.co.uk.
Visit our website at www.muwo.co.uk for the latest information on our activities, including links to our Facebook fan pages!
Forthcoming events...
Saturday 13th March 2010, 7:30pm
MUWO Easter Concert at the Martin Harris Centre
MUWO's Easter concert features pieces with a distinctly minimalist feel. Our landmark performance of Terry Riley's iconic In C will launch you on a journey that on the one hand displays wonderful serenity, on the other a relentless machine.
| Riley | In C |
| Wilson | Wind on the Steppes |
| Nyman | Songs for Tony |
| Adams | Short Ride in a Fast Machine |
| Dove | The Ringing Isle |
| Bedford | Sun Paints Rainbows on the Vast Wave |
| Torke | Javelin |
Easter break 2010
MUWO will be going on tour to Holland!
Past events this academic year...
Saturday 28th November 2009, 7:30pm
MUWO Autumn Concert at the Martin Harris Centre
| Barn Dance and Cowboy Hymn | Philip Sparke |
| Summer Dances | Nicholas Maw |
| A Norfolk Rhapsody (world premiere) | Martin Ellerby |
| Concerto for Flute and Wind Orchestra | Mike Mower |
| Suite Française | Darius Milhaud |
| Dance Movements | Philip Sparke |
Conductors – Philip Robinson, Ralph Corrigan, Ian Pay
Flute – Lindsay Harrold
Audience members found it hard to sit still in their seats as the NCBF Gold Award winners performed a concert exploring music inspired by dance rhythms from around the world – from a whistle-stop Tour de France, via a whirlwind English Country Dance, to echoes of Bernstein’s jazz-influenced West Side Story.
