His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex was given a royal welcome as he paid a visit to Birmingham Conservatoire in his role as the institution’s Royal Patron.
The Earl was the guest of honour at the historic music school and was treated to a special musical performance before being taken on a guided tour of the state-of-the-art new facilities currently under construction at the institution’s £57 million new home.
His Royal Highness was welcomed by Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Upton Conservatoire Principal, Professor David Roberts, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media and Conservatoire Principal Professor Julian Lloyd Webber.
On his arrival HRH was led into the Recital Hall where he enjoyed a performance from the Conservatoire’s brass band, before talking with students about their studies and future careers.
The Earl was formally named as the institution’s first Royal Patron last year, reflecting his strong interest in the arts in both his public and personal life.
Birmingham Conservatoire Principal Professor Julian Lloyd Webber said: “It was fantastic to welcome The Earl of Wessex through our doors again and to give him the chance to see our students perform.
“All of us at the Conservatoire are extremely grateful to His Royal Highness for being such a caring and active Royal Patron.
“As our wonderful new building is nearly completed this was the perfect opportunity for us to show him around the new facility in Eastside and showcase the state-of-the-art facilities that will make our new home a Conservatoire fit for the digital age.”
Part of Birmingham City University and with a history dating back to 1859, the Conservatoire is one of the leading music academies in the country.
Internationally renowned cellist Professor Julian Lloyd Webber took up the role of its Principal in 2015.
The new Conservatoire, which is being built by Galliford Try, will be equipped with more than 70 music practice rooms for musicians and will also be home to Birmingham’s only dedicated jazz venue.
The new £57 million home for Birmingham Conservatoire is being built alongside Millennium Point, adjacent to Jennens Road in Eastside. The development is being taken forward in partnership with Millennium Point and Birmingham City Council.
