UEA seeks to support mental health with director of music appointment

University of East Anglia (UEA) has welcomed the conductor BJORN BANTOCK as its new director of music, as the university seeks to put music at the centre of developing an inclusive, supportive and creative campus for students, staff and local communities.

A conductor with with more than 30 years of professional experience, Bantock currently serves as principal conductor of ensembles including the Irish Memory Orchestra, Peterborough Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Alpine Summer School Orchestra in Geneva.

Bantock is also a founding member and principal conductor of the International String Orchestra Festival in Malta and the London Chamber Strings.

In his new role, Bantock will be responsible for the operation of the university’s venue, the Music Centre, maintaining music as a part of university life and as a connection to the local community.

Bantock said he was “deeply honoured” to join UEA, hailing the university’s commitment to “diverse excellence, inclusivity, and artistic integrity” .

“In this role, I am dedicated to fostering a creative and collaborative environment where music serves as a unifying force for all members of our community,” said Bantock.

“I am passionate about encouraging wide and diverse participation in musical activities, welcoming students, staff, and the broader community to engage with music in all its forms.

“Our music department is committed to championing inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. We aim to create opportunities for everyone – regardless of background, experience, or musical preference – to participate in our programs, ensembles, and events.”

Prof CATHERINE RICHARDSON, pro-vice-chancellor for Arts and Humanities, said that Bantock‘s appointment would help “extend the reach” of UEA’s music-making activities to support good mental health and a sense of belonging on campus.

In recent years, the university has faced a number of rounds of redundancies, with the Arts and Humanities bearing the brunt of academic cuts in 2023.

“Our aim is to ensure a vibrant and inclusive creative campus for our students, staff and local communities – an inspiring place to work, study and visit – and music is central to making that a reality,” said Richardson.

“We are delighted to welcome Bjorn. His enthusiasm and energy, plus his extensive professional experience, will shape the next phase of music at UEA in exciting ways.”