Explore our Ensembles

Dunelm Consort & Players

Dunelm Consort & Players is the university’s early music ensemble, performing works from the medieval, baroque, and early classical periods. Dunelm is unique in its nature, running as a project based ensemble, and inviting members to perform in each project. This means that Dunelm is dynamic in its make-up, and is able to perform various works different lineups across the year.

Dunelm has recently worked with the Bishop’s Consort and David Stancliffe in a performance of Bach’s St John Passion, and has benefitted from masterclasses with Robert Hollingworth, James Weeks, and Exaudi. These opportunities have benefitted members, many of whom have gone on to further study at conservatoire and have performed with Genesis Sixteen and more.

Future plans include a performance of Handel’s Messiah in December 2023, and further collaborations with other student music societies.

Managers: Lexi Dunley and Fabian Tindale-Geere

Email: dunelm.consort@durham.ac.uk

Chamber Music Society

Chamber Music Society allows students to network with each other to form chamber groups, as well as facilitating performances. Chamber music thrives at Durham, with a range of string quartets and wind & brass ensembles forming each year. Chamber Music Society also facilitates ensembles across genres, including jazz groups, folk ensembles and more. Previously, events have been held with professional chamber music groups such as the Frankland Quartet to allow members to gain an insight into the professional performance world.

The society connect students with each other, helping those interested in chamber music connect, rehearse and perform. Chamber groups are often hired to perform at university, college, and society events, such as balls and garden parties.

President: Sophie Loftus

Email: chamber.music@durham.ac.uk

Keyboard Instrument Society

Durham University Keyboard Instrument Society (DUKIS) hosts a range of events, performances and experiences for its members. As a space for all keyboardists at Durham University, from pianists, harpsichordists, organists and more, DUKIS allows all keyboardists to connect and discover opportunities at Durham.

Recent events include visits to organ builders Harrison & Harrison, a collaboration with other instrumentalists for an evening of concertos, and their own recital of piano and organ music. As a network, DUKIS centralises opportunities for keyboardists, informing members of concerto and accompaniment opportunities.

DUKIS arranges practice slots for its members on Durham University’s Steinways, including the Steinway Model D in the Music Department. Alongside this, they hold evenings of thematic discussion, recently on film music, technique, and art song accompaniment.

President: Dana Al-Tajer & Junya Ogawa

Email: keyboard.society@durham.ac.uk

Art Song Society

One of Durham’s newest student music societies, Durham Art Song Society formed to create a outlet for solo vocal performance. In its inaugural year, Art Song Society hosted a masterclass with international opera singer David Wakeham, alongside a recital from a group of current students themed around folklore.

Catering to both pianists and singers, Art Song Society is a forum to develop skills in chamber and solo performance, as well as to meet others interested in art song and lieder. With their programme of masterclasses they offer outstanding opportunities to be coached by leading professional musicians both as solo performers and pairs.

President: Vacant

Email: dass@durham.ac.uk

Flute Choir

Durham University Flute Choir is a non-auditioned flute ensemble with a very social atmosphere. The society hosts at least one concert each term and plays a range of repertoire, from traditional pieces for flutes, to folk music and our own arrangements of film scores. Last year Flute Choir purchased a bass flute, enabling the ensemble to play music featuring a range of flute voices (bass, alto, flute, piccolo). 

Flute choir also prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at rehearsals, and encourages players of all levels to join and get involved!

President: Jessica Banfield

Email: jessica.e.banfield@durham.ac.uk