Back in December, Durham University Palatinate Orchestra (DUPO) were able to celebrate their first large scale performance since Covid restrictions were lifted, with over 75 student members of the orchestra involved in a performance celebrating the centenary of alumna Ruth Gipps.
The unique concert, which took place in the wonderful surroundings of Elvet Methodist Church, saw current students bringing past and present together through a celebration of music written by a former student.
Celebrated composer
Ruth Gipps (1921 - 1999) was a prominent English composer throughout the 20th century, producing more than 70 works, including five symphonies. Gipps was an accomplished oboist, conductor and pianist, studying at the Royal College of Music before coming to Durham, where she gained a Doctorate in Music.
She went on to found the London Repertoire Orchestra in 1955, giving many young performers debut opportunities.
Centenary concert
As part of the concert, DUPO performed her 4th Symphony – a piece firmly rooted in conservative English style with dramatic character changes, difficult technical passages, and a grand ending.
First year student Jude Holloway, who conducted the concert, explained: “The Gipps 4th Symphony has been an exciting challenge for me and the orchestra, testing us individually as musicians and collectively as an ensemble. It's charming nature and vibrant musicality make it a wonderful new discovery for us to play”.
Find out more:
Follow DUPO on Facebook - @DUpalatinateorchestra
Follow DUPOs Instagram page - @palatinate.orchestra