David's Story

David received support from the Arts Management Fund, part of the Student Opportunities Fund, which helps students access arts and cultural activities they couldn’t otherwise afford. For David, this funded him touring with the Choir twice across Europe.

"This summer I was enabled through the receipt of a University Arts Management grant to take part in two University choir tours: the first with Durham University Chamber Choir (DUCC) to Bologna, and the second with The Chapel Choir of University College Durham to Stockholm and Copenhagen. Across these tours I performed seven times to highly receptive audiences. These performances included singing a concert with Bologna University Chamber Choir, Eucharist at Stockholm Cathedral, and a free concert in the Hedwig Eleonora Church in Stockholm.

Touring with these choirs has had a large impact on my musical development as well as personal development. I have experienced performing regularly with a tight-knit ensemble in a foreign country, communicated with people speaking other languages, and created bonds with people from other cultures. Performing in such a wide range of buildings and acoustics, with varying qualities and sizes of organ, has been eye opening as to the difficulties of singing with organ accompaniment in unfamiliar settings and has broadened my appreciation of historical organs.

Through singing concerts with The Chapel Choir of University College Durham, I developed a deeper sense and appreciation for the style of early 20th Century English composers. Touring this summer has reinforced my belief that the standard achieved by student-led ensembles at Durham University is special, creating invaluable opportunities for aspiring professional musicians. Durham University is therefore in my opinion one of the best places for choral singers to study at, and I am extremely grateful to have received the Arts Management Grant, which allowed me to make extraordinary music and grow alongside my peers. Thank you."