Julian Joseph Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Music by University of Southampton
University of Southampton awards an Honorary Doctorate to celebrated British Jazz Musician Julian Joseph
British jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph OBE was awarded Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Music) for his extraordinary contributions to music, education, and cultural life by the University of Southampton at a Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
One of the finest jazz musicians to emerge this side of the Atlantic, Julian has devoted his distinguished career to championing music across the UK and around the world. His performances, compositions, and broadcasts have inspired audiences globally, while his charitable work and dedication to education have made a lasting impact on Britain’s cultural landscape.
Julian has been a formative presence in jazz education, generously sharing his expertise through a wide range of educational programmes. His commitment to nurturing young talent has helped preserve and promote the heritage of jazz for future generations.
His relationship with Southampton spans over 30 years. His first performance at the University’s music venue Turner Sims was in 1994, and he has delighted our audiences regularly ever since. This autumn, he returns to the concert hall with his latest project, ‘Atmospheres in Audio Theatre’ – a bold and immersive exploration of sound and storytelling.
Turner Sims Concert Hall Manager Kevin Appleby, who nominated Julian said, “Julian Joseph’s longstanding relationship with Southampton – the city, the University, and Turner Sims – along with his national and international profile and influence made him a perfect artist choice for nomination for an honorary degree. To be able to celebrate his artistry and inspiration when the concert hall was marking its own 50th anniversary has added to the sense of a special occasion at the end of a landmark year.”
Julian Joseph said, “Southampton has been a city of amazing good fortune for me. A city of knowledge, education and performance and a place absolutely about family born of close musical ties. The Solent Youth Jazz Orchestra in the mid 1990s led by brilliant charismatic teenager back then Dan Mar-Molinero fostered a long term engagement with young musicians and an ongoing enduring and soulful friendship and musical collaboration with Dan to this very day.
The university’s wonderful venue Turner Sims under the expert guidance and artistic programming of Kevin Appleby has been a haven of encouragement and positivity radiating the highest level of music making, thinking and creation to a very receptive audience in and around Southampton including students and faculty from the university it’s situated in.
To be recognised with an honorary doctorate underlines the interest and care Turner Sims and their wonderful team led by Kevin takes in the wider work of an artist to welcome me back numerous times over decades for me to share my music and I look forward to returning in October to continue the story. Thank you University of Southampton, Turner Sims Concert Hall, The Mar-Molinero family and Kevin Appleby.”
