A black man in a white tshirt singing into a microphone and playing the piano to an audience

Turner Sims seeks Head of Programming

We are seeking a skilled music programming professional with experience in performing arts and/or live music venues, to join our senior management team as Head of Programming, at an exciting chapter in our history.

April 3, 2025

Job Opportunity

• Head of Programming (Reference 3060025TW)
• Location: Turner Sims Southampton, SO17 1BJ
• Salary: £45,413 to £48,149
• Closing Date: Friday 16 May 2025
Apply online here

Turner Sims is the University of Southampton’s celebrated music venue, with ambitious plans to build an inclusive world through the joy of live music.

Following our recent rebrand, the launch of a new website, and the celebration of our 50th anniversary, this is a unique opportunity to lead our highly respected and much-loved music programme. Specialising in classical music, folk, global, jazz, and more, you will shape our offer for both new and existing audiences.

For the past 50 years, we have proudly supported the early careers of many great artists. We champion diverse talent and invite adventurous audiences to discover new music alongside old favourites. Working with national and local partners, we create opportunities for artists and audiences to share the joy of music across the region.

Through our Engagement programme, we actively welcome new audiences who may not have engaged with us before. Importantly, students and young people play a vital role in shaping the next 50 years of Turner Sims. We are proud to be part of the University of Southampton, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, contributing to the city and region’s cultural landscape. Our music programme is locally relevant and internationally acclaimed, and we are committed to ensuring that reputation continues to thrive.

At Turner Sims and the University of Southampton, equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create a welcoming, vibrant, and successful organisation with a diverse workforce. We value applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and beliefs, as we know that diversity sparks creativity and strengthens our impact on society. If you share our commitment to inclusivity, we encourage you to apply and play your part in shaping our future.

How to apply
Job Description
To apply online visit the University of Southampton’s Job site
Closing Date: Friday 16 May 2025

If you want to find out more about the role, there is an informal opportunity to meet online with Louise Coysh, Director and Sarah Robertson, Co-Chair, Strategic Board, Turner Sims on Monday 28 April, 12.00 – 13.30 and Friday 2 May, 14.00 – 15.30. Please email arts@soton.ac.uk to request a 10-minute time slot.

 

Image: Ashley Henry © WhatAboutTheAsh

A blonde woman holding a small blonde child and looking in surprise at a trombone

Travel information: The Wonderland Garden, Sunday 6 April

Due to the Southampton ABP Marathon there are road closures between 8am and 3pm throughout Southampton on Sunday 6th April.

April 2, 2025

You can find further information and maps showing citywide road closures here

The best driving route to Turner Sims on Sunday will be via The Avenue A33. You may wish to allow extra travel time to allow for greater volume of traffic on the diverted route.

When driving south on The Avenue, turn left onto Highfield Lane A3035. Take the second left onto Hawthorn Road and at the end turn left onto Chamberlain Road. Follow this road round to the right to parking at the rear of campus and Turner Sims. Parking is free on Sundays. Turner Sims is located just past the health centre.

To reach Turner Sims by unilink bus, find out more here

To reach Turner Sims by Bluestar bus, find out more here

A black and white image of a dark haired woman sitting with a coffee and gazing pensively into the distance

Southampton musician invited to Turn It Up in 2025

Southampton artist Lucy Kitchen has been named Turner Sims' Turn It Up local associate for 2025.

March 25, 2025

Turn It Up is a development opportunity for musicians from Southampton and SO postcodes. Launched in 2024 by University of Southampton music venue, Turner Sims, the inaugural winners of the scheme were folk duo Pegasuses.

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, the programme aims to help local musicians turn up the volume on their creative projects.

Lucy will benefit from industry mentoring, funding, and an appearance on the opening night of Turner Sims’ Summer Festival in June. Lucy will be joined by a five-piece band to perform songs from her forthcoming album, ‘In the Low Light’. Spanning folk, Americana, a little bit of country, and infused with the feel of 70s singer-songwriters, Lucy’s original songs explore concepts of grief and loss. Her exquisite vocals are supported by guitars, double bass and drums, plus pedal steel, piano and Hammond, in a warm and engaging soundworld. Lucy and her band’s performance takes place on Friday 27 June 2025 in a double bill with Shovel Dance Collective.

Lucy said:

‘I knew early last year that I wanted to record an album. Something that represents me, my experiences and where I am at musically now. And now, the music is finished and recorded Turn It Up provides the perfect opportunity to push the project over the finish line in the way I envisage. To be able to do a proper live launch with the band as part of the Turner Sims Summer Festival is incredible.’

Kevin Appleby, Turner Sims, said:

‘Through Turn It Up we are keen to support the ambitious creative plans of local artists. Lucy’s clear vision for her project and performance really stood out for the selection panel. With the platform of the Summer Festival it’s exciting to enable her to bring her distinctive sound and music to her current fanbase and new audiences too.’

The back of people gathered together outdoors watching musicians on stage.

Turner Sims seeks Head of Marketing and Sales

We are looking for an experienced marketing and sales professional with experience of the cultural sector to join our senior management team as Head of Marketing and Sales, at an exciting chapter in our history.

March 12, 2025

Job Opportunity
• Head of Marketing and Sales (Ref. 3033525TW)
• Location: Turner Sims Southampton, SO17 1BJ
• Salary: £45,413 to £48,149
• Closing Date: Tuesday 22 April 2025
Apply online here

Turner Sims is the University of Southampton’s acclaimed music venue with big ambitions to build an inclusive world through the joy of live music. Having recently launched our rebrand, new website, and celebrated our 50th anniversary last autumn, the postholder will play a major role developing and delivering the next phase of our ambitious marketing and audience development plans, aligned to the University’s strategy: Inspiring the Remarkable.

In our 50-year history, we’re proud to have supported early careers of many great artists. We champion diverse talent and welcome adventurous audiences to discover new music, alongside old favourites. With national partners, we’re creating opportunities for artists and audiences to share the joy of live music in the Hampshire and Solent region.

Through our expanded engagement programme, we’re actively welcoming new audiences who’ve never engaged with us before. And importantly, students and young people are playing a vibrant role in shaping the next 50 years of Turner Sims.

We are proud to be part of the University of Southampton, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, and contributing to the city and region’s cultural reputation. Our music programme is locally relevant and internationally acclaimed. We want that reputation to continue to flourish.

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.

How to apply
Job Description
To apply online visit the University of Southampton’s Job site here 
Closing date: Tuesday 22 April 2025

Find out more
If you want to find out more about the role, there is an informal opportunity to meet online with Louise Coysh, Director and Sarah Robertson, Co-Chair, Strategic Board, Turner Sims on Monday 31st March: 2-3pm, Wednesday 2nd April: 4-5pm and Friday 4th April: 2-3pm. Please email arts@soton.ac.uk to request a 10-minute time slot.

A smiling man wearing glasses and a suit and tie, standing outside with trees in the background

Kevin Appleby to step down as Concert Hall Manager

After 25 years at the helm, Kevin Appleby has announced that he is stepping down as Concert Hall Manager of Turner Sims at the end of the venue’s 50th Anniversary year in August 2025.

February 24, 2025

Kevin joined Turner Sims in 2000. Since then, Kevin has set the venue’s artistic direction and programmed its celebrated concert series, spanning classical, jazz, folk and global music.

Kevin has been an influential figure, raising the bar on the region’s music scene over the past 25 years. His many Turner Sims career highlights include Southampton’s Musical Alphabet in 2012, which saw 50 events and 500 performers entertain 2500 people in 23 venues across the city as part of London 20212’s Cultural Olympiad. The international Friday Afternoons project in 2013 celebrated the centenary of Benjamin Britten. 2760 children were involved in the climax of the Britten Stream project broadcast live from Turner Sims. Peter Edwards’ Turner Sims commission ‘A Journey with the Giants of Jazz’, premiered at the concert hall in 2017. It was part of the nationwide New Music Biennial initiative, with further performances as part of Hull UK City of Culture and at London’s Southbank Centre’. In 2021, the world premiere of Tunde Jegede’s ‘Voyages of the Heart‘ was broadcast online due to Covid-19 restrictions. The work was commissioned for the Mayflower 400 commemorations in Southampton. More recently, Turner Sims hosted the BBC Singers in their 100th Anniversary year at Turner Sims in collaboration with the University’s Department of Music.

Kevin’s final Turner Sims concert series will be the 51st Autumn Season (Sep 2025 – Jan 2026) to be announced in May 2025.

 

Kevin Appleby said, “Turner Sims has been part of my life for so long that the thought of my time here coming to a close feels somewhat strange. However as the concert hall reaches the end of its 50th anniversary year, and I at the same time complete 25 years here, it is the right moment for me to step down and focus on other things.

When I was appointed I don’t think I ever anticipated spending such a significant amount of my working life in one organisation. However, whenever there has been a doubt in my mind about continuing, another unmissable opportunity, collaboration, or new venture has magically appeared.

As Turner Sims begins its next phase, I will be forever grateful to have been part of an organisation that means so much to so many people, to have worked with inspiring colleagues who have made the place what it is, and to have enjoyed and learnt from so many rewarding experiences.”

 

Sarah Robertson, Co-Chair of Turner Sims Strategic Board said, “Kevin is an exemplary and passionate advocate for music and throughout his hugely successful time at Turner Sims he has worked tirelessly to bring the best music and musicians to the audiences of Southampton. He is held in such high regard across the city, University and in the concert hall sector, championing the impact of music venues at the highest levels. In particular his passion and support for jazz music and musicians has seen Turner Sims develop a vibrant programme of up-and-coming and established artists that is the envy of others. The Strategic Board are so grateful for his hard work and dedication and warmly wish him well for the future.”

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Kevin Appleby welcomes the audience for the 50th Anniversary Concert, 2024.
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Kevin Appleby speaks to Ulrich Gerhartz, Director, Concert and Artist Services at Steinway & Sons, ahead of the first concert with the new Steinway D piano performed by Radu Lupu, 2008.
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A trio of Concert Hall Managers – Kevin Appleby with predecessors Peter Bolton and Miriam Phillips. Elizabeth Brown was Turner Sims’ first Concert Hall Manager from 1974.
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2017 education project The Jazz Ticket, produced by Tomorrow’s Warriors in association with Turner Sims and Southampton Music Hub, involved 54 schools and almost 600 young people from 9 cities around the UK.
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The Britten Stream project broadcast live from Turner Sims, 2013.
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Composer Tunde Jegede with fellow musicians perform at the socially distanced premiere of 'Voyages of the Heart', live-streamed to an online audience, 2021. Image by Rachel Adams
Young people in a band playing outside to a watching audience

Turner Sims Summer Festival 2025 – Call for Performers!

Turner Sims Summer Festival, 27 – 29 June 2025

Turner Sims Summer Festival is an exciting outdoor celebration of live music, bringing together diverse artists and audiences for an unforgettable summer experience. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Turner Sims, at University of Southampton Highfield Campus, this festival showcases vibrant performances across a range of music styles, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for music lovers of all kinds.

February 24, 2025

Are you a local music artist or band based in Southampton?

We’re inviting applications from both emerging and established acts and artists to perform on our outdoor stage. Whether you’re a solo artist, duo, full band or group. We welcome a diverse mix of genres – including jazz, folk, indie, soul, classical crossover, and more! The key is great live energy and a sound that fits an outdoor festival vibe.

This opportunity is open to both amateur and professional musicians. If you’re passionate about performing live and ready to bring your music to new audiences, we’d love to hear from you!

Each act will be given a dedicated time slot on our outdoor stage, creating a dynamic and engaging lineup of talent.

What will Turner Sims provide?

• This is a paid opportunity. All selected performers will receive a performance fee, with details provided upon booking
• Full technical support, including PA system and on-site sound engineers
• Marketing and promotion, with featured artist profiles across our website, social media, and festival materials
• A vibrant festival atmosphere with an engaged audience, providing excellent exposure for your music

What will performers need to provide?

• Your own instruments and any specialist equipment beyond our standard festival backline
• Transport and accommodation costs (unfortunately we are unable to provide these)
• A professional attitude and enthusiasm for making this festival a success!

How to get involved

Apply now and be part of a summer of live music at Turner Sims! Please complete this application form by 24 March.
Send in your application even if you’re less experienced! We are open to anyone from bands to dance to experimental performances. Our audience loves innovation, and we want to encourage the Southampton scene to flourish.

If you have questions before you apply please contact info@turnersims.co.uk / 023 8059 5151

If you would like to apply in a non-written format (for example voice recording or video) please email info@turnersims.co.uk or phone 023 8059 5151.

A young girl playing the piano

From Hardanger to Harmonium: A Folk-Tastic Journey with FAYE

On the 28th of September, 2024, working in partnership with Turner Sims, FAYE (the FolkActive Youth Ensemble) took part in a workshop with Norwegian musicians Nils Økland and Sigbjørn Apeland. Ffion Richardson, member of the FolkActive Youth Ensemble, reflects on the inspiring experience.

January 24, 2025

The duo craft a mesmerising soundscape that beautifully marries the rich heritage of Norwegian folk music with the contemporary. Their latest album, ‘Glimmer’, showcases the beauty of the Hardanger fiddle, which Nils plays with haunting grace. The instrument’s unique resonating strings create a shimmering tapestry woven with threads of emotion. Complementing this, Sigbjørn breathes new life into the harmonium. Drawing from his classical background, he integrates innovative elements into his arrangements while honouring traditional roots. This musical style is starkly different from the traditional English folk music FAYE typically play and through the concert and workshop created new paths for them to follow on their musical journey.

Within the workshop, FAYE were taught two Norwegian folk tunes. The first was a hymn called ‘O du min Immanuel’ (‘O You My Emmanuel’) which featured gentle, flowing phrases that allowed room for interpretation. To further the youth group’s understanding of their style of playing, Nils and Sigbjørn discussed the decisions behind their arrangement of the hymn and explained their method of improvisation around the melody. The second tune they taught was a dance tune called ‘Springen’ and Nils explained the different bowing techniques he had learned from various teachers. The duo then took the stage to perform for the FAYE members, followed by a Q&A. The ensemble expressed interest in the historic instruments, the hardanger and harmonium, and were given the opportunity to play them. This inspired a few members to start a ‘Harmonium Wish List’ for Christmas – because who wouldn’t want this magical instrument to get them through the holidays?

As a fellow musician, I found their innovative approach to arrangement truly inspiring, leading me to learn my first Norwegian tunes, which has sparked a desire to explore more Scandinavian folk music. Fern, another member of FAYE, said: ‘we learnt two very new and contrasting tunes. Nils recommended, when you’re learning a new tune, to look at someone else’s bow which was really useful.’ Marnie, also from FAYE, added, ‘the tunes were very fun to learn, and I found the harmonium and hardanger very interesting’.

We would like to give a huge thank you to Kevin Appleby and Turner Sims for funding and hosting the workshop. This opportunity ignited a passion for Scandinavian folk traditions that will resonate in FAYE’s future performances, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the shared joy of music, and ensuring that the spirit of folk traditions continues to thrive in contemporary settings.

Find out more about FAYE

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Man and woman standing singing into microphones with drummer and keyboard players also singing in the background

Local musicians invited to Turn It Up 2025!

Turner Sims is launching the second edition of Turn It Up, a development opportunity for local musicians. Turn up the volume on your project and prepare to perform at our summer festival.

January 9, 2025

Do you have a project idea you want to develop and present to new audiences live? Are you ready to develop your craft and boost your professional career? We will help you develop your project and provide a national platform for you to perform it.

About Us

Turner Sims has big ambitions to build an inclusive world through the joy of live music. We’re developing from a respected concert hall into a dynamic and creative music hub. Nurturing new talent and connecting with diverse communities are central to our plans.  

Turn It Up artists will join a wide range of musicians as part of our year-round programme of exceptional live music.  In 2024 indie-folk duo Pegasuses were selected as the first Turn It Up artists and premiered their new music live at the Turner Sims Summer Festival. 

The Opportunity

We will select one Turn It Up artist from this open call. The successful artist will receive a Research and Development (R&D) and Production budget of up to £3,000 to create and deliver a project across five months. The R&D phase (March to June 2025) will culminate in a live performance at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival on Friday 27 June 2025.  

The selected artist will receive a tailored package to support their development and performance. This includes: 

  • rehearsal space at Turner Sims 
  • recording support 
  • performance opportunities 
  • marketing and PR 
  • industry mentoring with access to knowledge and networks 

Who is it for?

We are looking to support individual artists/musicians who: 

  • live or work in Southampton or an SO postcode 
  • have 5-10 years of professional experience 
  • work in jazz, sound, folk, global, classical and/or electronic music or any point in-between 
  • have an ambitious project they want to develop and present live and on a national platform 
  • are passionate about engaging diverse audiences through music 
  • want to hone their craft and build their professional career 
  • want support in navigating the music industry 

We are keen to receive applications from artists with a wide range of lived experiences to create events that are exciting and relevant for diverse audiences from different communities in Southampton. This includes individuals from the Global Majority and/or LGBTQIA+ communities, or those who are disabled, D/deaf, neurodiverse, experience mental illness or are care experienced. 

Access support 

We are committed to removing barriers that would prevent people from participating in this opportunity. For individuals who require access support, we will work with you to understand your needs and agree a package of support to enable you to fully benefit from the opportunity.  

What will we support?

We are looking for projects that: 

  • demonstrate ambition and high quality 
  • develop your practice 
  • seek to engage diverse audiences in the joy of live music 

How will Turn It Up 2025 work?

The selected artist will begin with a one-to-one consultation with us to clarify your project idea and R&D needs.  

Together we will plan how best to spend the £3,000 budget. The funds will need to cover each artist’s own time and any costs to create their idea and proposal e.g. rehearsal and performance time, hiring equipment, accessing other expertise to test a work in progress, or go on site visits. As the final performance will take place within an established event set up we anticipate that some ‘on the day’ production costs may be covered. 

The consultation will also help you identify further support needs and decide what pathway will be most beneficial for you. This may include support with collaboration, industry advice, technical support, or rehearsal/studio time – most likely, a combination of all of these.

The Outcome

During the R&D period, you will have prepared a new show ready to be showcased live at the Turner Sims Summer Festival on Friday 27 June 2025. You will be supported to promote the event and develop content for marketing before and after. This will support you to explore further opportunities for performance, touring, producing etc. 

Join an online briefing session – 21 January 

We will be holding two online information sessions on Tuesday 21 January 2025 to introduce the scheme and answer any questions you may have.  The sessions will take place on the following date and times: 

  • Tuesday 21 January 10-10.30am 
  • Tuesday 21 January 7-7.30pm 

Email us to book a space for one of the sessions with ‘Online briefing session’ in the subject header stating which session you wish to attend. The content for both sessions will be the same so there is no need to attend both. It is not a requirement to attend one of the sessions in order to apply. 

How to apply

Complete the online form or submit a video/audio application by email to info@turnersims.co.uk  

Please download the application guidance below for a full list of questions.

Deadline to apply: Sunday 2 February 2025 

Interviews with shortlisted artists: week commencing Monday 24 February 2025 

We will contact all applicants with the award decision by Monday 10 March 2025 

 Proposals will be considered against the following criteria: 

  • Artist eligibility (e.g. SO postcode and 5-10 years of professional experience) 
  • Artistic vision and musical quality 
  • Track record of artist for creating and delivering original material 
  • Diversity of artists 
  • Diversity of music and creative styles 
  • Diversity of intended audiences for the project 

 If you have any questions about this opportunity, access support or need this brief or further information in a different format, please email info@turnersims.co.uk 

Download application guidance

Download PDF Document 179 KB

Download application guidance

Download Word Document (DOCX) 27 KB
Through Turn It Up we were able to play an incredible venue we’d dreamt of playing at for some time and also made it across the finish line with Sea of Joy, our debut album.
Lamb and Dave, Pegasuses

Pegasuses Turned It Up 2024

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Man sat on the floor of Turner Sims' stage holding a Kora and smiling with string players and a drummer in the background

Celebrating Turner Sims’ 50th Anniversary

19 November 2024 marked 50 years since the inaugural concert at Turner Sims. Friends and supporters joined us to celebrate with a live premiere, a new arrangement, and a memorable rendition of Mozart.

December 4, 2024

Audiences have been travelling miles to experience the joy of music at Turner Sims since 1974. Rising stars, including a young Simon Rattle, have been a marker of the programme here throughout history. But so too have the many musical icons and legendary artists who return time and again, inspired by our special hall and the welcome they receive. We feel privileged to have shared a world of music with so many brilliant people.

Designing a fitting concert to celebrate everything people love about Turner Sims was a tall order. Concert Hall Manager Kevin Appleby rose to the challenge with a diverse programme spanning every genre from classical and jazz to folk and reggae!

6pm
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Guests joined us at Garden Court

University colleagues, partners, supporters and friends joined us for a pre-concert reception hosted by the Vice Chancellor.
6.30pm
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The Vice Chancellor welcomed everyone

President and Vice Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith welcomed guests and reflected on Turner Sims' 50-year contribution to the University and civic pride in the region.
6.40pm
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Our Director, Louise Coysh, said a huge thank you

Director, Louise Coysh, thanked our supporters and team. A special mention went to Concert Hall Manager Kevin Appleby who has been with the venue for 25 of its 50 years - an extraordinary contribution.
6.45pm
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Arts Council England praised Turner Sims

Phil Gibby, South West Area Director for Arts Council England, celebrated Turner Sims' role in the region - praising our bold programme and outstanding acoustics.
6.50pm
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Assistant Producers Carley and Josh celebrated music and community

Carley and Josh reflected on their experience as part of Turner Sims' Vibe Collective for 18-25 year olds. "Turner Sims saying you guys aged 18-25, you are going to shape the next 20 years in the city and we value your opinions - that was really special." Josh
6.30pm - 7.15pm
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Isla Croll dialled up the joy

Meanwhile, over in Turner Sims' foyer, audiences enjoyed free music from Vibe Lounge favourite Isla Croll. "Love that the singer and pianist were performing and Turner Sims put this on for free" Audience Survey response.
7.30pm
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Kevin Appleby introduced Turner Sims at 50

Kevin introduced the concert, including a snippet from a 1975 review of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta conducted by a 20-year-old Simon Rattle. Distinguished music critic William Mann wrote: "Last night's premiere was given in the Turner Sims Concert Hall at Southampton University, opened a year ago - comfortable, acoustically pleasing and effectively designed so that the audience sits above the musicians, a spectacular advantage."
7.35pm
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Zoe Rahman celebrated Turner Sims and its beautiful piano

The concert began with a solo improvisation by Zoe Rahman, fresh from her triumph at this year's Parliamentary Jazz Awards where she won Album of the Year. In his introduction, Kevin explained the significance of beginning with improvisation: "Like anyone starting out on a journey those visionaries who worked so hard to create this place definitely had a plan. How the plan would evolve over the decades was a great unknown. 50 years on, we look back at an incredible journey, and at the same time look forward with wonder at where we might go next."
7.45pm
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The Piatti Quartet gave a lively performance of Britten

The Piatti Quartet performed Three Divertimenti by Benjamin Britten. The inclusion of Britten was a homage to one of the specialisms of Professor Peter Evans, who led the Music Department at University of Southampton for 29 years. Peter was a, if not the, driving force behind Turner Sims being built.
8pm
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Zoe joined the Piattis on stage for a unique collaboration

New music has always been a core part of our programme. For our anniversary, we commissioned a new arrangement of Zoe Rahman's Peace Garden for string quartet and piano. Zoe premiered the piece, in its original form for jazz octet, at Turner Sims in 2023. When we approached her about a commission, she said she'd always heard Peace Garden with strings. It was an honour to welcome Zoe back to the stage to perform her new arrangement with the brilliant Piatti Quartet.
8.15pm
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Federico gave a memorable rendition of Mozart

Federico performed Mozart's Piano Sonata No 11 in A. Despite being one of the composer's most popular sonatas, it has only been heard twice at Turner Sims. The original performance was by the University's resident pianist Rosemarie Wright in our first solo recital in 1974. Following his outstanding performance, Federico returned to the stage for a surprising jazz-improvised encore which we'll remember for the next 50 years!
9pm
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Voyages of the Heart got the live premiere it deserved

Originally commissioned by Turner Sims and Southampton City Council as part of the Mayflower 400 programme in 2020, Voyages of the Heart finally got its live premiere. Due to the pandemic, the magnificent work by Tunde Jegede had only ever premiered as an online broadcast. What a birthday treat to finally experience it live with so many Southampton performers!
10pm
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The evening ended with a heartfelt standing ovation

Voyages of the Heart was met with a heartfelt standing ovation, which made our night. This powerful work, which celebrates Southampton as a city and community built on journeys and migration was the perfect ending to an evening celebrating our 50-year contribution to the region.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us

Our audiences, along with the incredible musicians who've graced our stage, have filled Turner Sims with joy. Thank you for being part of our first half century.
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Here's to another 50 years of music!

Our 50th Anniversary celebrations continue into 2025. Join us to discover more new music, old favourites, and community collaborations.

Photographs © Nosa Malcolm

Looking to a band performing from the crowd, with other crowd members in front.

Applications for the 2024-25 Vibe Collective are now open!

Calling music lovers aged 18-25! We are looking for 10 Southampton-based 18-25-year-olds to create music events for young people at Turner Sims, one of the city's top music venues.

November 4, 2024

Our 10 recruits will form The Vibe Collective. This group will work with industry professionals to plan and present gigs and events for young people at Turner Sims, the music venue at University of Southampton. We are looking for people with a range of musical tastes who are passionate about the music scene in Southampton. You’ll gain incredible experience of working in the music industry along the way.

The Vibe has definitely changed how I see arts and culture in the city. Turner Sims saying you guys aged 18-25, you are going to shape the next 20 years in the city and we value your opinions - that was really special.
Josh, The Vibe Collective 2023-24

How to apply

Interested? Apply by Monday 25 November at 12pm by completing this simple form.

If you would prefer to have this information in a non-written format please email Frankie McCormick.

There is also an opportunity to apply in a non-written format. You could create a video or voice note application (5-8 mins), or submit your application in any form that you choose. There is more information about this on the application form.

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