One of Northern Ireland’s most respected music institutions is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as the Ulster College of Music marks 60 years of nurturing talent, enriching lives and shaping the future through music.
Founded in 1966 by the late Daphne Bell, the College was established with a clear vision, to provide high-quality music education and opportunities for people of all backgrounds to develop their talents and experience the transformative power of music. Six decades later, that vision remains at the heart of the organisation.
A gifted musician, educator and visionary, Daphne Bell believed passionately that music should be accessible to everyone. Her commitment to excellence, inclusivity and opportunity helped establish the Ulster College of Music as a unique and welcoming environment where students of all ages and abilities could flourish.
Today, the College continues to honour that legacy through its charitable work, providing high-quality tuition, performance opportunities and bursaries to support talented young musicians who may otherwise be unable to access specialist music education.
Sheila Kerr, a long term tutor at the Ulster College of Music, said:
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are proud to honour the vision of our founder, Daphne Bell, whose passion and commitment laid the foundations for everything we do today. Her belief in the transformative power of music continues to inspire us.”
“Over the past six decades, we have had the privilege of supporting generations of students on their musical journeys. Some have gone on to professional careers, while others have simply carried a love of music with them throughout their lives. Every one of those journeys is part of our story.”
” Music has the power to bring people together across generations and create opportunities for learning, friendship and personal growth throughout life. It’s an organisation I am proud to be a part of as we look forward to the next 60 years.”
Since opening its doors, the Ulster College of Music has become a cornerstone of music education in Northern Ireland, helping thousands of students discover their potential, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of music. Many former students have gone on to enjoy successful careers in music, education and the arts, while countless others credit their time at the College with shaping their personal development and enriching their lives.
The anniversary is being marked by students from across the generations, including Dr Norman Cairns, a passionate Cellist, aged 87, who continues to pursue his passion for music through the College alongside some of its youngest students. Their shared love of music reflects the enduring vision of Daphne Bell and demonstrates how music can connect people across generations.
Dr Cairns said:
“The Ulster College of Music is a wonderful place because it truly welcomes everyone. You are never too old to learn, improve and enjoy music. Being part of the College has brought me great enjoyment, friendship and fulfilment, and I am delighted to be celebrating this special anniversary alongside so many talented young musicians.”
The College’s commitment to inclusivity remains one of its defining principles. Students come from all walks of life, with opportunities available for learners of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Through bursaries and charitable support, the College works hard to ensure that financial circumstances are never a barrier to musical potential.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the Ulster College of Music will host a special anniversary recital at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast, on 20th June. The event will be the first in a series of special concerts, performances and celebrations taking place throughout the year to mark the milestone. Audiences can expect to enjoy an evening of beautiful music performed by the talented students from the Ulster College of Music and will feature a quartet by Schubert for flute, guitar, viola and cello, and a work for organ, all performed by the talented tutors. The event begins at 4.30pm is open to all with tickets available at the door priced at £10 (cash only) for adults and free for children with all funds going towards the ongoing upkeep and delivery of the services provided by the college.
With the future in mind, The Ulster College of Music is one of many organisations that has been supported by The National Lottery Community Fund to make the building more sustainable by adding solar panels, including a battery, loft and wall insulation, draught proof doors, better heating controls and LED lighting throughout the building to greatly reduce the carbon footprint and provide an example to the community on how everyone can help reduce global warming.
Sixty years on from Daphne Bell’s pioneering vision, the Ulster College of Music continues to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and ensure that music remains at the heart of Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape.
For further information on the Ulster College of Music, please visit www.ulstercollegeofmusic.com