Leeds Beckett to launch new Leeds School of Arts building

The new Leeds School of Arts building will be launched officially on 29 March with an exciting programme of events, featuring the inaugural lecture of the school’s Professor Sue Miller, an exclusive live performance, reception, and concert featuring live academic and student performances throughout.

Professor Sue Miller from Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds School of Arts celebrates her professoriat and the launch of her new book, Improvising Sabor - Cuban Dance Music in New York with an unmissable inaugural lecture, in which she discusses the importance of Latin influence across music and dance all over the world.

The lecture, entitled ‘Charanga, Pachanga and the Enduring Influence of Latin Music’, will be followed by a reception marking the official opening of the Leeds School of Arts building, and a live performance of Sue’s 12-piece Latin music band, Charanga del Norte, as they release their new LP, Pachanga Time.

Charanga del Norte, the exciting sound of New York and Cuban charanga, is a traditional ensemble that plays Cuban dance music performed by violins, flute, piano, bass, singers and Latin American percussion.

Forming part of the LEEDS 2023’s Season One: Awakening showcase, the day marks the partnership between Leeds Beckett University and Leeds 2023’s Year of Culture.

Leeds Beckett University is a Principal Education Partner of LEEDS 2023, playing an active role in showcasing the city’s creative industries and communities.

The new state-of-the-art School of Arts building houses a community of 3,000 diverse creators, pushing the boundaries of architecture, design, fashion, music, film and performing arts. It is at the centre of the city’s thriving creative economy and a key part of what makes Leeds one of the UK’s great cities of culture.

Professor Sue Miller, professor of Music at Leeds School of Arts, said: “I am pleased to invite those interested in Latin music and culture to join us on this exciting day. This is a unique chance for people in Leeds and the wider region to experience live Latin dance music from one of the country’s top Latin bands. Music to listen to and music to dance to - come and join in the fun!”

Dr Oliver Bray, dean of Leeds School of Arts, said: “Leeds School of Arts is a key educator of artists and creatives who go on to enrich and transform all sectors of arts and culture with their limitless ambition and innovation. Our talented students are actively making a difference across art, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, architecture, and creative technologies.

“The expert support of our academics, who are renowned regionally, nationally, and globally, positions Leeds School of Arts as an ideal partner of LEEDS 2023, allowing our expertise and individuality to shine on a prominent stage. We are taking this opportunity to officially launch the new, state-of-the-art facilities at Leeds School of Arts and celebrate our longstanding role to the arts and cultural life of the city.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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