As part of the demonstration, the university brass band, a specially formed Cardiff University Salvation Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and other ensembles will give public performances at the city’s Gorsedd Gardens. The chosen repertoire will champion Welsh music-making in solidarity with staff and students at the School of Music.
The university announced plans to cut 400 full-time jobs on 28 January amid a funding shortfall. Professor Wendy Larner, vice-chancellor of the university, defended the plan, saying the university would become ‘untenable’ without drastic reform. Difficult decisions were needed due to declining international student numbers and increasing cost pressures.
According to The Guardian, the university had an operating deficit of £31.2m in 2023–24.
Music is one of several subjects under threat at the University, with nursing, modern languages, ancient history, religion and theology courses also targeted.
The university said the cuts were only a proposal at this stage and that it was committed to an intake for the coming academic year. Current students will be able to finish their degrees.
The university’s announcement has received widespread criticism from leading musicians and academics. Cardiff University has a rich history of producing leading musicians and ambassadors for Welsh culture, among them composers Sir Karl Jenkins, Grace Williams, Alun Hoddinott, David John Roche and Philip Cashian. The School of Music also enjoys an international reputation for research and instrumental teaching.
The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) called the measures ‘cruel and unnecessary’ and said it would fight plans for compulsory redundancies.
Other institutions and professional bodies have released statements condemning the proposal. These include the Musicians’ Union, ISM, National Youth Art Wales, Royal Musical Association, Welsh National Opera and Welsh Music Guild.
The demonstration, which starts midday on 22 February with a march from the university Chemistry Building, is organised by the Committee of Concerned Musicians, on behalf of Cardiff University Music Students and Alumni. The committee released a statement saying it was ‘outraged’ by the proposal and stood in solidarity with other university departments now under threat.
The statement continues: ‘To eliminate the humanities from Cardiff University sends a message to the wider world, that they are not as important. So we will send one back: the “Land of Song” needs music, art and culture now more than ever.'
Any musicians wishing to attend should register their interest on the Google form to allow sheet music and information about the performances to be circulated. A petition to save the School of Music has so far reached over 24,000 signatures.
