Princess Alexandra attends chapel concert
05 October 2009
Princess Alexandra attended a reception and concert at Canterbury Christ Church University Chapel on Friday 2 October 2009.
Sacconi String Quartet.
The concert was given by the Sacconi String Quartet who, together with members of the Shipton family, played string quintets by Boccherini, Mozart and Schumann.
Well known Kent family, the Shiptons, are keen musicians and great supporters of music within the county. Mr John Shipton, a former High Sheriff of Kent, was instrumental in promoting the concert in support of the University's St. Gregory’s Development Project to create a purpose-built music centre in Canterbury.
Professor Grenville Hancox, Director of Music at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: "John Shipton is known to Princess Alexandra and he believed she would enjoy the evening. We were delighted that she accepted the invitation.
“This was an absolutely stunning evening of music performed by the Sacconi Quartet and Shipton family on behalf of the St Gregory’s project. It was music making of the highest order, capturing the spirit of the project in bringing together professional musicians with very fine amateur musicians and engaging a wide range of people with music."
The concert was successful in raising funds for the St. Gregory’s Development Project, but fundraising still continues for this significant investment for the Canterbury and Kent area.
The project is a ground breaking initiative that will change the face of music in Kent through the creation of a centre for music and music education, incorporating:
• a concert auditorium with the capacity for an audience of 350
• a suite of fully equipped rooms for teaching, workshops, and rehearsals
• flexible space for exhibitions and displays
• a music therapy practice and observation room
• landscaped gardens and sculpture park
The event was kindly sponsored by Möet Hennessey UK, Amber Designs, Colin Batts Removals and Tim Fellows Piano Technician.
Notes to Editor
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University has, since its foundation by the Church of England as a teacher training college in 1962, developed a wide range of taught programmes, research and educational services. It continues to be the largest centre of higher education in Kent for the major public services.
The University now has over 15,500 students based in five Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Education, Health and Social Care, Social and Applied Sciences. Our 1,500 staff contribute to the University’s work at our five campuses: Canterbury, Broadstairs, Folkestone (in partnership with the Creative Foundation and the University of Greenwich), Medway (in partnership with the Universities of Greenwich and Kent with Mid-Kent College) and Tunbridge Wells. In so doing we seek to sustain the University’s Mission:
‘Inspired by the University’s Church of England Foundation and the aspirations of its students and staff, our mission is to pursue excellence in academic and professional higher education thereby enriching both individuals and society.’
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