06 May 2026
More than 200 musicians from across Reading will take to the stage at The Hexagon this Saturday (9 May) for a unique concert that brings together the University of Reading, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and local community performers.
Reading Sound Foundry is part of the University’s Centenary programme and culminates in the world premiere of Reading Illuminations, a new orchestral work by composer Raph Clarkson, created in close collaboration with community musicians from the town.
The project has brought amateur and professional musicians together over recent weeks, including an intensive workshop at the University where participants helped shape the final piece. During that session, composer John Webb created an entirely new section of music in real time with the ensemble, which has been woven into the finished composition, making this performance genuinely one‑of‑a‑kind.
Reading Illuminations reflects both Reading’s musical heritage and its creative present. Inspired in part by Gustav Holst, the famous composer of The Planets who taught at the University in the 1920s, the work combines full orchestra and chorus with community musicians playing instruments drawn from a wide range of musical traditions, from steel tongue drum and koto to bouzouki and djembe. 
Saturday’s concert will also showcase the breadth of musical life at the University of Reading, with performances from the University Choir, Big Band, Gospel Choir and world music ensemble Limpopo Groove.
Dan Miller, Head of Music at the University of Reading, said: “This project has brought together people from across the town to create something that could only exist here, at this moment. It honours the University’s musical heritage while looking firmly forward.”
Ritesh Nigam, one of the community musicians taking part, said: “Being part of a piece created and performed by this many people from Reading has been an extraordinary experience.”
With the full ensemble coming together for a single public performance, audiences are encouraged to book early. Tickets are priced at £10-£15 and the concert takes place at 4.30pm on Saturday 9 May at The Hexagon, Reading.
Event details
Event: Reading Sound Foundry – world premiere of Reading Illuminations
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 4.30pm
Tickets: https://whatsonreading.com/hexagon/Reading-Sound-Foundry
Ritesh Nigram has written an article about his experience of taking part in the community workshop. It can be read in full here: The Healing Drum, a Young Soloist, and the Unexpected Heartbeat of Reading’s Centenary by Ritesh Nigam – University of Reading Music
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
