Meet Our Team
Strategic Development Manager
Dan Merrick
For the past seven years I've been the strategic lead and manager of the University's International Concert Series. Details of my wider School role can be found here: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music/staff/366/dan-merrick-
I caught the home computing bug, learning to program the Sinclair ZX81, as a teenager. That thirst for precision grew into a love of electronic music, and an obsession with sound, and sound making equipment. 70's/80's culture continues to fascinate me - Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, The Human League | pinball, jukeboxes, arcade and gaming machines | even the computer and boardgames I play are vintage! During 15 years in the School of Music, my appreciation of all forms of music, and music making, has broadened significantly, and life off-campus continues to reflect that. I find myself talking, and reading a lot, quite often about culture, but also politics, health, food, technology, gaming and FPL.
Concert Series Coordinator
Jessica Ward
I began working for the University of Leeds International Concert Series in 2012 after graduating from the University with an undergraduate degree in Music and Maths and a Masters in Composition. My current role of Concerts Coordinator includes concert programming, artist liaison, event management and the development of the Concert Series. Alongside working for the University of Leeds, I enjoy a varied part-time freelance music career: teaching piano and providing piano accompaniment for a range of concerts, productions, and instrumental and vocal exams. From rural Derbyshire, I love countryside walks, wildlife, growing fruit and vegetables, and spending time with my family and animals.
Marketing and Events Administrator
Lizzy Hardman
I started working for the Concert Series at the start of 2022, having completed a Master’s in Performance with two commendations at the University of Leeds, and a Bachelor’s in Music at King’s College London. As the Concerts Events and Marketing Administrator, I lead social media and digital channel development, graphic design, marketing strategy, artist liaison, and event management. I’m also a freelance full-lyric soprano, performing in concerts and opera productions around the UK - this past season saw my Glyndebourne debut. I also run a creative agency called Claque Creative. In my free time I’m an avid board game player, dog fanatic (particularly my own dog, Hildy) and wild swimmer. I'm currently completing an Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC DTP-funded PhD on 'Confronting canonicity and promoting diversity: Gender and contemporary concert programming'.
Recording & Music Technology Technician
Colin Bradburne
Prior to starting work for the School of Music in 2014 I built and ran my own 185 square metre recording studio and toured the world with various bands (Opeth, Lacuna Coil, Cradle of Filth, Uriah Heep) as either a sound engineer, monitor engineer or backline technician. I now handle all technical aspects of the Concert Series show, which can involve lighting the stage, setting up and mixing multiple microphones including immersive multi-speaker set ups, setting up and vision mixing multiple cameras including coordinating live streaming events online with pre-rolls and overlays. Taken from my touring background, I like to make every event a “show”, which could mean anything from having extra stage lighting to having a professional online video stream. Outside of University, I accompany a community choir, Big Al’s Big Choir, founded by School of Music alumni, Alice Higgins, and enjoy console gaming, cooking, and 3D printing.
Recording & Music Technology Technician
Jack Cradock
I'm Jack Cradock, I'm a technician for the Concert Series team and oversee all technology during performances, ranging from lighting, aiding the integration of live sound technology, through to our live streaming services. I have a Masters Degree in Electronic and Computer Music from the University of Leeds, from which I graduated in 2019, and have been working with the concert team since November 2018. Outside of work I am part of two heavy metal bands, King Corpse and Deadlock Saints, and I can often be found near the pool table at the Fenton!
Concerts Events Assistants 25/26
El Clarke
Hi, I'm El, a MA Musicology student. I am an orchestral percussionist and conductor of LUUMS Symphony Orchestra and I'm looking forward to expanding my practical skills in music management and ensemble performance. This year, I'm excited to continue my involvement with the School of Music events and the Concert Series alongside the new team of interns, as well as discovering new music and artists through the concerts and open mics. Music aside, I'm a huge animal lover - my cat's name is Ziggy, after David Bowie's iconic stage persona. I also have an intense love of cozy videogames, cooking and baking and crafty things like painting!
Cecily Graham
My name is Cecily, and I am doing a master’s in performance. Throughout my time at Leeds University, being part of the LUUMS ensembles has offered me numerous performance opportunities, including tours to places such as Amsterdam, Ireland and Scotland. During my third year of undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of studying in Australia, where I broadened my academic focus to include music production, astronomy, and indigenous studies. Some of my musical highlights there included attending performances of Mahler’s 5th Symphony and Dvořák’s 7th Symphony at the Sydney Opera House. On returning, I had the pleasure of working with the concert series, helping to deliver an exceptional experience for both musicians and audiences alike. I very much look forward to working with the team for a second year.
Hao Nguyen
Hi, my name is Hao and I’m a final year BA Music with Enterprise student. I play piano and a bit of everything in percussion. I love songwriting and creating different sounds with compositions. One of my many hobbies is dancing and watching live music as I have unhealthy obsession with concerts. Therefore, this year I’ very excited to continue my involment in the Concert Series as I will have the amazing opportunity to interact with countless talented artists and performers throughout more exciting and diverse experiences and events. Getting to know more about live music and how it works behind the scenes makes me appreciate live music even more!
Lily Prasertsri
Hey! I’m a third-year BA Music with Enterprise student from Lincolnshire. I play piano and saxophone and have been part of LUUMS’ Concert Band in my first and second years. My main passion lies in composing for films and video games. Besides music, I enjoy learning about entrepreneurship and consultancy, especially in the creative industry. I would love to start a business one day! Now, I look forward to gaining more experience in the Concerts team! Outside of university, I enjoy going to the gym and jamming with my band.
Louis Stephenson
Hi, my name is Louis, I’m a second year BA Music student. I’ve been classically trained on piano and I’m self-taught on guitar. I love philosophy and have all sorts of questions about music I want to explore. Currently, I’m trying to explore a passion for music education and ways it could be improved or reformed. I really enjoy stories in all their forms, so I’m a fan of films, books, and video games. Some of my goals include learning jazz piano, joining a band, finding the meaning of life, and getting a dog. This year, I’m looking forward to taking on more opportunities, which include being a part of the concert series, joining one of the LUUMS choirs, getting more involved in the School of Music and more!
Jasmine Lee
I am in my third year studying Music and Music Psychology. I play the flute and have played multiple times in the Concert Series, I am thrilled to become an assistant this year, where I can work closely with professional musicians, and audiences who shares the same interest of music as me! I am a part of LUUMS-the University’s music society, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there being in multiple ensembles since my first year. This year I also took up the role as Secretary, it has been an exciting experience for me so far! Other than playing flute, I also enjoy conducting, I am thrilled to begin my internship as the Opera North Youth Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor where I can’t wait to continue developing my skills. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with my three cats, travelling in Europe and Asia, as well as drinking bubble tea!