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- About me: 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. Also an honourable mention for Maggie, our beautiful, loving 20yr old cat!
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 Assistant, I work on social media and digital channel development, artist liaison, and the running of events within the series. I’m also a freelance soprano, performing in concerts and opera productions around the UK, and I also play clarinet for a number of amateur ensembles in Leeds. In my free time I’m an avid board game player and painter of miniatures. I'm currently doing 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 24/25
El Clarke
Hi, I'm El, a third year BA Music student. I am an orchestral percussionist and conductor of LUUMS Sinfonia and I'm looking forward to expanding my practical skills in music management and ensemble performance. This year, I can't wait to be more involved 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 - specifically Stardew Valley - and one day I would love to compose a soundtrack for a relaxing life sim game.
Ceren Abbatt
Hi, I’m Ceren and I am a final year BA Music student from Hampshire. In my studies I primarily focus on analytical musicology, with a focus on British and German song. I am also a choral singer, which has provided me the opportunity to perform in many amazing places such as Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall, on television, and on various tours around Europe, during one of which I competed in an international competition! Since studying at university I have been very involved with Leeds University Union Music Society, where I managed the Symphonic Choir during my second year, and this year I am managing the auditioned Chamber Choir. I have also sung with Chorus and played with the Brass Band. My other musical interests include opera studies - I am also lucky enough to work at Opera North, which is a wonderful ongoing experience, seeing the opera industry in more detail. I am very excited to be working on the Concert Series Team for another year to help continue the work of this brilliant team!
Oliver Heath
I’m a final year BA Music Student from Northern Ireland. I’m a composer and conductor primarily but I also work regularly as a solo and ensemble Tenor. I conduct the University Chamber Choir and have worked as a conducting scholar for Sing for Pleasure, Leeds Cathedral, and the Royal School of Church Music. My main musical interests include 20th and 21st Century Choral music, underrepresented British Music, and Gregorian Chant.
Lucy Evers
I’m Lucy and I am currently studying Music with Enterprise at the University of Leeds. I am a singer and also play the piano. I absolutely love live music and my favourite artist that I have seen recently is Olivia Dean. Prior to University, I fronted a big band and a smaller pop band where we played locally at various gigs and also experimented with production through recording onto vinyl and also live recordings. I have also been involved in various choirs and have also been in a few operas and shows which have been a great experience. As well as my love for music I am also a keen member of the University Hockey club and play matches every week which I love.
Bea Derrick
Hi, my name is Bea and I’m a third-year BA music student. I play the clarinet and piano and enjoy being in a variety of ensembles and orchestras, performing things from symphonies to good old jazz standards. As a dancer as well, I love working and performing with live musicians, so I’m very excited to be involved in the Concert Series. I’m really looking forward to working with some amazing people and artists as well as getting more experience working behind the scenes of events and concerts. I absolutely love going to see live music, I think it’s a very important part of studying and appreciating music and nothing beats a live concert!
Cecily Graham
I am currently in my final year studying music, specialising in vocal 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 Scotland and Amsterdam. During my third year, 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. My time abroad was incredible, but I am thrilled to be back for my final year. I look forward to working with the concert series, helping to deliver an exceptional experience for both musicians and audiences alike.
Hao Nguyen
Hi, my name is Hao and I’m a second-year BA Music with Enterprise student. I play piano and a little bit of everything in percussion. I love composing music and creating different sounds with it. One of my many hobbies is dancing and watching live music and because of its performance elements, I adore live music even more. Therefore, I am very excited to be involved in the Concert Series as I will have the amazing opportunity to interact with countless talented artists and performers throughout this experience. Getting to know more about live music and how it works behind the scenes makes me appreciate live music even more!