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 Assistant
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!
Intern 23/24
El Clarke
Hi, I'm El, a second 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.
Intern 23/24
Ceren Abbatt
Hi, I’m Ceren and I am a second year BA Music student from Hampshire. I am a choral singer and I have sung in choirs for over 10 years now which has been such a rewarding experience, allowing me to sing in venues like Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall and going on music tours to various countries in Europe as well as competing internationally. Since starting at university, I have gotten involved with LUUMS, where this year I am managing Symphonic Choir, as well as singing with Chamber Choir and playing with Brass Band. Outside of music, I enjoy yoga, playing netball and going to the pub! I am very excited to be a part of the intern team this year and to be getting more involved with the concert series.
Intern 23/24
Eszter Vida
Hi, I’m Eszter and I’m a 2nd year English and Music student. I am singer-songwriter and have been releasing music independently as well as playing gigs with my band while at university. I love discovering new music and studying here has opened me up to so many new genres that have helped shaped my listening and identity as an artist. In the past, I have briefly worked with music industry companies, which gave me enough of a glimpse to want to pursue working for the Concert Series, as I really enjoy going to gigs, supporting smaller artists and events management. Outside of music, I’m a huge film lover, enjoy reading heart-wrenching books and going for a pint with my friends. I’m currently managing myself as an independent artist but in the future, I would like to work with other artists or be the artist on the record label.
Intern 23/24
Oliver Heath
I’m a 2nd-year music student from Northern Ireland. I’m a composer, singer, and conductor and hold an Enhanced Choral Scholarship at Leeds Cathedral, under Tom Leech, allowing me to conduct their various choirs and work in the National School Singing Programme. I’m the Concerts Manager, as well as Chamber Choir Conductor, for the Leeds University Union Music Society and am committed to diversifying repertoire and championing more works by living composers in both of these roles.
Intern 23/24
Rose Bullen
I’m in my 3rd year studying Music and Music Psychology in Leeds and I’m interested in areas such as music therapy and music and neuroplasticity. I play the violin and have a love for chamber music, performing in many different kinds of ensembles since moving to Leeds. Aside from music, I love being outdoors and crafting things. I am super excited to be working with the Concert Series and discovering all the incredible artists, and I hope to use my experiences to create chamber events in the near future.
Intern 23/24
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.
Intern 23/24
Nilanjanaa Jayant
Hello everyone, I'm Nilanjanaa, and I’m currently a 3rd Year pursuing Music Psychology. A little about me-I’m from singer and songwriter from India, with a love for pop and jazz genres particularly! Apart from that, I love exploring my creativity through design and videography. Outside the University, I'm always on the lookout for unique cultural experiences, celebrating festivals and exploring new kinds of music. I can't wait to collaborate, learn, and meet all the wonderful performers through the Concert Series!
Intern 23/24
Bea Derrick
Hi, my name is Bea and I’m a second-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!