Michael Tippett Centre
Newly refurbished in 2007, the Michael Tippett Centre concert hall is Bath’s only purpose-built chamber music venue. Its acoustic design was based on that of Snape Maltings in Suffolk and it now seats up to 200 people in air-conditioned comfort. Originally opened by Sir Michael Tippett himself – a local resident and former external examiner within Bath Spa University’s music department, the auditorium has hosted world-class talent from every musical tradition and every part of the globe.
History
A proposed extension of music facilities in 1988 provided the opportunity to plan for music at Bath Spa University in a new and adventurous way. Staff were given a week by the Director to draw up specifications for a new music block and this produced a flurry of activity around local schools and universities to view similar developments.
The 1988 concept was to provide a performance space at the centre of the building surrounded by academic rooms and public spaces. As we moved through the planning stage it soon became evident that the public spaces could not be afforded. Nearly 10 years later it became possible to apply to the National Lottery for capital projects, at which time it seemed opportune to re-house facilities in the School of Music which, at that time, were widespread round the University. This allowed for a planned development of the site including car parking and landscaping.
Audiences come regularly from Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas to professional concerts, including the Bath International Guitar Festival and UK Songwriting festival, which are now run by the University and are based here.
In the 60s and 70s Sir Michael Tippett lived in Corsham and was involved as an External Examiner with the music course. He visited this college during that time and, as the Artistic Director of the Bath Festival, commissioned a new piece from me for Harry Mortimer's "Men 'O Brass" and invited the college choir and orchestra to take part in the Festival as performers.
When the original Centre was finished it seemed the right opportunity to celebrate not only Sir Michael's connection with us but his work as one of the greatest English composers of our time. He gave his permission for his name to be used, and came to open the original Centre, returning two years later to receive an honorary Fellowship.