University of Liverpool Welcomes Early Music as Education and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats as New Affiliate Organisations at The Tung Auditorium

University of Liverpool Welcomes Early Music as Education and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats as New Affiliate Organisations at The Tung Auditorium

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has selected Early Music as Education (EMAE) and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats as its new Affiliate Organisations at The Tung Auditorium for 2025–2027. The partnership will allow both groups to present regular concerts, collaborate with the University’s Department of Music, and access the auditorium’s performance and technical facilities. Upcoming highlights include a Baroque showcase from EMAE’s String Academy and a Big Band mini festival led by Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats. The initiative, part of the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre’s community outreach, aims to strengthen ties between the University and Merseyside’s musical community, enriching both the student experience and the local cultural scene.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 22-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool has announced Early Music as Education (EMAE) and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats as its new community Affiliate Organisations at The Tung Auditorium for the 2025–2027 period. Both groups were selected following a competitive open call that drew music organisations from across Merseyside, standing out for their creativity, community engagement, and commitment to making music accessible for all.

As part of their two-year affiliation, EMAE and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats will collaborate with The Tung Auditorium, located within the University’s Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, to present up to three concerts each year. The partnership also provides opportunities to work closely with staff and students from the University’s Department of Music, both on stage and behind the scenes. In addition to performance opportunities, the organisations will receive full access to the venue’s professional facilities, including backstage and rehearsal areas, technical and front-of-house support, box office services, and marketing promotion.

The Tung Auditorium’s Artistic Director, Richard Hartwell, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaborations: “We had a fantastic response to our call for Affiliate Organisations. Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats and Early Music as Education really stood out for their creative vision and their plans to engage with our Music students and audiences in exciting new ways. We’re thrilled to welcome them to The Tung Auditorium.”

The upcoming programme includes a Big Band mini festival led by Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats and a Baroque showcase from EMAE’s acclaimed String Academy, promising a dynamic mix of musical styles for Liverpool audiences.

Lizzie Elliott, Music Director of Early Music as Education, said: “It’s a great honour to have been chosen as an affiliate organisation with The Tung Auditorium. We look forward to performing with our Liverpool String Academy orchestra and to working with University of Liverpool music students. This partnership will enrich our students’ education and open up new creative possibilities.”

Helen Apps, saxophonist with Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats, added: “As a not-for-profit group of friends and musicians, we’re passionate about sharing our love of jazz with the community. Being invited to perform at The Tung Auditorium is a huge honour and an exciting opportunity to connect with new audiences and young musicians.”

Lisa Colton, Head of the Department of Music, highlighted the scheme’s broader impact: “The Tung Affiliate Scheme strengthens the connection between the University and the region’s vibrant music culture. It supports community music-making while offering students valuable collaborative and professional experiences.”

By welcoming EMAE and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats, the University of Liverpool continues to reinforce The Tung Auditorium’s role as a hub for creativity, education, and community engagement, celebrating the diversity and talent of Merseyside’s musical landscape.

Media contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool