The University of Sussex has named a new electronic studio in honour of Jonathan Harvey, who was Professor of Music at the university from 1977 to 1993. Harvey was a pioneer in the field of electronic music and this is a fitting testament to his extraordinary music.
The following statement was issued by the University of Sussex:
Friends, family and former colleagues of the eminent composer Jonathan Harvey gathered in the Silverstone building last weekend for the official opening of a music studio in his name.
The launch of the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio on Saturday (29 March) followed a 50,000 refit by the School of Media, Film and Music (MFM).
The studio is named in honour of the eminent British composer Jonathan Harvey, who was Professor of Music from 1977 to 1993 and undertook much of his pioneering work in electroacoustic music at Sussex.
Dr Ed Hughes, Head of Music, said: 'In the Music department we are incredibly proud of our link to Jonathan Harvey who, while Professor of Music at Sussex, wrote a series of internationally acclaimed compositions in response to commissions from major institutions such as IRCAM in Paris, and orchestras such as BBC Symphony and Berlin Philharmonic. He was not only a brilliant composer but also an inspiring and generous teacher, as his former pupils and colleagues testify - we heard about this at the opening of the music studio from Professor Jonathan Cross, who worked at Sussex as a music lecturer alongside Harvey, and recalled his insightful teaching.'
The new studio is already being enjoyed by undergraduate and postgraduate music students. With its two live rooms and control room with mixing console, it offers multitrack recording and monitoring facilities to students on the BA in Music, on the new BA in Music Technology (launching in September), and on the Music departments taught and research postgraduate courses.
Professor Harvey, who was noted for the imaginative use of electronics in his compositions, died in December 2012.
Professor Harvey’s widow, Rosa, and his daughter Anna attended the launch event along with family friends including the distinguished film director Barrie Gavin.
Anna Harvey said: 'It was a great thrill for us to see Jonathan's memory as a composer honoured in such an appropriate way by the University of Sussex, where he was Professor of Music. We hope that students will enjoy the music studios facilities and continue in his creative exploration of the boundaries of electronic music.'