Law firm Gordons and Leeds College of Music bring world famous jazz musicians to town for sell out concert

Leeds and Bradford-based law firm Gordons formed a partnership with Leeds College of Music that helped enable a globally renowned jazz guitarist and violinist provide the college’s students with a masterclass and play a sell-out concert in Leeds.

Guitarist John Etheridge and violinist Christian Garrick – who interpret jazz, folk, world and rock music by composers as diverse as Duke Ellington and Paul McCartney – worked with students for two hours at the College’s Quarry Hill-based premises on the afternoon of March 4. That evening they entertained a sell-out audience of 350 at The Venue, the College’s state-of-the-art concert hall.

The link between Gordons and the College relates to a personal law consultant at the firm, Andrew Linden, who has been associated with the College for a number of years and is currently chair of the College’s board of governors. Andrew worked closely with the College’s director of development, David Warren, to enable the concert to take place.

David commented: “The support that Andrew and Gordons have provided us with is of great benefit to the College and its students. We are very proud of our status as a College that celebrates contemporary music and by securing John Etheridge and Christian Garrick we have further enhanced our reputation as a vibrant and creative place to study and make music.”

As the only specialist music college to offer both Higher and Further Education courses, Leeds College of Music provides a unique opportunity for students to progress from BTEC courses through to Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees. Currently over 1,000 full-time and 1,500 part-time students study at the College.

Andrew said: “As chair of the College’s board of governors I am delighted that such fantastic artists have visited us, worked with the students and performed a brilliant concert. As a partner at Gordons, we are proud to support a progressive educational establishment that is promoting the city and its musical talent.

“Many of my colleagues and the firm’s clients share in a love of music. In fact, a group of 80 Gordons people, clients and their partners attended the John Etheridge and Christian Garrick concert, so supporting the College is an ideal activity that allows us to combine business with pleasure.”