With fine acoustics and student music as its heart, the Michael Tippett Centre is the only purpose-built space for chamber and small ensemble music in the area.

Influenced by the design of the Snape Maltings arts complex in Suffolk, the Michael Tippett Centre was strategically designed to highlight the melodies of chamber and small ensemble music. It includes a 150 seat auditorium, two recording studios, Mac computer labs, teaching rooms and adaptable exhibition and practice spaces.

The auditorium has hosted world-class talent from every musical tradition and every part of the globe, from student performances and Indonesian Gamelan to The Bookshop Band. For a list of upcoming events, see our page at Bath Spa Live.

"Music is a performance and needs the audience."

Michael Tippett

Who is Michael Tippett?

Widely considered to be one of the leading British composers of the twentieth century, Sir Michael Tippett had an illustrious career for many years before he became involved with music in Bath.

He was an external examiner for music at the Bath School of Art and Design in the sixties and seventies, but made a local name for himself when he revived and became Artistic Director for the Bath International Music Festival in 1969. He fostered a close relationship between the music community at Bath Spa and the festival, a relationship that continues to this day.

We named the centre after Sir Michael Tippett to celebrate his lifetime contributions to music, as well as his connection to the University. The venue was opened by Sir Michael Tippett himself in the 1990s, and it was fully refurbished in 2007.

Accessibility

Need to know about the accessibility of the Michael Tippett centre? Our student support team are happy to answer your questions, or visit our accessibility guide.