1. Bristol University Poker Society 2020
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By Hamish Chapman, First Year Politics and International Relations

Bristol University Music Society (BUMS) are holding a series of livestreamed performances every day until Christmas Eve, in an initiative dubbed the ‘Bristol University Music Society Advent Calendar’.

The programme has been launched to showcase the talents of the society’s performers and ensembles. Live performances will be streamed until December 16, when pre-recorded performances from the society’s ensembles will begin.

BUMS have traditionally held Christmas concerts every year at Victoria Methodist Church on Whiteladies Road, but this year’s performances will be uploaded to YouTube.

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Bristol University Poker Society 2020

So far livestreams have ranged from a solo acoustic recital of traditional carol ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ to an entire household’s cover of Ariana Grande’s ‘Santa Tell Me’. Performances are expected from each of the society’s eight ensembles throughout the month.

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Viewers of the livestreams are encouraged by BUMS to donate to Help Musicians, a charity providing financial support to professional musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Society president Charlotte Greensmith said ‘There is very little support for musicians from the government, even though everyone turns to the arts in times of crisis. It is heart-breaking as a fellow musician, and also as a music society, to see so many venues and performers struggle.

‘We just want to do all we can to help the professionals who need the support of the charity during such a stressful time.’

Auditions and rehearsals for the society’s ensembles have been held online throughout the autumn term and in Charlotte’s words ‘Our Conductors and Managers have been amazing at facilitating them and ensuring there is still a strong BUMS community.’

You can view the performances on the Bristol University Music Society YouTube channel.

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Bristol University Poker Society 2019

Have you checked out Bristol University's musical Advent calendar?