Leaving a legacy for the musicians of the future

Michael Bell MBE (BM 1981) came to Cardiff to study music in 1978 and is conductor of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, which he set up in 1982. Forty years and nearly 400 concerts later, Michael has chosen to leave a legacy to Cardiff University to support future music students, who may not have the chance to attend university otherwise.

I’m from Neath and went to a school that had a long tradition for excellence in music and sporting activities. I knew several pupils who had studied music at Cardiff University, where there was a combination of academia and practical music making that was second to none. It was that balance that attracted me to come to Cardiff, and I began my studies in autumn 1978 and graduated in the summer of 1981 with a Bachelor of Music degree.

During my time at Cardiff University, I enjoyed meeting so many people from different parts of the UK, and from different backgrounds. It was here that I started conducting, firstly in the student Music Society concerts and later, encouraged by Clifford Bunford – the conductor of the University Choir and Orchestra – to assist him in the preparation of concerts. It was all great experience for me, and I look back at my time as a student with huge affection.

In my student days we could apply for grants, based on our parents’ income. These grants didn’t have to be paid back, so we didn’t have the level of debt that students incur today. I wanted to give something back to young people who are going on the same life-changing experience as me at Cardiff University, all these years later! I’m leaving a legacy to help financially disadvantaged students at the School of Music, and in the name of my beloved Great Aunt Winifred.

I hope my legacy goes some small way to be of help. Once I had made my initial contact it was very easy, and I felt supported throughout the process by the wonderful Sarah Morgan- Davies. If you are able to do so, please consider leaving a gift in your Will to Cardiff University, as the help it will provide to future students is immeasurable.

Watch: change a life, leave a legacy

Find out more

Find out more about supporting Cardiff University students, or research with a gift in your Will.

More from Cardiff Connect magazine

Cardiff Connect 2023

In this Summer 2023 edition of your alumni and friends magazine, you’ll hear how our current researchers are advancing our understanding of conditions such as arthritis, and psychoses like schizophrenia, and how our talented alumni are making a difference to the world around them.

Championing positive change to mental health in the Muslim community

Jamilla Hekmoun (MA 2018) is chair of the Muslim Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), and spent the pandemic working tirelessly to provide resources and support to the Muslim community. She also sits on the board of the Muslim Council of Wales and leads community engagement for SEF Cymru. We spoke to Jamilla about her time at Cardiff University and the important work she does in the community.

Javi, wearing red doctoral robes, sits on a Cardiff street reading a letter

Javi’s Legacy

Javi Uceda Fernandez (PhD 2018) came to Cardiff University in the summer of 2013 on a placement to Professor Simon Jones’ laboratory at the Systems Immunity Research Institute. His incredible energy, constant positivity, and bright outlook meant he was a hugely popular member of the institute.

The anonymous donation that changed the trajectory of a family’s life

The Miles family’s connection with Cardiff University is one that spans three generations. John (MBBCh 1960) met Enyd, née Griffith (MBBCh 1960), whilst studying medicine together in the 1950s. Their son David (BSc 1986), came to study here in the 1980s where he met his wife, and their two daughters have now followed in their footsteps. David shares his father’s story and explains how an anonymous benefactor started their family’s journey to Cardiff University, all those years ago.