Con-grad-ulations! University's music maestro to be on song for new bride

However, the University of Dundee’s Director of Music has admitted that he is happy to play second fiddle to his wife on Tuesday, who will cross the stage to accept her PhD just weeks after they tied the knot.

John-Luke Harris will watch on as his bride Margarida receives her PhD in Neuroscience, having ensured a harmonious start to the occasion after conducting the university’s choir. With the sound of wedding bells still fresh in their memory, Margarida will be hoping her husband hits all the right notes with his musical duties as her family watches on.

“My parents and brother are coming over for Graduation and I'm really excited for them to see me walk across the stage,” she said.

“It was largely thanks to them that I have been able to study at Dundee, so without their sacrifices I would not be preparing to walk across the Caird Hall stage this summer.

“I'm really looking forward to hearing what John comes up with for music - I have been telling the choir I'll be graduating this summer for about a year so I'm expecting great things!”

Having met as students in Manchester nine years ago, the couple moved to Dundee to allow Margarida to pursue her PhD, split between its Schools of Life Sciences and Medicine.

Music has always been a part of John-Luke’s life, who grew up singing in choirs and playing in brass bands before studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. It is a passion shared by Margarida, with the couple realising they were in tune with one another on their first meeting.

“When we first me, we actually bonded over music,” she said.

“We were at a dinner and John and another girl looked like they were unsure on where to sit so I invited them to sit with me and some of my friends. When talking about what we were studying the topic moved on to music. John and I exchanged contact details so he could get me some free tickets to a concert and that was the first of many concerts we've been to since.”

John-Luke, originally from Telford in Shropshire, was appointed the University’s Director of Music last year, making him responsible for a host of musical activities across campus, including two choirs, a big band, brass quintet, and orchestra. Over the course of the academic year he is involved in more than 30 performances, from solo recitals to the Dundee Jazz Festival.

Music is integral to any graduation, requiring months of planning and preparation – similar to a wedding. However, with the nuptials now complete and a honeymoon to Mexico on the horizon, John-Luke says he is now focused on his wife’s big day and is ready to play his part. 

“I don't want to spoil the surprises too much, but my favourite piece of repertoire which we plan to perform is called ‘Homeward Bound’ by Marta Keen. It's a wonderful melody and very fitting as we say farewell to the students now graduating.

“I’ll be able to watch Margarida cross the stage while watching from the wings. It will be a busy day but I wouldn’t miss that moment for the world.”