The Magazine for the Royal College of MusicI Autumn 2009

Reaching out! How the RCM is connecting with the wider world

What’s inside... Welcome to upbeat...

The cover of this issue shows an image from our summer opera production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For the second year running we put on a special abridged Contents matinée performance for schools – needless to say, the mischievous Puck was the childrens’ favourite! 4 In the news Updating you on recent College The opera matinées provide just one example of how the RCM is reaching out to the activities, including museum developments and competition wider community. You can read in this issue about some of the other ways that we’re successes connecting with the wider world. On pages 10 and 11 you’ll discover that our research and teaching can either involve flying halfway round the world or sitting in front of 8 New Arrivals a TV camera right here in Prince Consort Road. Then on pages 12 and 13 you’ll find The RCM welcomes a host of new out that the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre is celebrating a decade of faces to the College working with schools, promoters and community organisations, and offering its services to from across the country. 9 Tristram Cary Upbeat remembers this pioneer Of course the rest of the magazine is full, as usual, of the many ways in which RCM of electronic students, alumni and staff are out and about, entertaining the world through performances and recordings – and even a blockbuster computer game! 10 Improving performance The Centre for Performance As always, we are keen to hear from students and staff past and present, so if you Science travels to New Zealand for its second international have anything you’d like us to feature in the next issue of Upbeat, send your news and symposium pictures in to [email protected] by 11 January 2010. 11 Classical meets modern NB: Please note that we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and that we Upbeat investigates the new reserve the right to edit submissions. technology connecting the RCM with the rest of the world

12 If you go down to the Woodhouse today… A celebration of the Woodhouse Centre’s achievements during the

Photograph: Sheila Burnett Sheila Photograph: last 10 years

14 Meeting the supporters… Upbeat meets RCM Friend Sue Pudifoot-Stephens

15 With thanks to… The College expresses its gratitude to recent supporters

16 Student notes… Current student success stories

18 Staff notes… News from professorial, academic RCM Sparks Summer Music and admin staff

Front cover – Image from the summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream 20 Alumni notes… Inside front cover – Images from the recent visit by Finnish maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen, who was Updates from RCM graduates making his first appearance with the RCM Symphony . Inside back cover – A selection of images from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed to 22 Births, marriages and obituaries much acclaim by the RCM’s International Opera School

3 In the news... Graduation Ceremony 2009 Some 200 undergraduate and addresses and gave out the prizes in postgraduate students and their the Britten Theatre. A highlight of the families attended the RCM Graduation day was the world première of a new Ceremony in July. RCM Chairman fanfare, written by distinguished RCM Lord Winston and RCM Director composition professor Joseph Horovitz Professor Colin Lawson both made specially for the occasion.

RCM Chairman Lord Winston (above) and RCM Director Professor Colin Lawson (left) both made addresses and gave out the prizes in the Britten Theatre (top right)

A successful Museum String Catalogue summer season developments success Three Museum instruments have The RCM Museum’s recently This year the RCM opened its doors benefited from conservation work this published Catalogue Part III: European for the busiest summer of activity term. The Dolmetsch clavichord, which Stringed Instruments has been ever in Prince Consort Road. More has been played by RCM students since highly praised by the Journal of than 11,000 visitors attended 63 it was bought by Sir George Grove in the American Proms Plus events in the Amaryllis 1894, is having an overhaul. The ‘Elgar’ Society. Their reviewer said of the Fleming Concert Hall. They ranged and ‘Holst’ trombones have both had publication: “This is truly a Rolls-Royce from literary events featuring Andrew minor adjustments to improve their of catalogs – organologists, performers, Motion, Philip Pullman and A. N. playability and will shortly be used by luthiers, and instrument enthusiasts Wilson, through to interviews with RCM professor Sue Addison for a series will all appreciate its loveliness and leading conductors such as Sir David of recordings. Willcocks, Sir Roger Norrington and thoroughness… For anyone who enjoys Vladimir Jurowski, and composer talks The Museum has also recently acquired studying or looking at instruments, this and portraits with Sir Peter Maxwell of a silver medal, awarded to book is a treasure trove, and one that Davies, Louis Andriessen and Augusta maker Robert Grosvenor by employers will likely be appreciated even after its Read Thomas. Collard and Collard in recognition of contents are available electronically”. 50 years service. The Collard brothers Copies of the catalogue can be Alongside this, the RCM was running were important in the development purchased from the Museum and its own Summer Music season of of the piano during the first half of the cost £35 plus postage. participatory events, offering 288 nineteenth century and are represented See www.cph.rcm.ac.uk for by a square piano children aged between 6 and 18 the further details. chance to make music and learn in the Museum more about pieces being performed collection. during season. The events were described by participants as “wonderful”, “amazing” and “imaginative and inspiring”. Summer Music was so successful that we have added a new similar series of events for Easter next year, and are already making plans for summer 2010 - watch upbeat for more details. The RCM Museum’s recently published catalogue Photograph: Chris Christodoulou

4 Furthermore, many visitors to the RCM’s stunning RCM have remarked how friendly and RCM Friends success at Leeds supportive the students are towards each other. There is no doubt that the Summer Party International Piano entire keyboard faculty contributed to this success by inspiring and driving each 2009 Competition other on. The complete list of RCM prize-winners On 24 June we once again welcomed In August, Head of Keyboard Vanessa Friends to the annual RCM Friends Latarche accompanied seven students is as follows: Summer Party. Joined by the College’s from the keyboard faculty of the RCM as Director, Professor Colin Lawson, they headed to Yorkshire for the Leeds First Prize International Piano Competition 2009. Friends enjoyed a drinks reception Princess Mary Gold Medal and in the elegant Parry Rooms before Sixty-eight competitors from 45 £15,000 making their way to the newly countries were accepted for the The Audrey and Stanley Burton refurbished Amaryllis Fleming competition from DVD performances Charitable Trust Concert Hall for performances by of 200 applicants, and the RCM was some of the College’s finest students. delighted to have such a large group – by Sofya Gulyak far the largest number of students from (incoming RCM student) Outstanding Russian pianist and any conservatoire. RCM Concerto Competition winner Incoming RCM Russian scholar Sofya Sixth Prize Konstantin Lapshin performed the Gulyak was awarded First Prize, £3,500 Concert Suite from Tchaikovsky’s when she played Brahms’s D minor Sleeping Beauty to rapturous The Robert Tebb Trust Concerto. Already a prize-winner at applause, while soprano Natasha many international competitions, she Jianing Kong (MMus Year 2) Day and Andrew Boushell, was auditioned by Vanessa Latarche in accompanied by Alisdair Kitchen, Moscow earlier this year and will study Semi-final Prize delighted the Friends with a selection with her at the RCM. of operatic extracts. £1,750 Second year postgraduate Chinese The Tabor Foundation Friends then enjoyed a delicious student Jianing Kong, a student of sit-down buffet dinner and some Gordon Fergus-Thompson and Dmitri Alexey Chernov (PGDip Year 2) Alexeev at the RCM, was awarded Sixth were lucky enough to meet the star performers of the evening. Prize for his performance of Beethoven’s 2nd Round Prizes ‘Emperor’ Concerto. Jianing has already As every year, this special event was undertaken undergraduate study at £800 each the RCM, having previously been at the The Edward Boyle Memorial Trust also an opportunity for the RCM to Purcell School. thank all of our Friends for their loyal Emanuel Despax (RCM alumnus) and kind support. The exceptionally strong RCM cohort Meng Yang Pan (Artist Diploma) was widely commented upon by the Alexei Petrov (Artist Diploma) 15-strong international jury. This success represents an enormous achievement for the RCM and its keyboard faculty, whose Henry Rudolf Meisels Bursaries: world-class status owes much to the flair Irakli Chumburidze (PGDip Advanced) and dedication of Vanessa Latarche and Aliaksandr Muzykantau (MMus Year 2) her colleagues.

The annual RCM Friends Summer Party featured performances by some of the Jianing Kong performing with Sir and the Hallé Orchestra College’s finest students

5 In the news...

During their stay the students kept Lorin Maazel up a busy schedule of rehearsals and masterclasses, as well as the odd spot of welcomes back sightseeing in the Blue Mountains. RCM performers Their performances, conducted by Maazel, attracted a series of excellent This summer twelve RCM performers reviews. The Washington Times said: made a return visit to Washington “A sparkling production of Benjamin DC to play for one of the world’s Britten’s comic opera Albert Herring… Maestro Lorin Maazel leading conductors at the Chateauville The orchestral accompaniment, provided Foundation Castleton Festival. by musicians from ’s , was spot-on throughout.” Eleven current students and recent alumnus Daniel de-Fry first made the The 12 performers were: Benjamin journey last autumn to perform Britten’s MacDougall (flute), Fraser Kelman Albert Herring at the personal invitation (oboe), Christopher Stripp (clarinet), of conductor and festival founder, Lorin Amy Harman (bassoon), Samuel Pearce Maazel. He was so impressed by the (horn), Katerina Mitchell (violin), Rachel RCM performers head to the mountains standard of playing that he invited them Kisacanin (violin), Emma Stevenson back to revive the work this year, and (viola), Frederique Legrand (cello), also to perform in a new production of Edmund Hartzell (double bass), Oliver The Turn of the Screw. Lowe (percussion) and Daniel de-Fry (harp). The group flew out on 27 June and spent three weeks as guests at Maestro Horn player Sam Pearce said of the Maazel’s ranch in Castleton, Virginia, opportunity: “It has been a fantastic few with all flights and living expenses kindly weeks, a unique experience and one we paid for by the Chateauville Foundation. will keep with us for a very long time.” Horn player Sam Pearce

Some of the College’s finest What’s in a name? portraits have been placed John Barstow on display for the first time in many years This summer the RCM threw a Announcing the special party for piano professor John Barstow, the longest-serving Portraits and professor at the RCM, who during his 55-year association with the Performance College has been an inspiration to History Collection generations of students. Renowned pianist Barry Douglas paid tribute to The RCM is well-known for its large his contribution to British musical collection of musical portraits and its life, and he was presented with a performance-related archives, including special gift by RCM Head of Keyboard one of the world’s most important Vanessa Latarche. John Barstow has collections of concert programmes and a now retired from Senior College, unique collection of barrel organs, which portrait of Joseph Joachim and Briggs’ but we’re delighted that he will is now on public view for the first time. portrait of S.S. Wesley now reside in continue to teach at the RCM Junior the RCM Library’s Donaldson Room; Department every Saturday. Now these have been moved to our Barraclough’s portrait of violinist Isolde new state-of-the-art research facility at Menges oversees the Directorate College Hall, and have been given a new corridor; van Ruith’s portrait of the name: ThePortraits and Performance composer Norman O’Neil is now History Collection (PPHC). The PPHC displayed in the Secretariat, and Alfred and the RCM’s Museum of Instruments Haywood’s portrait of Kathrine Flegg together make up the Centre for has been re-hung in the Senior Performance History, which remains Common Room. under the leadership of Professor Paul Banks. The RCM’s collections are now more accessible than ever before. They form Over the summer some of the College’s an important resource for students and finest portraits have been placed on for the many researchers who come from Professor Vanessa Latarche presents John Barstow display for the first time in many years. all over the world to investigate these with a leaving gift Bendemann’s magnificently imposing extraordinary archives.

6 similarly hard-fought. The adjudication Prizes round-up panel of Hilary McNamara, Stephen Coombs and Michael Collins eventually As always, the arrival of summer saw awarded First Prize and the Chappell the arrival of awards season at the RCM. Medal to Ina Charuashvili, while the RCM String Player of the Year has Hopkinson Gold Medal and Second become a favourite fixture in London’s Prize went to Alexey Chernov, and the Hopkinson Silver Medal and Third concert calendar, and a typically high Prize went to . standard was in evidence at Cadogan Alexei Petrov Poom Prommachart won the Esther Fisher Hall in June. After much deliberation, Prize for the best performance by cellist Yuki Ito – an undergraduate and an undergraduate, after being highly a JD Alumnus – was crowned RCM commended in the first round. String Player of the Year 2009, as judge Yuki Ito was crowned RCM String Player of the Year 2009 Nicola Loud declared that “he gave a Also announced in the summer were complete performance, demonstrating some of the RCM’s most prestigious both technique and wonderful awards, made to departing students musicianship”. She also announced who have made a particularly big Stepan Lavrov as the winner of the Ian impact on life at the RCM. The Stoutzker Violin Prize, awarded to the Worshipful Company of Musicians best violinist. For his prize, Yuki gets to Silver Medal was awarded to flautist perform a concerto with the Southbank Marta Gonçalves, the Queen Elizabeth Sinfonia in 2010, using an instrument Rosebowl went to pianist Konstantin of his choice from online auction house Lapshin, while Tagore Gold Medals Tarisio. were given to violinist Dunja Lavrova and horn player Nicolas Fleury. They The RCM Piano Competition 2009, will all be presented with their awards which took place in the Amaryllis at next year’s President’s Visit. The Queen Elizabeth Rosebowl went to Fleming Concert Hall on 7 July, was pianist Konstantin Lapshin

who won this year’s Kathleen Ferrier RCM graduate Charlotte Bray is fast Events round-up Awards, and Paula Sides, whose recent making a name for herself as one of the As 2009 becomes 2010 there’s a Pamina with English Touring Opera won country’s top young composers. Her particularly thrilling sequence of events rave reviews. new seven-minute orchestral work In the at the Royal College of Music. Cold Light of Day promises to increase The final orchestral concert of the year her reputation still further. The concert offers the enticing prospect of a world On 24 November our resident group The continues with Sibelius Violin Concerto, th première alongside two of the greatest Ossian Ensemble pays a 75 birthday with RCM star violinist Katerina Mitchell, orchestral works of the last 200 years. tribute to Sir and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Already working with the London by performing his iconic work Eight Peter Stark conducts the RCM for a Mad King. The soloist is the Symphony Orchestra, the Britten Sinfonietta on 11 December. brilliant baritone Kelvin Thomas, who Sinfonia, BCMG and others, recent has received rave reviews for his many Then in the new year, the first week of performances and CD recording of the term provides two of the most energetic, work with the ensemble Psappha. Don’t eagerly awaited fixtures in the RCM miss the only London performance in calendar. On 14 January the RCM Big 2009 of one of the most stunning works returns to the Britten Theatre, of the last fifty years. where they wowed visitors at the 2009 The following week the RCM RCM Open Day. Then the next day, the International Opera School presents first orchestral concert of 2010 provides their new production of Mozart’s late another opportunity for the charismatic masterpiece Die Zauberflöte (The Magic and inspirational violinist/conductor Flute). Excitement is building here about Gordan Nikolitch to work his magic the production, not only because it with the RCM Chamber Orchestra, as marks the return to the RCM of director he brings his irrepressible energy to a Tim Carroll (whose recent Rake’s programme of Mendelssohn and Janáček. Progress here gained such high praise), Two perfect events to banish those post- but because the role of Pamina is being Christmas ! To book tickets call shared by two of the world’s leading 020 7591 4314 or visit Gordan Nikolitch young sopranos – Sarah-Jane Brandon, www.boxoffice.rcm.ac.uk

7 New arrivals

He is well known in the guitar world Students for his innovative compositions, which draw on the rich classical tradition of This academic year the RCM warmly the instrument and combine it with welcomed a total of 335 new students popular contemporary influences and from 43 different countries, with no extended instrumental techniques. His fewer than 136 of these new arrivals suite for solo guitar, Scenes from The Wild benefiting from an RCM scholarship. West, recently described by Classical Edward Hallinan has been appointed Guitar Magazine as “a stupendous feat as the new President of the Students’ of composition”, is now a best-selling publication. Association. Ed, and his team, will Edward Hallinan is the new President of the represent and support the student body Ian Jones has been appointed Assistant Students’ Association. and provide a full programme of social Head of Keyboard. Ian enjoys a highly events and activities. successful international career as a Steinway Artist, and has achieved critical acclaim for his performances Junior Fellows with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra The RCM welcomes a host of new and National Symphony Orchestra at London’s Royal Festival Hall and Junior Fellows for the 2009/10 academic Barbican Hall. A prizewinner at the Leeds year including Konstantin Lapshin International Piano Competition, he (Mills Williams Junior Fellowship), Piano Junior Fellows with RCM Head of Keyboard also won the Chappell Medal, whilst a Mikhail Shilyaev (Adami Award for Vanessa Latarsche student at the RCM. Piano Accompanists Junior Fellowship), Katherine Hamilton (Junior Fellowship The RCM also welcomes several in Performance Documentation), new professors this term. Joining the Nicholas Wright (Junior Fellowship Keyboard Faculty are Dina Parakhina, in Performance History), Craig Edna Stern and Andrew Zolinsky; to the White (Gilbert & Eileen Edgar Junior Woodwind Faculty come Katie Bedford, Fellowship), and Ina Charuashvili Celia Chambers and Daniel Pailthorpe; (Anthony Saltmarsh Junior Fellowship). and joining the Vocal Studies Faculty is Left to right - Research Junior Fellows: Rosa Mannion. TheConducting Faculty Katherine Hamilton, Nicholas Wright We also welcome back the following welcomes Natalia Luis-Bassa and the new Junior Fellows for their second year: addition to the Strings Faculty is Lutsia Joseph Middleton (Lord and Lady Ibragimova. Junior Fellowship), Susie Summers (Phoebe Benham Junior Marcus McDonald has joined the Fellowship) and The Ossian Ensemble College as Director of Finance and (Leverhulme Chamber Music Junior Estates following Simon Powell’s Fellowship). departure at the start of the summer. Marcus, a qualified accountant, has a Over the course of next year the University of London MA in Higher and Junior Fellows will work with student Professional Education. He has worked Leverhulme Chamber Music Junior Fellows: performers and composers from the in university administration since 1982, The Ossian Ensemble Keyboard, Woodwind, String, Brass, beginning at University of London before Percussion and Vocal Faculties as well moving to the Institute of Education as developing their own projects and in 1984. In 25 years at the Institute, he presenting a number of performances. undertook a number of roles, including Director of Finance and Deputy Secretary, with responsibility for Registry, Staff HR, Research and Finance. Whilst at the Institute Marcus was Chairman of the Gary Ryan has been appointed as the London Region of the British University RCM’s new Assistant Head of Strings. Finance Directors Group and also served Gary is already familiar to many RCM on the BUFDG National Executive. He students as he has taught a wide variety is currently on the Board of the London of subjects on the BMus Undergraduate Universities Purchasing Consortium. Programme at the College, including Aural and Practical Musicianship. He is also widely active as an adjudicator and examiner, appearing on the jury for the televised stages of the BBC Young of the Year and at many Gary Ryan is the RCM’s new Assistant Head festivals throughout the UK. of Strings.

8 Tristram Cary A tribute to Tristram (1925-2008) Tristram Cary was a pioneer of in the UK during the 1960s, establishing the first electronic music studio in a British educational institution at the Royal College of Music, co- designing the ground-breaking VCS3 synthesizer and, of course, composing. But whereas many of his contemporaries moved mainly in avant garde circles, Cary’s eclecticism matched the age. His work in theatre, radio, television and film, together with his books, articles and teaching, combine to build a picture of a creative, influential, engaged and generous man, whose contribution to artistic life in the UK and Australia has not yet been fully appreciated. Cary’s passion for electronic music was unquenchable, despite opposition from some performers who feared that Cary of John courtesy Images technology might replace them. But there were other obstacles too. In an Despite these educational ambitions and “Tristram set the foundations for an article for the Musical Times in 1966, his major contribution to developing the environment where today, composers like subtitled ‘A Call for Action’, Cary wrote: ground-breaking VCS3 synthesizer, Cary myself can freely move from instrumental still found time to compose. He worked to electroacoustic resources and apply “The best equipped studio is the BBC’s in film and television, providing much them unreservedly, on the concert Radiophonic Workshop. This unit, under incidental music for the Dr Who series, platform or in screen-based media such Desmond Briscow, does a large amount of including the first episode to feature the as film and video games. A versatile very interesting work, but does not provide Daleks, in 1963. His film scores include composer and inspiring innovator, Cary’s any kind of service which composers can Ealing Studios’ The Ladykillers (1955), ability to move effortlessly from pioneering use unless they are directly commissioned Hammer House of Horror’s Quatermass sonic concepts to scoring music for picture by the BBC to do so.” and the Pit (1967), A Christmas Carol is one that I will continue to aspire to.” (1971), and many more. One solution, he argued, would be On 27 November the College pays to establish a well-equipped studio It was partly Cary’s frustration in dealing tribute to Cary’s pioneering spirit attached to a university, which would with the conflicting interests of his ‘own with a special concert featuring help to broaden the teaching of music’ and the multiple commissions his electroacoustic concert music. composition. Within a year of publishing for film, television, radio and theatre Beforehand, a memorial plaque will be that call for action Cary had established that tipped the balance when he was unveiled in the RCM Studios, which such a studio at the RCM and gave offered an opportunity to leave Cary would surely have been delighted his first class in electronic music the for Australia in 1972. England’s loss was to see blossom into the internationally following autumn. Lawrence Casserley Australia’s gain, and Cary’s reputation admired facility it is today. As well as was one of his first students. He recalls: there, as a composer, teacher and writer offering a professional recording service to students, staff and commercial “One of the things that soon became is perhaps better established than in this country. clients, the Studios support the research apparent was the great breadth of of the RCM’s Centre for Music and Tristram’s knowledge, interests and On April 24, 2008, at his home in Multimedia, which fosters practice-led abilities. He was an enormously versatile Adelaide, South Australia, Tristram inquiry into electroacoustic music and composer, from music for the ‘Dr Who’ died. He had a long and eventful life, film composition, an ongoing tribute to series and films such as ‘The Ladykillers’, and remains an inspiration to the now Tristram’s call for action of 40 years ago. through choral and orchestral work, to third generation of technologically- some beautifully wrought pure electronic inspired composers and sound designers Professor David Burnand pieces. He was a meticulous perfectionist, whose work is accepted as part of Head of the RCM’s Centre for Music and his high standards were an inspiration contemporary music, not a threat and Multimedia to us all.” to it. Christopher Chong, currently a postgraduate student at the RCM, who is For more information see equally involved in sonic art and screen www.rcm.ac.uk/tristramcary composition, sums up Cary’s legacy:

9 Improving performance

Music and Drama) and John Gruzelier (Goldsmiths, University of London) as well as a number of themed break-out sessions, a recital by pianist and composer João Paulo Esteves da Silva and a conference dinner. It was hailed a great success and laid the foundations for this year’s symposium. Who goes? How can musicians perform better? The symposium attracts approximately This is the question being asked in 250 delegates from over 30 countries Auckland this December, when the including representatives from the RCM’s Centre for Performance Science world’s leading conservatoires, higher- convenes its second International education institutions and independent Symposium on Performance Science performers. The symposium is also (ISPS), bringing together performers keen to encourage students to attend and scientists from across the globe. and offers a Graduate Award – the Upbeat finds out what it’s all about… winner receives free registration and the opportunity to present a paper at What is the ISPS? the event. The ISPS is a unique international symposium that brings together What does this year’s symposium performers, researchers, artists and have to offer? scientists. The purpose of the symposium The theme for ISPS 2009 is Performing is to encourage cross-disciplinary Excellence and, in a change from 2007, discussion about performance and the will incorporate the performance of skills that underpin it. The symposium dance and drama as well as music. is held every two years and moves Highlights of the event include a number continent each time – this year’s event of keynote addresses from high-profile takes place in Auckland, and ISPS 2011 is speakers including RCM Chairman Lord scheduled for Toronto. Winston, K Anders Ericsson (Florida State University), Deirdre Anderson (Macquarie University) and Sylvie Fortin (University of Quebec at Montreal). Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM will also be holding a masterclass on the subject of The Art and Science of Historical Performance. This year’s event is being hosted by the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries in Auckland, so delegates will have the opportunity to get a taste ISPS 2009 takes place in Auckland of New Zealand’s cultural and scenic highlights including a traditional Maori How did it come about? welcoming ceremony and a closing The symposium was the brainchild of the dinner on the picturesque Waiheke RCM’s Centre for Performance Science Island. (CPS), the College’s specialist centre for exploring the interface between artistry How can I find out more? and science through collaborative You can visit the symposium’s website research. The CPS recognised the at www.performancescience.org for need for an international platform on information on this year’s symposium, which performers and scientists could and you can also download for free share their ideas and research, and, papers from the inaugural ISPS in 2007. in partnership with Portugal’s Centre The papers from ISPS 2009 will be for Science and Technology in Art, published and available to download free from from mid-December, and details of Keynote addresses from high-profile speakers at ISPS convened the first ISPS at the Casa da 2009 include RCM Chairman, Lord Winston (top), Head Música in Porto in 2007. The event ISPS 2011 and how to register will also be of CPS, Aaron Williamon (middle) and Director of the available on the site in due course. RCM, Professor Colin Lawson (bottom), who will be featured keynote addresses from Eckart holding a masterclass on the subject of The Art and Altenmüller (Hanover University of Science of Historical Performance

10 Classical meets modern...

Manus said: “The videoconference was a fantastic experience and a great performance opportunity. It’s a fantastic meets modern way of branching out and connecting with other countries, whilst at the same technology time benefiting form world-class tuition. For many years videoconferencing has Astounding video and audio quality; this been a valuable tool in the corporate could well be the future of masterclasses.” boardroom, but now the RCM is But how did it feel from the other end of putting this technology to a more the link? Greg Howe, the CIM’s Director creative use. of Distance Learning, was delighted: In 2003 the RCM, in partnership “Members of the audience at our end had with Imperial College London, never seen a videoconference masterclass began experimenting with the use of and were intrigued… they were a group videoconferencing technology for the of devoted guitar aficionados and study and performance of music. The consequently skeptics. At the end, several said they were surprised at the quality John Clouser, Cleveland Orchestra experiments proved a huge success, © CIM Marketing enabling the College to connect with of the connection and impressed with partner institutions from around the teaching.” the world and offering students new In the 09/10 academic year the facility opportunities for distance learning and is being used for a series of Woodwind performance. Three years later, the RCM masterclasses organised in conjunction invested in an in-house, state-of-the-art with the Cleveland Orchestra. The classes Tandberg videoconferencing system, are designed to complement standard establishing the College as one of the teaching practice within the woodwind leading conservatoires in this field. faculty, and are led jointly by a member Since this investment the College, led of RCM staff and a principal player from by Research Fellow Tania Lisboa, has the Cleveland Orchestra, including developed an intense and stimulating Frank Cohen (Clarinet), John Clouser programme of videoconferencing (Bassoon), Joshua Smith (Flute) and activities in partnership with several Jeffery Rathbun (Oboe). international institutions, including RCM Head of Woodwind Janet Hilton masterclasses with the Cleveland has been an enthusiastic advocate of the Institute of Music (CIM) and the new technology: “Having been concerned University of Auckland, workshops with that a video masterclass might be less Franklin Cohen, Cleveland Orchestra the University of Ulster and the Eastman stimulating than the usual event, I was © CIM Marketing School of Music and research sessions agreeably surprised to find that teaching with the University of Connecticut. the clarinettists in Auckland was almost If you would be interested in making a One such event was the International as good as having them come to my room booking or finding out more, please visit Guitar Weekend hosted at the Cleveland in College! It would be difficult to find www.videoconferencing.rcm.ac.uk or Institute of Music in September 2008, anywhere further away from us for this contact Tania Lisboa at when CIM students performed for exchange, but the friendly atmosphere [email protected] RCM guitar professor Gary Ryan, and across thousands of miles was most RCM students Amie Owen and Manus pleasing, with lively exchanges between Noble performed simultaneously to CIM students and professors, and photographs What others say… and a mass wave at the end. This must professor Jason Vieaux in London and to “I would like to say how enjoyable this be the green answer; think how many air a live audience in Mixon Hall, Cleveland. partnership has been and how delighted miles and carbon footprints were saved!” we are to have been part of your launch. Future plans for videoconferencing It’s been great working on the tests and at the RCM include an international event, and we’re looking forward to symposium planned for February planning more with you… ” 2010. This follows on from an earlier Helen Smith, symposium held in 2007, which Director of Technology and Music successfully brought together institutions Production, Eastman School of Music from Holland, Hong Kong, England, New Zealand, Singapore, Belgium and the “The link up to the Royal College of Music USA to discuss practice-based research was an extraordinary opportunity for in music. The 2010 symposium,Music these New Zealand students who felt so and Ideas Worldwide: A Symposium honoured to take part in a master class on Historical Performance Practice, with one of the world’s leading Professor’s Manus Noble performing via videoconference at promises to be even bigger and better, without having to leave their home city.” the International Guitar Weekend in Cleveland and to demonstrate fully all that this Professor Mark Walton, © CIM Distance Learning extraordinary resource has to offer. University of Auckland

11 If you go down to the Woodhouse today...

The name “The Woodhouse Centre” wide range of free services to all current an extensive year-long programme of might sound like something out of a students and also – crucially – to all events in collaboration with schools, fairy tale. But, as anyone who has been RCM graduates for five years after their local authorities and other cultural connected with it knows (as the centre graduation date. From simple beginnings, organisations. This summer RCM celebrates its tenth anniversary, that’s an the centre has branched out in the last Sparks mounted what we believe to be awful lot of people!), its purpose is in fact ten years to encompass a wide range of the largest learning and participation to deal with the least fanciful aspects of services. programme ever put on by any UK the music profession. conservatoire – RCM Sparks Summer TheProfessional Engagements Service Music. This ran alongside the BBC In September, the Royal College of provides a wide variety of performing Proms season, and saw RCM students Music’s Woodhouse Professional opportunities. Every week of the year work alongside some of the country’s Development Centre celebrated ten you’ll see RCM students and graduates leading animateurs in providing a weekly years of training and advising RCM performing in formal (in programme of interactive creativity for students and graduates, and providing churches, museums and galleries etc.); more than 200 children aged 6 to 18. a variety of services for local schools, in school and community concerts; at businesses, individuals and community corporate and private events; or taking “The ationalN Gallery has greatly organisations. The centre’s tenth birthday advantage of freelance orchestral or solo enjoyed the relationship with the Royal was celebrated with a special event on opportunities with amateur College of Music over the years. The Thursday 24 September, and with the and choral societies. This service grows concerts have proved very popular, and announcement of a significant new dramatically every year. It started off have consistently grown over the last programme of activity that will see the in 1999 with a handful of students, but ten years. We even have a regular core centre extend its services to the wider despite the tough economic climate, of attendees that come to every concert, musical community. 2008/9 was by far its biggest year, as and we regularly have over 300 people more than 430 different students and in the audience. Founded in 1999 with a grant from the graduates performed at more than 850 Woodhouse Trust, the Woodhouse events. The students really get to learn Professional Development Centre was what it is to deal with a very large the first such centre established in any TheTeaching Service provides teaching organisation that has many demands UK conservatoire. The RCM realised that work for students and graduates. Each on the space, especially in the evenings while that the superb musical training year we receive hundreds of enquiries with so many other events going on. provided by the RCM’s professors meant from schools and private individuals I really feel that the students really that RCM graduates were emerging looking for music teachers, which we develop their organisational ability and with all the musical skills they need for a pass on to students and graduates who obviously their professionalism through successful career, all this musical training have signed up for the service. Again performance. can come to nothing without the correct this grows every year, and currently we professional skills. have no fewer than 275 students and Overall we really do hope that this graduates on our books. relationship continues. It’s wonderful Therefore the RCM enlisted the help bringing visual art and music of a dedicated team of Woodhouse A further high-profile aspect of the together, and I would just like to say Consultants. These were more than Woodhouse Centre’s activity is its congratulations Woodhouse Centre for 30 key figures in the music industry, Learning and Participation Programme, your ten years!” who provided invaluable advice and called RCM Sparks. This provides both support (and who ten years later training and work for students and Lee Riley, Music Programme continue to contribute their time, graduates wanting to work on outreach Manager, National Gallery expertise and networks to students). and community projects. RCM Sparks With their assistance, a centre was has shown the biggest growth of all Images from a special film created to celebrate ten quickly established that could offer a during the last ten years, and now runs years of the Woodhouse Centre

12 If you go down to the Woodhouse today...

The final piece of the Woodhouse They will get to hear from students who “The Woodhouse Centre has been part jigsaw goes by the name of Enterprise have succeeded, understand what it is of our lives for ten years. As students we Support Services. RCM students and that potential donors and supporters found it was a great welcoming arena graduates sign up for in-depth one-to- are looking for, and learn how to make to go and see them and ask for advice one advice sessions on every aspect of an effective application. Representatives on CVs, how to get concerts, how to being a professional musician, including from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, make contacts, things like that. Since self-promotion (including how to put Young Concert Artists Trust, Royal then we’ve been Junior Fellows at the together a CV and website); making job Over-Seas League and numerous other RCM and worked with them extensively applications; funding advice (including supportive organisations will join at that time as well, especially with the sponsorship, grants and trusts); guidance the RCM team to provide a unique, Outreach part of the centre. We’ve now on self-employment (including taxation information-packed event. become part of the teaching staff, and and financial issues – even simple things like how to draw up an invoice); The day will be completely free of we’ve been able to advise lots of our networking and building contacts; how charge, and will be open to all UK music students to go and see the Woodhouse to present yourself professionally (even students and graduates; not just those Centre and check it out and develop advice on what to wear!) The centre staff from the RCM. The event takes place their careers. Whichever aspect of your also collate and provide a weekly email at the RCM from 4.30pm to 7pm – career we’ve been at, we’ve always jobs bulletin to all graduates. Currently places are limited so anyone interested been supported thoroughly by the more than 2,000 graduates sign up in attending should book their place Woodhouse Centre. So it’s been a to this, and it’s so popular that some as soon as possible from the RCM Box long relationship, and a thoroughly employers use it as their sole means of Office (020 7591 4314, enjoyable one.” advertising. www.boxoffice.rcm.ac.uk) Mike Poyser and Mark Probert, This is just the starting point for what former RCM students As for the next promises to be another decade of expansion and innovation – watch this ten years space for how things develop… The Woodhouse Professional Development Centre has been such a huge success story that, as we move into our second decade, we’re now opening up its services beyond the RCM.

On 19 January 2010 we’ll be running a special advice session – simply called Help! This unique session will focus on funding and performance opportunities for music students and recent graduates from all over the UK. It offers the rare chance for budding music professionals to meet those who run the UK’s most important trusts, foundations, competitions and concert promoters, and to learn about application criteria RCM Sparks Summer Music

and processes, auditions and interviews. Burnett Sheila Photograph:

13 Meeting the supporters... RCM Friend Sue Pudifoot-Stephens What do they make of the RCM? They’re all converted! They like the atmosphere, and they are stunned by the standard of the young performers. They love the fact that the performances have got that wonderful enthusiasm, and that sense of taking a fresh look at something, which is thrilling. With professional concerts you get maturity, but you sometimes get a certain jadedness. Not here. It’s particularly fascinating to see the established conductors like Haitink work with the young players of the orchestra, and to see how the two interact. Are you in touch with any fellow RCM students? I’m only in touch with one other person from my time as a student, and she lives in the USA. I’m sure that next time she’s over in London I’ll grab her by her pigtails and bring her in! What appeals to you most about the RCM Friend Sue Pudifoot-Stephens Friends scheme? You know, I never even realised that we Tell us about your own studies at this seemed almost serendipitous. So I get benefits like advanced booking. The the RCM came, and it was as every bit as exciting reason I’m a Friend is just because I think I was here from 1960 to 1963, and studied as I’d remembered in live performance. that what you have here is terrific, and I piano and cello. Everything was Vaughan want to support it however I can. That’s Williams at that time because he had What were your impressions coming why I’ve also chosen to remember the died just two years before, and so the back? RCM in my will. atmosphere was saturated with his music. First that the orchestra and the musicians were wonderful (in fact I thought the I think that music of this quality is one Towards the end of the first year I general standard had gone up), second of the most wonderful things you can realised that the guy having his lesson that the atmosphere seemed almost the experience. If you come to like it, it can immediately before me was going to be same, and third that the concert hall become the most absorbing love affair stratospheric. His name was John Lill… hadn’t changed – I’m sure it was the same of your life. It disturbs you, soothes you, decorations! And I thought “golly, this is consoles you, enlivens you, generally The whole place felt amazingly so comfortable”. I felt as if I’d come home. enriches your life, and I think the more comfortable, and had a very nice feel people that can be introduced to it, the about it. I had Angus Morrison as my How did you become a Friend? better. piano professor and he was a really lovely Well I came to some more concerts, guy. It was an extremely happy time of and I was idly flipping through the It isn’t an elitist thing. People come my life, and I suppose that’s why I’m back programme and I just thought: I’ve got to from all cultures, from all walks of life, here now. become a Friend, it’s so important to give from all over the world, and this place something the College. So I did, and now is a fine example of that. The exchanges Did you keep in touch straight after I come to virtually all the Friends events. that the RCM has with other countries graduation? My only regret about moving to Surrey is are enormously important, and it’s No I didn’t, because I was so excited that I can’t come to everything! wonderful to see young people come about getting on, and going out in the from all over the world to make music world. I moved away to work first as a You’re well-known here at the RCM together. teacher and then as a journalist. for bringing friends to concerts… Yes, I’ve done my evangelising bit! I was People like that, who are immensely It was only after I moved back to London enjoying coming here so much that I talented, who are going to give that I thought “what’s the RCM up to?”, thought: I’ve got to introduce my friends something to the world, deserve our and I saw that there was a concert with to this; they would love what’s going support. the Khachaturian Violin Concerto. That on here. So I started bringing more and caught my eye because I first heard that more of them along to concerts. In fact If you would like more information on the concerto being rehearsed here at the there were about 20 of us at the Friends’ RCM Friends scheme, or on remembering RCM by David Oistrakh, and forty years Summer Party. the RCM in your will, please contact later – there it was again! It was being Joana Witkowski on 020 7591 4331 or played by a young Russian violinist, and email [email protected]

14 Welcome to new Friends the We are delighted to welcome the Support future following people who have joined the RCM Friends recently: Mrs Joan Burgin Mr Marc Corbett-Weaver of music Join the Miss Yvonne de la Praudiere Mr Christian Dingwall Mrs Rosalind Gilmore CB HonRCM Mr Tommas Graves RCM Friends Mrs Sue Hill Mrs Angela Hodkinson Mr and Mrs Francis Hussey Mrs Judith Jansson Prof Fotis Kafatos Mrs Renske Mann Mrs Primrose Metcalf Mr David Morphet Mrs Linda Morrell Dr Irena Murray Mr John Nickson Mr Ian Odgers Mrs Cathryn Rogerson Mr John Rood Ms Henrietta Shields Mr Clifford Simpson Mrs Linda Stavrianakis Mr Christopher Wade Dr Kathy Weston Mrs Johanna White Miss Clare Wilkinson Mr David Winter

The RCM offers a unique musical experience for young musicians and all lovers of live music. Becoming an RCM Friend is an ideal way to support and enjoy this world of great music. You can join for only £40 or choose a higher level of involvement. RCM Friends receive up-to-date information on all events taking place in College, priority booking for RCM concerts and opera performances, invitations to special events and other opportunities to become involved in College life. We have recently launched a new membership category – the Patrons’ Circle. It offers supporters the opportunity to increase their philanthropic relationship with the RCM, and to enjoy a close and exciting involvement with the College’s work, as well as a personalised service through the RCM’s Development Department. Your support is vital in helping us to continue inspire musicians of the future. To join the RCM Friends or to find out more, visit www.rcm.ac.uk/support+us or email [email protected] or call 020 7591 4331. With thanks to...

We would like to express our gratitude Richard and Susan Price the provision of the highest levels of for recent donations from the following: James and Clare Kirkman training and performance opportunities Centrica plc to our students - whatever their The Worshipful Company financial means - we rely heavily on the Cadbury Foundation of Fishmongers support of individuals, companies and Mr William Smith, Esq. The Radcliffe Trust charitable trusts. There are many ways The Georgina Joshi Foundation Dr and Mrs Michael West you can get involved and support The Mills Williams Foundation Vernon and Hazel Ellis our work. Every gift to the RCM helps Mr David Poultney Richard and Victoria Sharp to transform the lives of talented young musicians, and all supporters Finsbury Limited Generations of gifted students from are invited to see at first hand what a The estate of Lady Barbirolli OBE FRCM around the world have been guided difference their support makes.Please Mrs Gisela Gledhill and inspired to develop their musical join us. For more information, visit ShareGift potential within the Royal College www.rcm.ac.uk/Support+Us J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust of Music’s stimulating creative or call 020 7591 4320. Kirby Laing Foundation environment. In order to sustain

15 Student notes Composer congratulations… Camilo Mendez has won the National Composition Prize of Columbia for his work Tropical Textures IV. The substantial cash prize awarded enabled Camilo to return to his masters studies here at the RCM this September… Two of Dimitri Scarlato’s film scores have been chosen for presentation at this year’s prestigious Venice Film Festival… Pedro Faria Gomes has recently been commissioned to create a new piece for the European Union Chamber Orchestra, to be Joanne Marie D’Mello with the Goa String Orchestra performed during their 2010 season. His most recent orchestral piece Romanza e Rondo will be premièred by the Orquestra Christopher was also responsible for the Series at the Southbank Centre, in Clássica da Madeira and conductor Rui sound design and soundtrack for Furnace January 2010. Meng also won The Norah Massena on 5 December. Pedro has been Four, a film directed by Haydn Butler and Sande Award at the Intercollegiate awarded a full scholarship by Portugal’s funded by the UK Film Council which Piano Competition in Eastbourne... Foundation for Science and Technology premièred at the Edinburgh Film Festival Alexei Petrov won First Prize in the to pursue doctoral studies at the RCM 2009… Earlier this year saw the première finals of the Brant International Piano this year… Shiva Feshareki has won of an orchestral piece by Andres Franco. Competition in Birmingham. The prize the 2009 Royal Philharmonic Society The piece was commissioned by Mexico’s gives him the opportunity to perform Composers Competition, receiving a Foundation for the Protection of recitals and concerti in Symphony Hall and various other Midland venues next £3,000 commission for a new work for Children and was performed for the first year. Alexei has also been named as 2010. Shiva’s orchestral piece Insistent time at a fundraising concert in Mexico one of the 2009 Award Winners by Distortions was performed at the 2009 City. National newspaper Milenio said of Andres: “A well-established composer the Solti Foundation, who help young Cheltenham Festival… Huw Belling’s artists at the beginning of their careers… in the national scene, whose music has The Mountain and the Sea was Christopher Lee Guild has won an been filled with fantastic, playful and even performed at New Zealand’s National award of £4000 from The Caird Trust, War Memorial on ANZAC Day 2009. dreamlike elements since his earliest work”. plus an additional prize awarded The New Zealand Prime Minister was to the applicant who gave the best present for the performance, which Keyboard performance of the day… Jonathan was also broadcast live on New Zealand Hope won First Prize in the Kent County state television… Christopher Chong’s prizewinners… Organists’ Association Competition. The filmDeath in D Minor (co-written with prize includes the opportunity to play Johnny Stormonth-Darling) has won Maria Marchant and Meng Yang Pan a recital in Canterbury Cathedral next the ‘Best Local Film’ prize at the Yellow have been selected as solo artists for the year… Poom Prommachart won First Fever Independent Film Festival 2009. Park Lane Group’s New Year Concert Prize in the finals of the Sheepdrove

Chris Chong Maria Marchant

16 Poom Prommachart Tyler Clarke

Piano Competition, part of the Newbury Spring Festival. He also won String stars… the Audience Prize, donated by Leopold took first prize at de Rothschild… Antoine Françoise was Elizabeth Mernaya selected as the pianist for this summer’s the second Vera Dulova International London Sinfonietta Academy, where Harp contest in Moscow… Alessandro he played with other students from all Sanguineti has been awarded a over the UK, received special coaching, scholarship by the Associazione Culturale and was conducted by Elgar Howarth… il Circolo (Italian Cultural Association)… Alexander Romanovsky was selected Francesca Dego has toured Italy as for representation by the Young soloist in the Sibelius Violin Concerto Concert Artists Trust. His selection was with the Verdi Symphony Orchestra announced at the Wigmore Hall in conducted by Wayne Marshall… Joo May… Gamal Khamis will be performing Yeon Sir performed solo Bach and Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Woking Alexander Romanovsky Paganini works at Holy Trinity Church, Symphony Orchestra in November. Stratford-upon-Avon in August, and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Anna Gorbachyova won the special Ascending with Croydon Symphony prize for the best foreign participant in Orchestra at Fairfield Halls, Croydon in Singer successes… the Giuseppe Di Stefano International September. Opera Competition… John Tenor Tyler Clarke won the Les McMunn won the Patricia Routledge Azuriales Trust Prize at the 2009 Les National English Prize presented by Terrific tubas… Azuriales Ozone Competition. He the Association of English Singers and joined 10 other finalists in the South Speakers… Annabel Mountford starred Oliver Browne was Guest Principal Tuba of France for a series of masterclasses in Jacko’s Hour at the Bridewell theatre with the BBC National Orchestra of with internationally renowned mezzo- and attracted rave reviews. Michael for two performances of Brahms soprano Sally Burgess and performed Darvell of classicalsource.com said Symphony no 2 in September… at a gala concert held at the Villa “Soprano Annabel Mountford as Amy is Ephrussi de Rothchild… Joanne-Marie obviously destined for great things. She D’Mello spent her summer performing has a special talent for vocal expression, a Congratulations to... in a series of concerts with the Goa pure voice that carries every musical line String Orchestra at various churches with perfect precision”. Annabel is also … the fourteen RCM students who in Goa, India. With special permission currently performing with the English received a total of £55,000 in awards from the Roman Catholic Church, they Touring Opera… Six RCM students from the Countess of Munster Musical performed well-known sacred works took part in performances of Linda di Trust this academic year. Awards by Bach, Handel and Mozart and made Chamounix by Donizetti, conducted by were granted to five singers from the classical music accessible to hundreds of Mark Elder at House Vocal Faculty, five students from the local people for the first time…Jimmy this September. Emily Kenway, Eleanor Woodwind Faculty, two students from Holliday has been awarded £5000 as Dennis, Nicholas Darmanin, Alex the String Faculty, and one student from the recipient of the inaugural Richard Vearey-Roberts, Tone Oestli and Lorna each of the Keyboard and Composition van Allan Award for an outstanding Bridge each had solo lines as part of Faculties. young vocal artist… Rosie Aldridge has the ‘ragazzi’ and were conducted by been awarded a Sybil Tutton Award… Mark Elder.

17 Staff notes

Violin Professor Adrian Butterfield organised and conducted a memorial concert performance of Bach’s B minor Mass at St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge for Pamela Spofforth, co-founder of Pro Corda and former teacher in the RCM Junior Department. Proceeds were donated to a scholarship fund in her memory. Adrian has also released Book 1 of Leclair’s complete Violin Sonatas, and plans to record the remaining three books over the next few years. Composition Professor Jean-Philippe Calvin witnessed the world-première of his Clarinet Concerto, commissioned by Orchestre Lamoureux for clarinetist David Krakauer, at the Champs-Elyseés Janis Kelly and Norbert Meyn Theatre in . He has also recently released his score Caliban’s Dance and a DVD of his opera La Cantatrice Chauve International Festival in July and will be (the Bald Soprano). moving to Sadlers Wells in Spring 2010 before touring Toronto and Melbourne. Janis has also collaborated with fellow RCM Professor Norbert Meyn on the production of a recently released DVD which explores a particular line of vocal teaching from the 19th century to modern day. The DVD, which features a masterclass with leading German soprano Jutta Vulpius, was launched at a special event at the RCM in October. Katya Lebedeva collects her award from the Andrew McCarley recently received his Royal Prince of Jordan Diploma at the National Examination Board of Occupational Safety & Health release of Florilegium’s third volume (NEBOSH) 2009 Graduation and Awards Jean Philippe-Calvin of Bolivian , directed by Ceremony at Warwick University, . This will feature the where he was congratulated by Judith Ashley Solomon Leon McCawley, Piano Professor, Arakaendar Bolivia , who gave E Hackitt CBE, Chair of the Health and performed Finzi’s Grand Fantasia and such a lively and memorable concert in Safety Executive. Andrew has recently Toccata as part of the Proms season at the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall in taken on a new role as Safety, Health the Royal Albert Hall. The performance February 2008. was broadcast live on BBC Four TV and and Environmental Manager, with on BBC Radio 3. new responsibilities for environmental protection. Junior Department Piano Teacher Katya Lebedeva has been awarded a trophy Head of Historical Performance Ashley for the contribution to the development Solomon and Harpsichord Professor of the classical music in Jordan by the Terence Charlston undertook a tour Royal Prince of Jordan Ali Ben Al Hussien. of North Eastern USA universities in The award was the result of a recent October. They gave a number of recitals collaboration with Jordanese composer and masterclasses and finished with a Mohydeen Quand and the performance performance at Yale University, using of the resultant work at the Royal instruments from Yale’s collection. Cultural Institute in Amman in April. RCM Ensemble in Association Kevin Porter has recently assumed the Florilegium completed their Wigmore title of Deputy Director of the RCM. His Hall Haydn bicentenary series in October, responsibilities as Director of Operations and will give a final Handel/Purcell continue unchanged. anniversary concert at Wigmore Hall on New Year’s Eve. With a programme Janis Kelly, Vocal Studies Professor, similar to that performed at the has taken the lead role in Rufus RCM in May, the group will again be Wainwright’s opera Prima Donna. The joined by soprano Dame Emma opera was premièred at the Kirkby. This autumn also sees the Andrew McCarley

18 New Assistant Head of Strings Gary Ryan has been busy co-directing the fourth annual Guitar France summer school in Normandy. RCM students Manus Noble, James O’Neil and Elias Sibley were among the 22 players who attended the course, performing in the final student concert in the majestic surroundings of the Eglise du Sacre Coeur in Bagnoles to an audience of over 200 people. Gary was also joined by Manus Noble for the first performance of his guitar duo Dreams Rest and Motion during the concert. In November Professor David Burnand, Dai Fujikura Così fan Tutte Head of Music Technology, and Vasco Hexel, Area Leader in Composition for Screen, gave a three-hour seminar for Recently appointed RCM Composition Vocal Studies Professor Patricia Rozario film makers at Soundtrack_Cologne 6.0: Professor Dai Fujikura has won the will be giving a performance with the “Why Bother With Composers? Akutagawa award for composition for Fidelio Trio at Wigmore Hall on 12 The Challenges of Collaboration in his work ...As I am… for Mezzo Soprano December. The concert will be the the Film Scoring Process”. Vasco Hexel and Ensemble. The composition London première of Thomas Larcher’sMy also gave a paper at the Film Music was commissioned by the Ensemble Illness in the Medicine I Need. Conference in Leeds titled “The Changing Intercontemporain and first performed Morphology of the Leitmotif in Recent in April 2008. British mezzo soprano and Vocal Studies Professor Sally Burgess made her Hollywood Cinema”. directorial debut in October with an Dr Edward Jessen, Senior Research English language production of Mozart’s Fellow in Music and Multimedia, recently Così fan Tutte for English Chamber filmed two previous collaborative Opera. Sally cast two RCM alumni for the music theatre works. Chambre 119 was production, with Anna Huntley taking originally commissioned by pianist the role of Dorabella and Becka Cooper Catherine Laws as part of a recital playing the part of Fiordiligi. series hosted by The Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research , Facilities Officer, has Chris Tomlin and Peninsula Arts in Plymouth; and contributed a number of natural history Companion was a commission from illustrations to the new version of the the Yorkshire-based contemporary St John Bible, the first handwritten, music ensemble Black Hair as part of illuminated Bible to be produced since the 2008 York Late . Both the invention of the printing press. The works were filmed, with their original project was coordinated by calligrapher performers, as part of a web project to Donald Jackson and commissioned by be hosted by the RCM’s Centre for Music Saint John’s Abbey and University. A and Multimedia. copy is on display at St Martin in the Fields and can also be viewed online at In July Jenny Nex, Curator of the RCM’s www.saintjohnsbible.org Museum of Musical Instruments, presented a paper on ‘The Workshop Violin Professor Ani Schnarch, Accounts of the London Harp Firm of represented the RCM as juror in the Erard, 1807-09’, at Making British Sound, Fifth International Yampolsky Violin a conference convened in Edinburgh by Competition, Moscow, and has the Galpin Society and Historic Brass been invited to adjudicate at the XII Society. Meanwhile Paul Banks, Head International Competition ‘Shabyt- of the Centre for Performance History, Inspiration’ in Astana, Kazakhstan, along with Junior Fellow Katherine this November. She is also the Artistic Hamilton, gave a presentation on the Director of the recently founded New subject of ‘Using Hofmeister: Brahms Virtuosi (www.newvirtuosi.com), a and Mahler’ at the IAML/ISM Annual programme aimed at developing young Conference in Amsterdam. violinists between the ages of 10 and 22. A number of other RCM professors are also involved in the programme, including Itzhak Rashkovsky and Jan Repko (Senior Department), Viktoria Chris Tomlin’s illustration of Monarch butterflies Grigorieva (Junior Department) and for the St John Bible Luis Pares (former Junior Fellow).

19 Alumni notes

Ruth Rogers has released a CD of trios New releases… by Ravel and Saint-Saëns with newly Prize-winning formed chamber group the Aquinas Piano Trio… Not no faceless Angel, an alumni… of choral music by alumnus Gabriel Jackson has been attracting great reviews. Musicalcriticism.com said: “This is Jackson at his most fluid and Polyphony deliver an intelligent and gripping musical performance at a very high standard. This sublime album comes highly recommended”. The title track was originally commissioned by the RCM Junior Department, and sets a poem by JD alumna Tanya Lake. Also featured on the CD is an acclaimed solo performance

by former JD student Laura Holmes Angelica Voje A year after winning a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Artist, Singer Angelica Voje was one of six RCM alumnus Mika has released finalists in the Queen Sonja International his second studio album The Boy Music Competition this summer. She Who Knew Too Much… Pianist Clara won the Troldhaugen’s Grieg Prize for Rodriguez has recorded a CD of best interpretation of a Grieg song, works by Venezuelan composer Teresa and the Ingrid Bjoner Award for Carreño. Gramophone magazine said the best Norwegian contestant in of the release: “Rodriguez, Venezuelan the competition… Former Junior herself, provides performances of alluring Department oboist Suzie Thorn has vivacity allied to that most essential of recently won the prestigious Royal requisites in this type of repertoire – Academy of Music Club Prize. Her charm. Highly recommended”… Warren accompanist was another former JD Mailley-Smith has released a new CD student, pianist Albina Stulpinaite... entitled Moonlight Serenade, featuring Alumna Anna Peletsis won First Prize three of Beethoven’s best loved works in the finals of the Concours FLAME for piano – the Moonlight, Pathétique Stars of stage International Piano Competition in Paris. and Waldstein Sonatas…Mastering and Audio Restoration Engineer Simon and screen… Appointments Gibson has been responsible for the Composition for Screen alumnus audio restoration work on The Beatles Michael McEvoy has composed the and tours… album remasters. In addition, he soundtrack for Me and Orson Welles, Mezzo-Soprano Fiona Kimm has helped create the audio for The Beatles due to be released in UK cinemas on recently been on tour with English Rockband game… Signum Records have 4 December 2009. The film is a period Touring Opera after eight months in released Joseph Nolan’s sixth solo CD piece about the early career of Welles Holland with the National Reisopera… from St Sulpice, Paris and it has already – Michael also appears on-screen as Jessica Townsend has been appointed won the ‘Star Recording’ award in The Orson’s musical director... Edmund second clarinet in the Northern Organ magazine. Joseph has also been Joliffe has been busy recording music Sinfonia… Baritone Alex Hargreaves appointed Organist and Master of the for a number of different television has been offered a place to study at the Choristers at St George’s Cathedral, programmes including The Hospital, Two Flanders Opera Studio…Philip Voldman Perth, Australia, since leaving his previous Foot Tall Teen, Atlantic Convoys: The War recently toured with Scottish Opera as post at Her Majesty’s Chapels, UK… at Sea, and most recently Cutting Edge: accompanist for their new acclaimed My Beautiful Face… Conductor Timothy show of operatic excerpts. The Herald Henty and the London Symphony said of his performance: “American Orchestra performed Knightsbridge pianist Philip Voldman is dexterous, deft, March by Eric Coates on The One Show crisp, rhythmic, never allowing the pace to this summer. Tim also conducted the sag. Not to be missed”. score, composed by Miguel Mera, for the recently released filmLittle Ashes… TheBrook Street Band have been making regular appearances on radio including BBC London and Radio 3’s In Tune.

20 RCM Opera Circle

The RCM’s International Opera School has acquired Join the new RCM Opera Circle to worldwide renown for excellence and has an outstanding record of launching its graduates onto • support the RCM International Opera School and national and international stages. Former students its award-winning students include Sir Thomas Allen, Gerald Finley, Janis Kelly • enjoy a rewarding relationship and learn how each and Jonathan Lemalu, all of whom have singled out individual singer is nurtured the outstanding quality of the teaching and care they received at the College. One of the priorities for the For a limited period we are inviting opera-lovers to join Royal College of Music is to ensure that our Opera as one of ten Founder Patrons for a minimum donation School maintains and builds on this reputation for of £5,000. For a donation of £10,000 we would be excellence by continuing to attract the very best delighted to create an opera scholarship in the name of students from around the world. your choosing. vvv Founder Patrons: Philip and Christine Carne • Matthew and Fiona Collins • Vernon and Hazel Ellis Gisela Gledhill • James and Clare Kirkman • Richard and Susan Price • Victoria and Richard Sharp

For further information, please contact Sophie Hussey, Major Gifts Manager on 020 7591 4353 or [email protected]

London’s Mansion House. Graham Publications… was the winner of the competition run by CLS and Old Mutual offering Dr Roy Howat, young composers the chance to win a pianist and commission to write an original piece former AHRB for the Orchestra… Paolo Boggio’s Research Fellow, composition Oskar’s Dance was has completed premièred in the USA this summer … the ambitious Soprano Danae Eleni recently sang in programme Rarescale the world première of Tim Benjamin’s initiated during his new theatrical setting of ‘Mrs Lazarus’ Fellowship with by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy… the publication Dates for Music in Mayfair, brain-child of Mark of the book The Corbett-Weaver held its 100th concert Art of French Piano Music: Debussy, your diary… at the Cadogan Hall in September. The Ravel, Fauré, Chabrier (Yale UP).The 100-piece orchestra, which included London music group Rarescale, formed book has received “Editor’s choice” and many RCM students and alumni, by alumna Carla Rees, will be performing “Outstanding” rosettes in Classical Music performed to an audience including The an interactive multimedia demonstration and International Record Review. Duke of Gloucester. of electronic music in the planetarium of Birmingham Science Museum on Premières and 6 December. The performance will Music in the include improvised material based performances… on Holst’s Planets plus new repertoire community… for alto and brass flute, and will be Composer Hannah Kendall’s accompanied by 360 degree visuals… Bassoon player Steve Burnett has The Unreturning received its first Pianist and composer David Gompper launched a new educational project with performance at the Royal Festival Hall. will be holding a recording session with his music company Blue Flamingo Jazz. Richard Baker conducted tenor Nathan the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra this The company will be running a ten-week Vale and members of the Philharmonia December for a forthcoming CD of new workshop programme with three schools Orchestra…The newLondon Overture compositions to be released in early based in Edmonton, London, and will by 23-year-old Graham Ross premièred 2011. Included are his Violin Concerto, give local young people the chance to to great acclaim at the annual City Spirals for two violins and string engage with and create their own jazz of London Sinfonia Gala Concert at ensemble, Ikon II for violin and orchestra music. and Flip for 17 strings.

21 Births, marriages & obituaries

Sir Edward Downes, RCM alumnus, admired artist with leading ensembles Obituaries died with his wife Joan on July 10 aged throughout Britain and was engaged by 85. He was widely regarded as the many of the most prestigious houses in The Royal ollegeC of Music was sad to pre-eminent British conductor of Verdi Europe. hear of the passing of Douglas Craig and was responsible for the idea of OBE in July this year. Douglas first staging all 28 of Verdi’s operas at the Jack Ellory, leading British flautist and came to the RCM in March 1959 to in the run-up to RCM alumnus, died aged 89 on 5 July. produce Weber’s for the Abu Hassan the 2001 centenary of the composer’s Ellory won a scholarship to the RCM as a opera school and went on to become death. He also acquired a reputation teenager, where he studied under Robert Resident Producer for the School with the Russian repertoire, particularly Murchie. He was the youngest member from 1961 to 1964. During this time Prokofiev and Shostakovich. He was of the Guards’ band and played second he produced a further eight operas, revered for his work, performing some flute for the Philharmonia Orchestra including The Beggar’s Opera (which 950 performances of 49 different operas before becoming a freelance player in the RCM took to Vienna in 1963), and with the Royal Opera, and serving the 1950s. He provided live music for the first performance of Philip Cannon’s as principal conductor for the BBC radio, television and film, includingThe Mavoren. Ten years later he was back Avengers, The Pink Panther and Where producing , and Philharmonic Orchestra for several years. In the later stages of his career, Downes Eagles Dare. He is survived by his wife was appointed Director of Opera in 1977 Margaret and their son. after the retirement of Richard Austin. He found himself afflicted by failing eyesight resigned the post in 1980 but continued and by increasing deafness. He withdrew Mrs Evelyn N James, RCM alumnus to take an interest in the activities of from the opera scene in 2005 following and former Junior Department teacher, the College. In recognition of his work, his 53rd and last season at Covent passed away on 28 December 2008. Her particularly his involvement in Opera for Garden, ten performances of daughter Daphne kindly informed us All, he was awarded an OBE in 1965. Rigoletto. that the College had been very dear to Evelyn’s heart and that she had enjoyed The RCM is sad to relate the death of teaching her young students enormously. Colin Courtney. Colin was a highly esteemed clarinet professor who enjoyed a fine performing career freelancing with Marriages the top London orchestras. He joined the RCM as a professor in the 1960s, a post he held until his retirement. He continued to play an active role in the College and often sat on audition and examination panels. Perhaps most notably his musicianship was at the service of students when he wrote the reports of the chamber music concerts. His involvement will be sorely missed. Alumnus Andrew Downie died on 15 April aged 86. Andrew won a scholarship Douglas Craig OBE to study singing at the Royal College of Music after the war. He was Director of June Marchioness of Aberdeen and the Tower Theatre Group for more than Tamair, CBE, sadly passed away on 20 years, Director of Opera at Morley 22 June, aged 95. June Gordon, as she College for 19 years and worked with a liked to be known, was an alumna number of famous faces from the acting and Fellow of the Royal College of world including Alec Guinness, John Music. Together with her husband she Mills and Gladys Cooper. He is survived founded the Haddo House Choral and by his two sons and his wife Marion Katherine is joined by RCM colleagues on her wedding day Operatic Society in 1945, two years Studholme, a fellow RCM alumnus before the creation of the Edinburgh whom he met at the College. Festival. During her long life she hosted, Katherine Newman, Performance and often conducted, countless musical , contralto, sadly passed Administrator, married Dr Steven performances at Haddo House, often away on 15 July following a battle with Hainsworth on 31 July in Rugeley, of choral works. She attracted many cancer. Collins began her musical life as Staffordshire. great names of the day including Dame a cellist before moving on to study voice Janet Baker, Sir Michael Tippett and Sir at the RCM. Upon leaving the College Charles Groves. She also had a talent for she joined English National Opera, where Births spotting stars of the future, and many of she is most vividly remembered for her the Haddo performances involved RCM performances in The Ring Cycle led by Victoria Crippin, Web & Publications students and alumni. She was awarded Reginald Goodall. Collins’ varied operatic Officer, and her husband Stuart became an MBE in 1971 and a CBE in 1989. discography also extended from Mozart proud parents to their second daughter, to Lennox Berkeley. She became an Charlotte, born on 19 August 2009.

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