up spring 08 beatmagazine | ,

Serenade to Music The stars come out to launch the RCM's 125th anniversary Photos: Chris Christodoulou Front cover (from left to right): to left (from cover Front Soloist Gerald Finley soloists RCM Director Colin with Lawson the Wilson John Conductor with the Saconni Quartet Andrew Kennedy whosang in Vaughan Williams' RCM Symphony Orchestra andsoloists RCM alumniBritten andMaconchy by Watts songs Elizabeth whosang Anniversary 125th RCM's the from Scenes Catherine Wyn-Rogers andAnnaLeese graduates with Huntley Anna student Gala on 28 October 2007. For the full the For 2007. October 28 on Gala story see page 6. Pictured here (clockwise here Pictured 6. page see story from top left): top from Serenade to Music to Serenade current W HAT’S CONTENTS 4 In the news - six pages of the latest stories from INSIDE the RCM including an update on our Concert Hall transformation Many happy returns! This year the Royal College of Music is 125 years old. Though we have to wait till May for the actual birthday, we're in 10 Treasured memories - Former students recall such celebratory spirits that we began the festivities last term with a favourite moments from the RCM's first 125 years glittering Gala, featuring some of our star graduates, pictured opposite. 12 Student bites - Who's won what and who's We're not just marking this year with resplendent music-making; we're performing where? A round-up of current student about to embark on a major project that will transform our beloved success stories Concert Hall into a dynamic performance, teaching and recording venue fit for the 21st century and even beyond…after all, we very much hope 14 Alumni bites - A jam-packed digest of graduate news the RCM is still going strong in another 125 years! 16 Staff bites - Looking at what College staff have been In this issue of Upbeat, you can read about our plans for the Concert up to lately Hall and how we intend to keep the RCM's hugely popular programme of events shining brightly once the builders and foremen set to work. 17 Deeply missed - tributes to friends and colleagues On page 5, we reveal details of our major new series at Cadogan Hall no longer with us which kicks off in April. Located close to the College, Cadogan Hall is unquestionably one of the most exciting classical venues to emerge in 18 And finally - more top stories from the RCM decades. We also have news of RCM performances elsewhere, from a thriving series in our Museum of Instruments to the National Gallery and the V&A. As ever, Upbeat is full of stories about our students and staff making a great impression across the musical scene, both in the UK and worldwide. CONTACT US For all our latest news and events listings, visit us online at Box Office: 020 7591 4314 | weekdays 10am-4pm www.rcm.ac.uk. If you'd like to feature in the next issue of Upbeat, Upbeat: 020 7591 4372 | [email protected] keep your news and pictures coming to: Alumni: 020 7591 4368 | [email protected] RCM Friends: 020 7591 4331 | [email protected] [email protected] Supporting the RCM: 020 7591 4773 | [email protected] Hiring RCM facilities: 020 7591 4353 | [email protected] Hiring RCM musicians: 020 7591 4367 | [email protected] Please note we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and Switchboard: 020 7589 3643 | [email protected] submissions may be edited owing to space limitations. The deadline for the next issue is 18 April 2008. Material submitted after this date cannot be considered.

Health-conscious College!

In 2006, the Association of British Orchestras and the Musicians Benevolent Fund launched the Healthy Orchestra Charter to set an industry wide standard of care and confer ‘charter marks’ upon orchestras displaying good practice towards the physical, mental and emotional health of players.

At this January's ABO conference in Brighton, the Royal College of Music was one of four organisations (along with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and North) awarded a Bronze Charter Mark in recognition of its commitment to occupational health and safety for all its orchestral musicians. RCM Performance Manager Florence Ambrose (right) accepted the award from LPO Chief Executive Timothy Walker and the MBF's Rosanna Preston.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC,PRINCE CONSORT ROAD,LONDON SW7 2BS T: +44(0)20 7589 3643 | F: +44(0)20 7589 7740 | E: [email protected] www.rcm.ac.uk | Charity number: 309268 | DESIGN: © artsbydesign, www.artsbydesign.co.uk | 020 8325 0599 upbeat 3 I NTHE NEWS THE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS…

As revealed in our summer edition, exciting plans are underway for the transformation of the RCM Concert Hall. Much loved by London audiences for its unparalleled intimacy (where else can an audience of just 400 experience large-scale symphonies so closely?), the Hall is nonetheless ripe for renovation. After more than a century of constant use as a teaching and performance space, the time has come for some enhancements which will rightly reinvigorate the Hall, making it one of the most exciting and versatile classical venues in the UK.

A detailed and sensitive plan is shaping up, set to address such key issues as acoustics, soundproofing, lighting, heating and ventilation, disabled access, decor and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. The transformation will ensure the Hall fulfils its 21st century potential, able to accommodate traditional and innovative performances, recording sessions and broadcasts of the very highest international calibre, and attract more of the world's finest musicians to work and perform with our students.

Work will commence in mid-May, at which point the Concert Hall will close until early 2009. Needless to say, this will in no way compromise the College's extensive programme of events - all other corners of the building will continue to resound with musicmaking, and we're also seizing this opportunity to take our musicians out to some of London's professional venues, celebrating their talents as part of our ongoing 125th birthday festivities. See opposite for breaking news of our upcoming series at Cadogan Hall.

The RCM needs to raise £2,900,000 for the Concert Hall transformation and is working hard to meet this target with approaches to charitable trusts, companies and individuals. We hope this exciting project will engage interest amongst our supporters and that with your help the RCM may continue to play a vital role at the very forefront of music education and serve the needs of RCM students and the wider musical community for generations to come.

For further information on the Concert Hal transformation, please contact Kathryn Ancell, Development Manager on 020 7591 4773 or [email protected].

Then and now (pictured from top):

The Concert Hall in 2008 Bernard Haitink rehearsing the RCM Symphony Orchestra in the Concert Hall The Concert Hall one hundred years ago

4 upbeat …FROM ONE HALL TO ANOTHER RCM Rising Stars at Cadogan Hall Rest assured, while the RCM Concert Hall is out of action, the band will definitely play on, as we prepare to hit the road with TUESDAY 15 APRIL 7.30PM some very special concerts in London's top venues. Very soon we'll reveal plans for performances this autumn at the Alan Blair trumpet, Andrew Aarons piano Southbank Centre and St John's Smith Square, but first things Enesco Légende first: the RCM is set make a major splash this Spring just a few RCM Brass Quintet minutes away from home at Cadogan Hall. Paul Patterson Mean Time

Located at the heart of Chelsea, less than a minute from Sirocco Saxophone Quartet Sloane Square tube station, Cadogan Hall is loved by Bozza Andante and Scherzo Thierry Escaich Tango Virtuoso performers and audiences alike, and drawing media recognition as one of the best places to discover classical Luis Parés piano music in the country. With its landmark Byzantine tower, the Berg Piano Sonata op 1 hall was originally a church which fell into disrepair. A major Luis Parés piano, Steven Hudson , operation was then launched to bring the exquisite premises Naomi Bristow clarinet, Andrew Watson back to useful life. Inside, a stunning 900-seat auditorium was bassoon, Antonio Geremia Iezzi horn created which now attracts many of the world's best Beethoven Quintet for piano and wind op 16 classical musicians and is home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. When looking for somewhere MONDAY 19 MAY 7.30PM to stage the RCM's biggest concerts during our own Laura Lucas flute, Meng Yang Pan piano renovation, Cadogan Hall was a natural first choice. Poulenc Sonata for flute and piano

As RCM Marketing Manager James Murphy explains: Meng Yang Pan piano "We're thrilled to be getting out of the building and Claes Biehl new work (RCM composer) stretching our legs. One of Cadogan's many appeals is Liszt-Paganini Etude in E flat major no 2 R Strauss (arr. Grünfeld) Soirée de Vienne its locality. Only a stone's throw from the RCM, it's ideal for our students and local audience to get to. It's Ida Falk Winland soprano, James Southall piano a very comfortable venue, with an acoustic that'll show off our musicians at their very R Strauss Lieder op 27 best. They deserve to be heard on the professional stage, and what better time to do that RCM Wind Ensemble than during our 125th birthday year?" R Strauss Sonatina no 1 in F major 'Aus der Werkstatt eines Invaliden' With a series of orchestral concerts set to begin there in July, the RCM makes its Cadogan debut on 15 April with the first of our four 'Rising Stars' concerts, each showcasing a MONDAY 2 JUNE 7.30PM range of instruments, repertoire from the old to the new, and performers of numerous nationalities. "The Cadogan concerts are our chance to show London that RCM students Vojtech Šafarík bass-baritone Harpham Quartet are second to none," says James, "and the Rising Stars who'll take the limelight certainly Barber Dover Beach comprise some of the world's most promising soloists and chamber groups." Among them are Swedish soprano Ida Falk Winland who drew great acclaim in BBC Cardiff Singer Jianing Kong piano of the World last year, the Harpham Quartet who opened this year's prestigious Park Off the rails (RCM composer) Lane Group Series, and the Venezuelan, Russian and Chinese Luis Parés, Anna Jianing Kong piano, Harpham Quartet Peletsis and Meng Yang Pan - all tipped for outstanding international careers. We're also Jonathan Pitkin Part-song for delighted to be joined by some special guest artists including breakthrough young (RCM composer) player Jonathan Barritt and the much-admired BBC Young Musician of the Year cellist Guy Johnston. James Meldrum clarinet, Harpham Quartet Howells Rhapsodic Quintet

We hope that you'll want to join us at Cadogan Hall to catch these talented young Nicolas Fleury , Harpham Quartet players on the professional stage, where they so rightly belong. Mozart Horn Quintet

Ida Falk Winland Guy Johnston Tickets £10 MONDAY 16 JUNE 7.30PM Cadogan Hall Box Office: 020 7730 4500 Jiafeng Chen violin, Anna Peletsis piano Book online at Prokofiev Sonata in D major op 94a www.cadoganhall.com Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, Gagliano Trio London SW1X 9DQ Karl Fiorini Piano Trio (RCM composer)

Tickets for each concert are also Jonathan Barritt viola, Guy Johnston available direct from the RCM Box RCM players Office on 020 7591 4314. Book Brahms Sextet no 2 in G major op 36 early to avoid disappointment! upbeat 5 Starry, starry night!

As featured on the cover, our 125th Anniversary Gala on 28 October drew an extraordinary constellation of RCM talent onto our Britten Theatre stage. Andrew Kennedy and Elizabeth Watts - winners of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize in 2005 and 2007 respectively - performed popular vocal works by alumni , and . Accompanying Elizabeth was former Junior Fellow Gary Matthewman, and performing with Andrew were current New Generation Artists the and Junior Fellow Luis Parés. The stage was then swiftly re-set for the RCM Symphony Orchestra performing more British works with another dazzlingly successful former student, conductor John Wilson. As if all this wasn't enough, the concert concluded with a historic performance of Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, sung by some of the most acomplished RCM graduates alongside several current students aspiring to emulate equally amazing careers. Kindly supported by , it was truly a night to remember.

Pictured above are the Serenaders together at their afternoon rehearsal - some internationally renowned and others surely destined to be! Left to right: Lukas Jakobczyk, John McMunn, Alfie Boe, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Gerald Finley, , Paula Sides, Andrew Staples, Anna Huntley, Anna Leese, John Wilson, Philip Tebb, Anna Grevelius, James Rutherford, Elizabeth Watts and Andrew Kennedy. A swift headcount reveals that one singer is missing from this picture. Turn to page 16 to read the intriguing story of why Janis Kelly (former student and current RCM professor) sang in the concert but couldn't be at the phootshoot…

Partners with Princeton

The RCM is pleased to announce a landmark new collaboration with Princeton University, enabling talented young musicians from the United States to study in London. The initiative is part of the RCM's ongoing commitment to nurturing outstanding musical talent worldwide, as reflected by the over 50 nationalities that comprise its student population. Princeton students will audition to undertake a complete term at the RCM, studying with its world- renowned professors and participating in every aspect of its vibrant performance life. Candidates Sealing the deal: Princeton President Shirley M. who excel will be offered the opportunity to Tilghman with Professor Colin Lawson continue their studies in the RCM Graduate School's DRUM ROLE Masters programme after their graduation from Princeton. The RCM is delighted to welcome David Hockings as our new Head of Percussion, Michael Pratt, Director of Princeton's Program in Musical Performance told Upbeat: "The following in the footsteps of Kevin Hathway. Royal College of Music is one of the world's top music conservatories, and the experience After studying at the RCM, David pursued a gained for a young musician to spend time studying in London is priceless." Professor Colin busy freelance career playing timpani and Lawson, RCM Director, also said "We're delighted to be working with Princeton University percussion with all the major UK orchestras and on this exciting new programme that effectively explores the interrelationship of theory and ensembles. He joined the BBC Symphony practice, one of the College's strategic priorities". Orchestra in 1991 and has been Principal since 1994. He has also been Principal of the London The partnership follows the RCM's highly successful collaboration with the Moscow Sinfonietta since 1995 and has worked Conservatory launched in 2005 to enable outstanding young Russian musicians to study in extensively with the Sinfonietta's education London. The collaboration is part of Princeton University's initiative to expand its programs department, including a residency in Japan. He in the creative and performing arts, as well as to offer new international opportunities to its has also organised training for members of the students and faculty. Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. He has run many percussion-based workshops for music organisations and festivals and has coached the percussion sections of many of the UK's youth PRIMETIME VIEWING orchestras. The RCM Chamber Choir appeared on BBC1's Songs of Praise on 24 February, singing Parry's motet My soul, there is a country in the College's Donaldson Room as part of a programme dedicated to the composer.

6 upbeat AN ENCHANTED EVENING Good programming Julia Strong writes: On 12 December, the RCM welcomed 350 special guests for the 2007 Soirée d'Or. This annual gala is the Everyone loves to browse concert programmes. We'd all know a lot highlight of the RCM's programme of less about classical music without them. Programmes are a vital fundraising events, and we were delighted source of information in musical research, but they have never to welcome cellist and RCM graduate been documented at national or regional level in the UK. For many (pictured) as our soloist for years researchers and librarians have been aware of the problems the evening. associated with locating concert programmes and have not been able to embrace their full value, both in terms of scholarly research As guests and collection development. arrived, they were welcomed This is set to change as the RCM launches a unique online record of concert programmes from the with a 18th century to the present day. Since 2004, the RCM has been working with Cardiff University on champagne a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council to create one central online record reception and of numerous repositories of programmes, including the RCM, the British Library, the national accompanying libraries of Scotland and Ireland, the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and the . music from harpist Paula Located at www.concertprogrammes.org.uk, the new database contains information relating to Popa and an concert venues in 80 countries, and over 25,000 performers, ensembles, concert series, and music RCM jazz trio. societies. It is hoped that the database, which anyone can access, will be of enormous interest to Following the performers, musicologists, local, economic, social, cultural and theatre historians, and to music reception, guests lovers generally. Project Manager Rupert Ridgewell told Upbeat: "The survival of concert were seated in programmes is often just a quirk of fate, since they weren't produced with an eye to posterity. For the Britten Theatre, where as well as a that very reason they can provide fascinating details about the musical tastes of previous spotlight performance from Natalie, they generations. By listing major collections in the UK and Ireland, the concert programmes database also enjoyed performances from two will significantly enhance our knowledge of the history of musical performance." current RCM stars, pianists Meng Yang Pan www.concertprogrammes.org.uk and Ina Charuashvili, first and second year Masters students respectively. Following works by Bach, Rachmaninov and Milhaud, the concert ended with Ina accompanying EASTERN PROMISE Natalie in a sparkling account of Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango. The RCM continues to cultivate links with some of South East Asia's leading music colleges, sharing our top teaching expertise with some As guests subsequently enjoyed dinner in of their most promising students. On a recent trip, Professor Colin the RCM Concert Hall, our new Chairman Lawson gave a lecture on the classical clarinet at Seoul National Lord Winston gave a speech explaining the University, Korea. He is pictured here after the lecture with students importance music in all of our lives, and the importance of the RCM's fundraising work, and the Associate Dean of SNU, Young-Yul Kim and RCM Head of highlighting how all the proceeds raised Keyboard, Vanessa Latarche. Meanwhile, Vanessa herself gave a during the evening would go directly masterclass (also pictured) on Rachmaninov's Piano Sonata no 2 at towards student scholarships. Guests Tokyo College of Music, Japan in November. showed further generosity during the evening's auction, led by top auctioneer Mr The RCM also held a party in January for its graduates living and James James-Crook of Lyon & Turnbull, and working in Hong Kong. Hosted by Vanessa and Director of Academic the lively atmosphere continued into the and Administrative Affairs Kevin Porter, the gathering drew several late evening when all participated in some players from the Hong Kong Sinfonietta including clarinettist seasonal singing, with carols led and Massimo di Trolio who told Upbeat, "It's nice to feel like we are still accompanied by RCM students! remembered by College and it was interesting to meet others in Hong Kong who also studied at the RCM." In total, the evening raised £148,000 towards the RCM Scholarships Fund, and we would like to thank all who were involved in helping to achieve this remarkable figure. We are especially grateful Oxford Organs for the support and hard work of the Soirée d'Or Committee throughout the year, led Nicholas Prozzillo reports: In October, the golden stone buildings of Brasenose College, Oxford by Chairperson Mrs Stephanie Carr. resounded with the colourful playing and teaching of the renowned Swiss organist, Guy Bovet (pictured). As part of a collaboration between the RCM, the Royal College of Organists, the Soirée d'Or 2008 will take place at the Oxford Music Faculty (Betts Foundation) and Victoria & Albert Museum (due to the Brasenose, Bovet gave a recital followed by an forthcoming Concert Hall renovation) on inspiring masterclass for RCM students Timothy Wednesday 10 December. If you would like Wakerell, Geoffrey Tuson, and Chad Kelly, as well information about attending, please as Oxford organ scholars. Professor Colin Lawson, contact Development Events Co-ordinator who attended the concert, said "It's always a Julia Strong on 020 7591 4320 or email privilege for students to work with [email protected]. composer/performers of this stature and we hope that this will be the start of a lasting partnership between our two great institutions." upbeat 7 Magnifying Mahler PICTURE PORTRAITS Professor Paul Banks (Chair The RCM’s Centre for Performance History has contributed to a new of Historical Musicology) national inventory of European paintings, created by the Visual Arts Data has unveiled the first phase Service. Only a small selection of the RCM's vast collection is featured, of an ambitious new online but these can be viewed at vads.ahds.ac.uk/collections/NIRP/index.php. catalogue which records Alongside portraits of Rossini, Johann Strauss, and Leopold and Wolfgang details of all surviving manuscripts and early Amadeus Mozart depicted together, look out for Nazzari's characterful printed sources of music by Gustav Mahler. depiction of the famous castrato, Farinelli (pictured). Included in the survey are all printed versions which appeared during the composer's Meanwhile, the RCM's unattributed portrait of Gaetano Pugnani (1754) was transported in October lifetime and the first important editions to La Venaria Reale, near Turin, for the inaugural exhibition of the newly-restored palace of the published after his death. The catalogue also House of Savoy. The show has been an enormous success, visited by over 150,000 people in the first supplies information about the initial two months. performances and illuminating insights into how each work changed during conception. The Centre for Performance History has also recently acquired three An ongoing project, the site already offers a hugely characterful sketches of who both studied and wealth of facts about the first two taught at the RCM. The sketches (pictured) were in fact studies for a symphonies. www.rcm.ac.uk/mahlercat drawing by local artist Pat Moody who was also intriguingly a taxi driver, nurse and MI5 agent during World War II! The sketches, accompanied by supporting material which includes a small bundle of Applauding Ireland's letters, was donated to the College by Moody's friend Mrs Australia Nicole Loftus-Parker.

This Spring, the RCM hosts the first rounds of the prestigious Performing Australian All the world's a stage Music Competition. Launched in 2000, the Our upcoming Cadogan Hall series (see page 5) isn't the competition aims to draw major attention to only opportunity to catch RCM talent in venues beyond the Australian classical music today. It was College. Our musicians perform weekly during the late- founded by Penelope Thwaites, who works opening hours of two top London attractions: the National internationally as a soloist, and is particularly renowned for her recordings of . Gallery and the V&A. Lasting just an hour, these concerts First time round, it attracted seventy entrants are free for the public to call into as their schedule allows. from twenty different countries and almost Concerts are at 6.00pm in the Central Hall of the National fifty Australian composers were represented. Gallery, Trafalgar Square every Wednesday, and at 6.30pm This year, it's expected to be even bigger. every Friday (except the last Friday in the month) in the Norfolk House Music Room at the Victoria & Albert The RCM's involvement is particularly fitting Museum, just moments from the RCM on Exhibition Road. as the College has recently taken over a Forthcoming performances include: significant collection of Australian music from Australia House, enabling more musicians to access this fascinating repertoire. Meanwhile, NATIONAL GALLERY, CENTRAL HALL 6.00PM the Australian Music Centre based in Sydney is putting its entire collection online, so more 12 Mar Rie Saito piano and Lukas Kmit viola perform Bach, Messiaen, Jongen and Enesco people than ever can explore the country's 19 Mar Dunja Lavrova violin and Alison Rhind piano perform Ravel, Debussy, Brahms and Paganini classical music heritage. 26 Mar Meridian marimba duo perform arrangements of Bach, Schmitt and Piazzolla 9 April Aisa Ijiri piano and Kristin Malmborg cello perform Liszt and Shostakovich The competition's preliminary rounds, from 16 April Lee String Quartet performs Mendelssohn and Ginastera 31 March to 3 April, take place at the RCM 23 April Yoko Nakamura piano and Vlad Maistorovici perform Chopin and Stravinsky and will be open to the public. Further details 30 April Elenluccia Pappalardo harpsichord performs Bach and Purcell are available online. The original winner 7 May Andrew Pickett countertenor and Manuel Gullion lute perform Spanish and English songs Magdalena de Vries (pictured) found the 14 May Trio Cinema Paradiso perform arrangements of music from Italian film scores competition a real springboard for her talent. 21 May Piatti String Quartet perform Haydn, Dvorak and Shostakovich With her £5000 prize, she was able to buy her own marimba and has formed a successful duo with second prizewinner saxophonist V&A, NORFOLK HOUSE MUSIC ROOM 6.30PM Sarah James; together they continue to perform the Australian repertoire they first 7 Mar Hasmik Avdalyan violin and Tadashi Imai piano perform Ysäye, Schnittke and Joseph Achron discovered when entering the competition. 14 Mar Yoko Nakamura piano performs Chopin and Ravel 4 Apr Composer Charlotte Bray introduces recently composed works For more information about the contest, 11 April Lee String Quartet perform Mozart and Mendelssohn contact Zelda Marshall on 020 7794 5090 or 18 April Composer Solfa Carlile introduces recently composed works [email protected]. 9 May Emily Kenway mezzo soprano and Anne Marshall piano perform Brahms, Duparc and Finzi www.amcoz.com.au/pamc 23 May Cristina Gestido Alvarez viola and Luis Parés piano perform Brahms, Britten and Max Reger

Programmes were correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to change

8 upbeat Spotlight on STERNDALE BENNETT

Although our Spring season is Wednesday 12 March swiftly drawing to a close, one of its last events is also one of 10.30am A Family Perspective the most intriguing. On Our day of discovery begins with an introduction by great-great Wednesday 12 March, we grandson Barry Sterndale Bennett. present an action-packed day of talks and performances shedding light on a fascinating 11.10am Ein englischer Componist: the early music of Sterndale Bennett musical figure. A talk by Peter Horton, Deputy Librarian William Sterndale Bennett was a pianist 1.05pm Sterndale Bennett and Schumann and composer who Michael Ierace piano found himself spirited Simon Callaghan piano away from his humble Sheffield beginnings to Schumann Symphonic Etudes op 13 the bright lights of the Sterndale Bennett Sonata in F minor op 13 European music scene. It's remarkable that his music isn't more 2.00pm Composed Remembrance - Singing English and German words renowned today A talk by German musicologist Bettina Mühlenbeck considering that he was invited to perform one of his own piano concertos at the famous Leipzig Gewandhaus, a privilege beyond compare at the time. Some of Europe's most famous composers 2.45pm Sterndale Bennett and the piano attended this concert and swiftly began championing his art. Pianist David Owen Norris explores the composer's keyboard works. Coordinated by RCM Librarian Peter Horton and Junior Fellow pianist Hiroaki Takenouchi (pictured), our Sterndale Bennett Day 4.00pm Sterndale Bennett and the Bach Society draws a host of specialists to illuminate various aspects of the A talk by Dr Basil Keen, expert on the Bach Society which was founded composer, including an opening talk by his great-great grandson by William Sterndale Bennett. Barry Sterndale Bennett, not to mention lectures by musicologist Bettina Mühlenbeck and Dr Basil Keen. 5.00pm Songs by Sterndale Bennett and his contemporaries "It's a rare opportunity to discover a true gem," Peter Horton told Stephen Varcoe and current RCM students present a selection of songs Upbeat. "William Sterndale Bennett played a major role in the by the composer and his peers. musical life of 19th-century Britain - as composer, pianist, conductor and teacher - and, through his friendship with Mendelssohn and Schumann, forged a unique link between London and Germany. 6.30pm Sterndale Bennett Showcase Listening to some of his early works it's easy to understand why they Stephen Varcoe baritone so excited the great composers." David Owen Norris piano Aoife Nic Athlaoich cello Indeed, Schumann professed that Bennett was an 'angel of a James Southall piano musician' and made him the dedicatee of the famous symphonic Hiroaki Takenouchi piano Etudes which you can hear alongside Bennett's music during the day. Oliver Benson double bass A whole host of RCM musicians will take to the stage to perform his finest songs and , and it's all free, so do join us to Three Romances op 14 explore an English composer often forgotten whose music made an Sonata-duo in A op 32 incomparable impact in its day… Solo Songs

Facing the music

Fifteen RCM composers were invited by the National Portrait Gallery to write music inspired by entrants in this year's high- profile Photographic Portrait Prize. Each fascinating interpretation was then brought to life by RCM players in a live performance at the Gallery. Among them was Catch, a work for solo clarinet by Ursula Kwong-Brown, performed by Harry Cameron-Penny, and inspired by the photograph Janine by Michelle Sank (pictured). Asked how she re-imagined the image through music, Ursula explained, "Although the girl's bearing is aggressive, her dark eyes speak of suppressed loneliness and sadness; I depict this emotional tension with small snippets of quiet melody which attempt, but ultimately fail, to be heard over the louder, angrier material." You can listen to Catch and all the other composers' works at www.npg.org.uk/live/pppmusic.asp.

upbeat 9 T REASURED MEMORIES As part of our 125th birthday celebrations, Upbeat invited former students - including some current staff - to share their fondest memories of their days studying here. Some remember the music, others remember the mischief. We present some of their recollections here, along with a few revealing snippets from the archives of the RCM magazine.

In 1965, Her Majesty The Queen Mother opened Vaughan Williams' Riders to the Sea received its A typical coaching session in the 1930s the new premises at the south side of the RCM world premiere at the RCM in 1937 campus - still called "the new building" by some longstanding staff!

I spent three very enjoyable years at the Of my many fond memories, three stand out: I remember the Director, Sir Keith Falkner, RCM from 1972-5. College social life for me firstly, being in the cricket net in the courtyard personally greeting each new student as they was simple but rewarding. I remember with with Sir Keith Faulkner playing. My first entered the building on their first day and fondness the many hours spent chatting delivery flattened the stumps (though it was asking singers, in particular, if they would and drinking coffee in the canteen; I also the first and last occasion on which it did so!) mind if he dropped in on their lessons remember the canteen lady with the Secondly, playing the narrator in a sometime. Imagine my surprise when, some squeaky voice who used to offer the choice performance of Stravinsky's The Soldiers Tale months later, he did just that! Possibly even of numerous identical meals whilst asking conducted by Kenneth Montgomery - my first more memorable was singing beside him in 'cabbidgiz or sweeede - which one would experience of 'Third Programme' music. Last his farewell concert - the B Minor Mass in you laaike?". On one occasion, in total but not least, being in The Beggar's Opera Westminster Abbey. desperation of having no accommodation, which we transported lock, stock and barrel to with a couple of fellow students I hid Vienna where it was not only performed but David Harpham (Registry Officer) under a flight of stairs until all lights were recorded for television. out in order to spend the night sleeping in the very cold common-room, only to be Andrew Page (Opera School Administrator) In 1948, there were heaps of rubble from discovered at around 5.00 am by the the bombing all over the streets but there cleaners and, later, given a stiff ticking off were smiles on the faces of the Londoners. by the porter! I came to the RCM in 1974. I sang in a My violin professor Isolde Menges never performance of The Beggar's Opera by John finished lessons on time so we trooped to Chris Allen (clarinet) Gay in about 1975/6 in which Polly Peachum her home in Hammersmith to continue was sung by the soprano Lynda Russell who our instruction. It was there she once told went on to win the Ferrier competition in 1977 me to stop playing a piece and dust her and sing in opera houses all over the world. The RCM magazine reports mantelpiece! Confused, I went to the When at College we would occasionally go into that in February 1913, the mantelpiece, at which she exclaimed "Ah, I Hyde Park for a walk and feed the ducks. We College celebrated a rare thought you could do it without having to went our separate ways after College but met sporting success: a 5-2 win in a move! You see, you play on the E string up again in 1982 during a performance of and switch to the G string and don't move Royal Academy versus Royal Gluck's Armide at the Spitalfields Festival. College football match, played your arm at all. Do you think it would be We've since been together for 25 years, have more efficient if you actually took your on the Harrodian Athletic two sons Timothy and Jonathan, and perform Ground at Barnes. Proof, if ever arm to where the string is placed? Would together in concerts worldwide with it sound better?" What a wonderful we needed it, of who the The Sixteen. champions really are! character! Chris Royall (countertenor) Malinee (piano/violin)

10 upbeat I studied singing at the RCM from 1949- My recollection is of my formidable teacher, the Beethoven scholar Kendall Taylor, who 1952, and married fellow student Ranken was often in tears in lessons when teaching the late Beethoven sonatas. He was always Bushby the following year. I remember when moved by the music which was so profoundly meaningful for him, whether it was a Leopold Stokowski came to the College to student performance or a notable exponent of the works. He also possessed a cloth rehearse the first orchestra and made all the metronome which he kept in his pocket. It looked like a tape measure and was a brass stand up and point their instruments puzzle to me how it worked ! I am sure other students of his will remember too... to the ceiling like an American swing band. It was hilarious. Vanessa Latarche (Head of Keyboard)

Elizabeth Davies

Gerald Finley (also pictured on page 2) In 1967, the RCM was the first music school to A visit to RCM in the 1980s by Olivier Messiaen played Bottom in scenes from Britten's open an electronic studio; thirty years on, our whose centenary we have celebrated this season Studios are still ahead of the game A Midsummer Night's Dream at the opening of the Britten Theatre in 1986

During my lengthy period at the College I remember the extraordinarily exciting and energetic performance of Rachmaninov's third there have been many visits by some of piano concerto by David Helfgott with the First Orchestra, as was represented in the film the world's greatest musicians - Shine. The pianist appeared to jump up and down on the piano pedals, and accompany Stokowski, Maazel, Solti, Segovia, the piece with additional vocal sounds. The concert also included the Goldoni Overture, Perlman, to name but a few. However, for by none other than current professor . me the unique occasion was the recital given in the Britten Theatre in 1993 by Angela Escott (Librarian) the distinguished Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter. One of the finest pianists of the last century - he was In the spring 1948 issue of the RCM magazine, Dr William McKie gives a always enigmatic, temperamental and Isolde Menges was a most lavish account of his experiences unpredictable, even in attending his own distinguished violin teacher, preparing the music for the Royal recitals. having up to the 1940s led the Wedding of Princess Elizabeth to famous Menges String Quartet. I Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten RN. I was personally invited to play the never had a lesson from her but McKie tells of a spot of bother Rhapsody in Blue with the Students' did accompany some of her Association Orchestra at the College pupils at the piano. She concerning the organist Dr Peasgood some 25 years ago. I shall never forget demonstrated tone and phrasing whom he appointed to play the organ what happened at the first rehearsal: As continuously, the violin and bow before and after the service: "He was I entered the Concert Hall I was never leaving her hands. She was taken ill on the morning of the wedding astounded to see the Model D Steinway also a chain smoker, with the ash and arrived at the Abbey about 10.30 slowly moving towards the front of the from the cigarette getting longer looking literally green. He had to be apron stage and eventually falling into and longer, until at last the ash doped with most kinds of drug, and the front stalls, landing upside-down fell off sliding slowly into the f fortified with lashings of the Precentor's with its three legs proudly pointing holes of her violin. It wouldn't brandy, before he could even get up to skywards. I shall never know whether it happen today, but I expect it the organ loft. He then played quite was a tribute or a fear of the attack I was kept the moths away! superbly (great stuff this brandy)". Rest about to inflict on it! assured that the RCM no longer Sidney Pavey prescribes any such medicine to get its In truth, it was just an unfortunate musicians to perform! accident in arranging the platform...

John Barstow (piano professor)

upbeat 11 Areyouamoverandshaker S OUND on today’s music scene? BITES Read on for more about student, alumni and staff news. S TUDENTbites

HAIK KAZAZYAN Haik Kazazyan has won First Prize at the prestigious Gyeongnam International Violin Competition in Korea. In the Final Round, he performed Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with the Korean Symphony Orchestra. He also won the Audience Prize and the prize for the best interpretation throughout the competition of the set-work by Isang Yun. Haik can next be seen at the , as part of its Monday Platform series, on 31 March. To book tickets, call 020 7935 2141 or visit www.wigmore-hall.org.uk. POTLIGHT ON S

Charles Andrews (organ) and RCM papers and online praise. Classicalsource in the Shonan Asahi and Kanagawa alumnus Roger Sayer featured on BBC applauded “a well-engineered account … newspapers. Yoko has numerous concert Radio 3’s In Tune on 21 December. The a bravura and committed performance.” engagements in 2008 including recitals at the Midas Touch Organ Duo were interviewed V&A, National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields, about a Bridgewater Hall concert in which Creative Leadership and St James’ Piccadilly as part of Concordia they played works as diverse as the Mozart student Jordan Hunt Foundation Concert Series. Fantasia K608 and James Bond theme performed at Tate songs. Britain on 4 January in Three Moons by Nadja Gabriela Plein was two performance art broadcast recently on BBC Radio 3’s Hear and John Paul Ekins (piano) pieces with the Now. has performances in 2008 !WOWOW! Collective. with Woking Symphony He composed music for the performances Alexander Romanovsky (piano) took the Orchestra (Gershwin as well as playing live. This was part of the audience prize at the recent Jaques Samuel Concerto) and Hillingdon Late at Tate Series which happens on the Intercollegiate Competition. Philharmonic Orchestra first Friday of every month. (Rachmaninov Piano In November, the Choir of Clare College, Concerto no 2). He will Guillermo Laporta (flute) has won two Cambridge gave the first performance of also give recitals in the Polish towns of awards in Spain with his initiative Creart Graham Ross’s Secret Music, in a live broadcast Zakopne and Katowice and at the Bath Project: the Contemporary Creation Award on BBC Radio 3. The work, a setting of Pump Rooms. Montehermoso and the Talented Siegfried Sassoon’s 1916 poem, was Development Scholarship ‘Promete’. commissioned for Remembrance Sunday. Composer Shiva Feshareki is touring www.creartproject.com concert venues, art galleries and even Kevin Satizabal (piano) took part in the first Soundderelict buildings with cellist Natalie Clein. Keep an eye out for Konstantin bitesLapshin Jaques Samuel Pianos’ Junior Department The inspiration for the tour came from (piano) who will be appearing soon in a Festival concert in October. Shiva’s work critical distortions for cello and Land Rover commercial on your television! turntables, in which she plays the Victoria Sayles turntables herself. Guitarist Patrick (violin) has accepted Milne duetted the sub-principal À Memória de Anarda for mixed choir, by with renowned second job at the Pedro Faria Gomes, was recently released violinist David Scottish Chamber on CD (Numérica) with the Lisboa Cantat Garrett in the Orchestra after just 3 Chamber Choir. Como Se Faz Cor-de- Jools Holland months on trial. She Laranja for speaker and seventeen players, show at the Royal also visited Indonesia, also by Pedro, will be performed eight Albert Hall in Thailand and the times in May at Casa da Música, Portugal. November. Burmese border with www.casadamusica.pt Patrick said that, although he was nervous alumna Ruth Rogers initially, David put him at his ease and in February to give The Harpham Quartet opened the described the opportunity as “great fun... recitals and prestigious 2008 Park Lane Group Series. an amazing experience”. workshops in the Their performance of Lachenmann’s Grido refugee camps of drew strong reviews from the national Yoko Nakamura (piano) gave a solo recital Burma. www.victoriasayles.com in Kamakura, Japan in December, featured 12 upbeat BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES: The Band Played On Daniel Broniatowski (violin) announces his engagement to Holly Kilim. A June wedding is planned. RCM Ensemble in Residence, The Ken McGregor (piano) and Deborah McGregor née Parsons Oboe Band continues to keep busy. (cello) announce the birth of their first child, Benjamin James The lessons they offer students on Elliott McGregor, born on 10 December 2007. baroque oboe and bassoon are proving popular. If you're a student Damon Burrows (double bass) and Vienna Guy (flute) were interested in having a go, you can married on 25 August 2007 at St Mary's Church in Amersham. sign up on your faculty noticeboard for either just one session or several, and the lessons are as Keziah Thomas (harp) will marry Alexander Gayle in May 2008. informal as you wish. The Band also offers reedmaking classes and chamber coaching. Future performances include a tour of DOCTORAL AWARDHOLDERS 2007-8: the West of with a programme entitled 'War and Peace' The following awards have been granted to DMus students for then a performance in the London Handel Festival on 31 March. this academic year: www.theoboeband.com.

Christopher Letcher Director's Award Claes Biehl Director's Award Jessica Chan Director's Award Jonathan Pitkin AHRC Doctoral Award Don’t forget the deadline of 18 April 2008 to be featured in the Katherine Hamilton AHRC Doctoral Award summer issue of Upbeat - keep your news and pictures coming to: Laura Ritchie Director's Award [email protected] Nicole Panizza Director's Award Miaomiao Yu Director's Award Terry Clark Director's Award

Junior News

In January, the Junior Department hosted Keyboard Shorts, bringing together the main College's composers with JD composers and performers (pictured). Co-ordinated by RCM Head of Composition William Mival with JD professors Thalia Myers, David Sutton-Anderson, Jane Chapman and Geoffrey Govier, each composer produced a concert miniature, performed to a packed Recital Hall. This wasn't JD's only recent collaboration with the main College. In last season's Les Six Festival, the JD Chamber Orchestra performed works by Stravinsky and Honegger. The JD Chamber Choir also joined the RCM Symphony Chorus for a sell-out performance of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. JD's Double Reed Day was also a spectacular success with 120 oboists and bassoonists travelling from all over the UK to join in a packed timetable of events.

Celebrating ten years of the Department of Children, Families and Schools' Music & Dance scheme (which funds 32 JD students each year), there will be a major festival at Sadler's Wells on 15/16 July entitled Excellent! The RCM will be strongly represented by 14 JD students performing new works commissioned from JD teachers David Sutton-Anderson, Avril Anderson and Mark Bowden. Our performances will feature dancers from the CAT programme at The Place, with whom JD has now enjoyed an eight year collaboration. Another fruitful foray into the world of dance is the Sound Moves partnership which JD began with the Royal Ballet School five years ago. Last term, six JD composers made visits to the RBS premises in Covent Garden to work with its choreography students creating work based on the theme of 'private and shared'.

Last term's Peter Morrison Concerto Competition was won by Leo Melvin whose prize is to perform Saint-Saëns' no 1 with the JD Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 8 March, just days after Upbeat is published. If you're reading this in time the concert also features Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Rachmaninov's Isle of the Dead, so promises to be very popular! Tickets are free and available from the RCM Box Office on 020 7591 4314. Finally, the JD Jazz Ensemble led by sax teacher Mornington Lockett performed at the renowned 606 Club as part of the London Jazz Festival in November. They opened the show in style with what the group's pianist Dave Mackay describes as Joshua Redman's "sensational groove" Headin' Home.

upbeat 13 A LUMNIbites

FRANCES HARDCASTLE The RCM is pleased to introduce your new Graduate Services Officer Frances Hardcastle. As a graduate herself, Frances has first-hand insight into the requirements of RCM alumni. Moving with the times, she has already introduced the RCM Alumni Society Facebook Group, which brings graduates together, advertises their concerts, and provides a direct contact with our Woodhouse Centre's services. Next she plans to strengthen the presence of RCM alumni in June's Exhibition Road Music Day. If you

POTLIGHT ON would like to get involved, contact Frances on 020 7591 4368 or [email protected]. S

Lucy Baker (violin) has been appointed sub- Ilona Domnich (soprano) will be playing Edmund Jolliffe (composer) has written the principal second violin in Northern Sinfonia. Zerlina in with English music for several Channel 4 documentaries www.lucybaker.co.uk Touring Opera on tour and at London’s including World’s Biggest Boy, My Boyfriend Hackney Empire this Spring. the Sex Tourist and Girlfriend for Sale. His Lizzie Ball (violin) has first opera The Handless Maiden will be recently teamed up with James Dutton (flute) has just passed ten performed by Covent Garden Street Theatre another RCM graduate, years as Principal in the Band of the Scots in September. Cuban guitarist Ahmed Guards in London, and Principal with the Dickinson to form the Corps of Army Music Sinfonietta. From Jennifer Johnston and Nicola Wydenbach Mestizo Duo. Both are March, he will be Principal Flute of the have set up the Young Singers' Welfare supported by the Showbiz Pops Orchestra. Foundation to support vocalists Concordia Foundation experiencing financial hardship as a and forthcoming concerts Michael Edwards (conductor) will mark his consequence of an illness or medical including two Wigmore fortieth concert as Musical Director of the condition. A rousing launch concert in Hall performances. Truro Choral Society by conducting The January with Sir , Lillian Dream of Gerontius on 7 June in Truro Watson and graduate vocal group The Alexis Bennett (composer) was shortlisted Cathedral. Prince Consort has got the foundation off for the Turner Classic Shorts Award for his to a great start. Find out more at score to the short film Cocoon which was Jakob Fichert www.yswf.org.uk. subsequently broadcast on TCM. His (piano) has given composition Balloons was also performed debut on BBC Radio 3. performances in Soundprestigious bites Paolo Boggio’s orchestral work The stained London venues glass island I has been awarded First Prize at (Wigmore Hall, the Fourth Ivan Spassov Prize for Cadogan Hall and Symphonic Compositions in Plovdiv, Queen Elizabeth Bulgaria. Hall) and abroad (Chamber Music Hall of the Amsterdam Simon Callaghan (piano) has followed his Concertgebouw and the Gasteig in debut recital at De Rode Pomp Concertzaal Munich). www.jakobfichert.com in Ghent with a disc of English piano music. It features works by the RCM’s Sterndale Andrew Gourlay (conductor/trombone) Bennett and Parry and the world première presented an edition of BBC Radio 3’s The of short pieces by William Best. Early Music Show in January. www.simoncallaghan.com Dawn Hardwick (piano) entered into the Jane Cornish (composer) has been spirit of romanticism this Valentine’s Day Katzenjammer (above), the piano duo nominated for a Danish ‘Oscar’ for her epic by performing Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody comprising Steven Worbey and Kevin score to Lars von Trier’s fantasy/thriller on a Theme by Paganini with the Cardiff Farrell, gave a New Year’s Day performance Island of Lost Souls. In January, Jane’s Philharmonic Orchestra. on the maiden voyage of the Cunard ship, Symphony no 1 was awarded a Special Queen Victoria. www.katzenjammer.biz Distinction from ASCAP’s Rudolph Nissim Bob Hayden-Gilbert (baritone) is still Prize. www.janeantoniacornish.com performing at just over 60 years old. He Nicki Kennedy (soprano) recently undertook the role of Dr. Bartolo featured onSou BBC Radio 3’s SPNM-shortlisted composer Max Charles at Bangkok Metropolitan Opera. He also In Tune in December Davies' Cells and Sanctuaries has been arranges music for and conducts a wind with the Brook Street performed by the BBC Symphony band festival in Suchou. Band, performing Orchestra. Handel’s O qualis de coelo sonus. 14 upbeat Björn Kleiman (violin) has recorded a CD of Malinee Peris (piano) is currently Head of collection was published in Musique, music by Swedish composers Hjorth, Keyboard Studies at George Washington Images, Instruments 9 (CNRS Editions, Klaverdal, Larsson-Gothe, Schelzer and University in Washington DC. She received Paris, March 2007). Staern. www.bjornkleiman.com a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation in the US in Claire Williams (harpsichord) is currently Natalia Luis-Bassa (conductor) has been November. completing her MMus degree at Trinity appointed Principal Conductor of the College of Music and in September 2007 Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra, Edwin Roxburgh (composition) has won was a finalist for its Gold Medal, the Musical Director of the Haffner Orchestra the British Academy of Composers and highest award that TCM offers for in Lancaster and of the Hallam Sinfonia in Songwriters Award for his oboe concerto, performance. Sheffield. An Elegy for Ur. He has also received an Elgar Trust Award for a BBC Symphony Christine Marøy (alto) has recently been Orchestra commission. appointed as a ‘district musician’ in Førde Kulturskole, Norway. The position Oliver Rudland’s opera The Nightingale comprises performing and teaching, and the Rose is being staged by Leeds including thirty-nine Mozart concerts in Youth Opera. It will run from 9 - 12 July at the region and a solo part in Handel’s the Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds. . Helen Scarbrough (oboe/cor anglais) Al Mobbs (double bass) has recently set up performed James MacMillan’s The World’s his own recording label, Ambiguous Ransoming, for cor anglais and orchestra Records, to develop and nurture new acts at St John’s, Smith Square in January. of all genres. www.ambiguousrecords.com Michael Steen has published a new book, SoundJohannes Möller following his hugely successfulbites The Lives (guitar) became and Times of the Great Composers. the first guitarist Enchantress of Nations tells the story of to win the Pauline Viardot who was revered by Ljunggrenska figures as diverse as Liszt and Dickens as a Competition in great performer and composer. The Zephyr Ensemble (above), the award Gothenburg last www.iconbooks.co.uk winning former Leverhulme Group Junior October. Fellows celebrated their 10 year Hiroaki Takenouchi (piano) enjoyed a anniversary at the end of 2007. To mark The MorrisLenson Guitar Duo, comprising residency in November at Canada’s Banff the occasion they have launched a brand Jake Lenson and Mark Morris, has been Arts Centre and a recital at Tokyo Wonder new website: accepted to perform in the Concordia Site, which included Japanese premières of www.thezephyrensemble.com s Trust 2008 concert series. works by Jonathan Harvey RCM alumni are making a considerable Nicola New (horn) has not only been and Dai Fujikura. impact in China. Chris Moyse is Assistant working as a freelance musician and Hiroaki’s latest Principal Trumpet and Adam Treverton teacher, but also within the community recordings Jones plays Contrabassoon in the Hong and NHS both as a musician and care including James Kong Philharmonic, alongside violinist worker, with children who have life-limiting Dillon’s Katrina Ma née Rafferty. After a year in conditions. black/nebulae the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Michael for two pianos O’Donnell became Principal Flute in the Composer Anne Nikitin has written music with Noriko Orchestra of Macau, a position he has for episodes of Natural World on BBC2 and Kawai, and a disc now held for three years. The Hong Kong Outdoor Britain on BBC1, after winning the of Japanese solo Sinfonietta subsequently employed BBC New Talent TV Composers Scheme. piano music, will another RCM graduate, Eilidh Gillespie as www.annenikitin.com be released this its Principal Flute and now also features year. Louise Hayter as Principal Oboe and Joseph Nolan (organ) has just released the Massimo di Trolio as Principal Clarinet. first commercial recording made at Elizabeth Wells gave a presentation at the Buckingham Palace, on the Signum label. International Committee of Musical A feast of RCM graduates will be touring This follows his Herald disc of Instrument Museums Mexico this summer, as part of the contemporary music recorded at and Collections in Machacha ensemble, brainchild of Cathedral. He’s also Vienna. An article by guitarist Morgan Szymanski. The line-up recently travelled to Elizabeth (who is former will include violinist Lizzie Ball, New ndParis to bitesrecord on curator of the RCM Generation Artists the Sacconi Quartet, Widor’s organ at St Museum of Instruments) double bassist Al Mobbs, percussionists Sulpice. on the foundation and Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox, pianist Jose www.josephnolan.co.uk early history of the RCM Menor and soprano Laura Mitchell.

upbeat 15 STAFFbites

JANIS KELLY The Vocal Faculty has recently made several major new appointments, not least Janis Kelly, who also studied here as a postgraduate. Janis is a hugely versatile singer: in the last year her portfolio has included playing Liu in Turandot, Alice Ford in , presenting online lessons for ENO's acclaimed new interactive website, and singing Casta Diva for the soundtrack of the Colin Firth hit film And when did you last see your father?. In October, she agreed to appear in a concert of music by Patrick Doyle at the Royal Albert Hall which led to an interesting proposition when the RCM invited her to sing in its 125th Anniversary Gala on the same night. Considering the proximity of the venues, Janis was keen to undertake both performances and rose to the challenge of racing between rehearsals. She told Upbeat, "luckily the performances tied in miraculously. My tightest moment was after my Albert Hall aria; I literally tucked up my evening dress, tottered down all the steps, past the audience, and walked out onto the Britten Theatre stage." Such is Janis' professionalism that nobody in the theatre remotely suspected where she'd just

POTLIGHTbeen! ON Along with teaching at the RCM, Janis' upcoming challenges include Face, an operetta by RCM tutor David

S Sawer on the subject of cosmetic surgery!

Last summer John Barstow was chairman Ipanema (after the name of Wiz’s band) has Michael Rosewell’s vigorous period- of the Jury at the Brant International Piano been released with 9 previously unreleased instrument band.” Competition at Symphony Hall in recordings. www.myspace.com/f4wt Birmingham and gave a recital and Neil Roxburgh (Junior Department) recently masterclasses at the Hereford Summer Miguel Mera featured on BBC Radio 3’s adjudicated the piano section of the School for Pianists. Music Matters on 5 January in an episode Basingstoke Festival and gave a workshop at dedicated to film and music. the Hindhead Music Centre. SoundLowri Blake will be giving cello bites masterclasses at Dartington International Madeleine Mitchell’s new FiddleSticks CD Patricia Rozario is busy with appearances in Summer School this year on has received excellent reviews, among them London, Liverpool, , Cambridge, unaccompanied works for violin and cello a five-star rave from BBC Music Magazine. New York, Chichester, Copenhagen, and by Bach. Jenny Nex (Museum Curator) and Bridget Peter Buckoke’s chamber group, The Cunningham (Worshipful Company of Schubert Ensemble of London, celebrates Musicians Junior Fellow in Performance its 25th birthday this year. They will tour History) appeared this December in ITV’s the USA and various UK venues including major serial How London Was Built. Along a 25th anniversary concert at the Wigmore with the Museum itself, they featured in Hall on 14 March. the episode ‘City of Music’ exploring www.schubertensemble.com. London’s musical history.

David Burnand (Professor of Music and Michael Oliva (Area Leader in Multimedia) has been appointed external Electroacoustic Music) gave the European examiner for postgraduate Audio première of his Rain Drive for quartertone Austria. She will take part in the Salisbury, Production at the University of bass flute, guitar and electronics at the Charleston Manor, Bromsgrove, West Cork Westminster. Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Festivals. last November. Michael has been invited to www.rayfieldartists.com/patriciarozario.html Adrian Butterfield’s latest CD of Handel’s perform and give a paper at the Spark violin sonatas has just been released on Festival of Electronic Music and Arts in Timothy Salter’s Mondrian Pictures was the label SOMM with the London Handel Minneapolis . part of a Park Lane Group recital by Andrew Players. The CD includes the first Harper (clarinet) and Joseph Middleton recording of a short Allegro for solo violin. Michael Rosewell continues his association (piano) at the Purcell Room on 9 January. Adrian has just recorded Leclair’s first set with English Touring Opera as Musical www.timothysalter.com of violin sonatas for Naxos, produced by Director. Two of his most recent Annette Isserlis and engineered by Ben productions have received significant praise Sebastian Scotney (new Professional Skills Connellan (both RCM). from . Writing about Eugene tutor in the Graduate School) has recently Onegin, Tim Ashley said, “The opera is brought some big names from across the Karina Fraser (Student Services Assistant) beautifully, urgently conducted by Michael profession to talk to students about the has setSound up a charity following the death of Rosewell…the whole thing sheds morebitesrealities ahead, including Sarah Gee (CBSO), her partner Darren ‘Wiz’ Brown in 2006. light on Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece than any Cathy Nelson (formerly of Van Walsum The Forward 4 Wiz Trust intends to help other recent UK production”. Meanwhile, Management) and Chris Green (British talented bands and musicians with advice writing about Teseo, Erica Jeal said, “The Academy of Composers and Songwriters). and financial assistance. A CD entitled best of the drama comes from the pit, with

16 upbeat D EEPLY M ISSED

The RCM was sorry to learn in November of the death of Julia Campion. Registry Assistant for many years, Julia was a familiar face to students and staff. Such was her energy and passion that her retirement a few years ago scarcely reduced her commitment, and she began a new life undertaking administrative and promotional work for many of our professors. Her devotion and signature humour will be greatly missed by us all. A memorial service takes place at St Matthews Bayswater, St Petersburg Place, London at 11am on 9 May, which would have been her 69th birthday. www.juliacampion.com

Richard Greenwood (piano) passed away on 27 December. An RCM graduate and JD teacher from 1971 to 2007, Richard’s parents Norma and Antonia were also both RCM professors. A commemorative service will take place at St Mary’s Church, Barnes at 2.00pm on 26 March.

Christopher James (composer) died on 14 January. He had recently taken up as lecturer in Music & Composition at the University of Aberdeen.

Staff, students and graduates were saddened to hear of the death of Jean Mallandaine on 14 November. A tireless and much loved coach in the Opera School, Jean was born in Sussex and returned there to join the staff of Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 1966. She was also head of Houston Grand Opera’s musical staff for many years. Her dedication to young singers was legendary, illustrated not only through her work at the RCM and the National Opera Studio, but also on the young artists programmes of both the Royal Opera and Metropolitan Opera.

After a courageous battle against illness, Dr Janet Mills died on 24 December. As a Research Fellow and Head of the Music Education Research Team, Janet ran projects which actively prepare our students for classroom teaching. She also led the RCM’s pioneering Working in Music survey which produced illuminating insight into the paths our graduates take. Over several years, she staged a signature series of seminars drawing many of the top figures of the music world to participate in vital debate at the RCM. She fulfilled numerous roles in music education and her writings have become valued aids for colleagues across the sector. The continuing progress of the Music Education Research Team can be followed online at www.musiceducation.rcm.ac.uk.

Eileen Raven (piano) passed away on 9 September. She graduated in 1949 having studied with Hilda Klein and Singing with Topliss Green.

Dr Ingrid Pearson (Deputy Head, Graduate School) writes: The RCM was saddened by the death of alumnus William (Bill) Waterhouse on 5 November. Only a couple of weeks before his death, Bill rang me to say how delighted he was at being awarded Fellowship of the RCM. Born in 1931, Bill’s association with the RCM began in 1948 when he won a scholarship to study here. His teachers included Archie Camden (bassoon), (viola) and (harmony). Bill recalled turning up for his harmony lesson one week to find that Jacob had sent along none other than Ralph Vaughan Williams to deputise for him. Bill’s studies were interrupted for two years’ National Service during which he played in the RAF Central Band at Uxbridge. Upon returning to the RCM, Bill was soon in demand as an orchestral player, working with the Philharmonia. Throughout his performing career Bill held positions in many orchestras including Covent Garden, the LSO and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. With his LSO colleague and fellow alumnus , Bill was a founding member of the .

He began collecting instruments, books, manuscripts and music in his late teens. Bill was as generous in sharing his collection and expertise as he was knowledgeable, and in these ways touched the lives of many people. He was a true Renaissance man, who could also converse and write in Italian, German and French. Bill’s legacy comprises recordings, many with Melos, as well as publications for Universal Edition and Musica Rara. His monograph The Bassoon published in 2006 is a wonderful insight into his approach to the instrument. As an adjudicator and pedagogue Bill worked throughout the world. I was honoured to represent the RCM at the memorial service for Bill, held on 23 November at St Michael’s Church, Highgate. In the words of Anna Wright, Librarian at the RNCM: “Bill’s knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and zest for life will be missed by many friends, colleagues and s his family.”

As Upbeat went to press, the death of oboist Lady Evelyn Barbirolli was announced. A full tribute will feature in our next edition.

upbeat 17 A ND FINALLY...

Museum concerts A NEW TREASURE

The autumn season saw a good number of concerts and As reported in recent editions of events in the Museum of Instruments. October marked the Upbeat, historical performance at the end of the current phase of the Concert Programmes Project RCM is in full bloom. Adding to this is (see page 7) with a concert the welcome delivery of a magnificent based on a programme new double manual harpsichord by from 1805; in November, renowned Dutch maker, Titus Crijnen. we not only celebrated This instrument is based on the modern music written for enlarged or ravalled 1624 harpsichord instruments of previous by Iohannes Ruckers housed in the Musée d'Underlinden in Colmar, generations including France, which formerly belonged to the de Sade family. This works by RCM professor harpsichord is often copied by modern builders because of the very William Mival, doctoral precise drawing made by the restorer, Christopher Clarke. In 18th student Claes Biehl and century France, much of the work of a harpsichord builder was to the winner of last year's enlarge antique Flemish harpsichords: these ravalled Flemish Museum Composers Competition, Louis Mander, but also harpsichords dominated the music at the French court, no fewer than hosted an evening of theatre music presented by Ensemble in eight being listed in the inventory of the instruments of Louis XVI at Residence, The Oboe Band. At the start of this year, Versailles. Harpsichord professor Robert Woolley and harpsichord tuner Worshipful Company Junior Fellow Bridget Cunningham Claire Hammett told Upbeat: "For the modern player this is a blessing: organised a concert (and participated in a podcast) for the history created an instrument that still has characteristics of the 17th National Gallery's new exhibition, Renaissance Siena: Art For century but at the same time is the most important harpsichord of A City. She and fellow musicians performed music from the 18th century France." The materials Titus used include poplar, oak, era as Matteo di Giovanni's painting The Assumption of the spruce, cherry and beech, while the keyboards are of European linden Virgin which features in the exhibit. For more news from our covered with ebony. The harpsichord is now located in the RCM's Museum, visit www.cph.rcm.ac.uk. Durrington Room, where it will be widely used for concerts, masterclasses, exams and teaching.

Fresh fingers for Beethoven

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music has recently published a new edition of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas, replacing the old Tovey-Craxton edition of the 1930s. Edited by Professor Barry Cooper of Manchester University, the edition features suggested fingering supplied by our very own David Ward, professor of piano and fortepiano at the RCM.

The edition was launched in style at the Wigmore Hall in December. Compered by TV presenter John Suchet, the occasion featured David talking about his approach to fingering and one of the RCM's most distinguished pianists Andrew Aarons performed on Christopher Barlow's exquisite copy of a Graaf fortepiano from c.1825.

WINTER WARMER

Following the success of its annual Summer Music course, the RCM launched a season spin-off in December. Taking place on Sunday 9 December, Winter Music saw 30 young people come to the College for a day of festive fun. Accompanied by 10 RCM students, the participants enjoyed some festive music making, creative sessions and, of course, some hearty carol singing. Every child got the opportunity to play their instrument as part of the 40-piece ensemble, and impressed their audience with a journey through 'A year in a life of Father Christmas.' The day rounded off with mince pies and mulled wine (for the adults) and, very excitingly, a guest appearance from the man himself…

Kindly supported by British Gas, Winter Music is the latest initiative of RCM Sparks, our vibrant education and outreach programme. For more information about forthcoming Sunday sessions and upcoming Summer activities, visit www.rcm.ac.uk.

18 upbeat SHARED FOCUS STUDIOS NEWS

Jacqueline Clifton reports: Over 100 people attended The RCM Studios team is the Inclusion Through Music conference at the RCM pleased to welcome Stephen in October, organised by Musicians in Focus. The Harrington into the fold as A conference delegate! conference focused on access to music education resident full time engineer and the profession for those with a visual impairment, dyslexia and other special alongside Ben Wiffen. needs. Among the speakers were Marc Jaffrey (Music Manifesto Champion) who Stephen is a graduate of the affirmed the importance of providing access to music for all, Sue Williams (Arts University of 's respected Tonmeister Council Disability Equality Scheme), Pauline Dalby (Musicians Union) and Paul course, and has extensive experience in live and Checkley (Musicians Hearing Service). E A Draffan spoke about alternative formats studio recording. of printed materials and Paula Bishop talked about dyslexia and music. As a replacement for the Studios' portable Mini The conference comprised demonstrations and advice surgeries covering access to Disc recorders, seven new Tascam HD-P2 digital music technology, instrumental teaching and examinations, Braille music, an recorders have been acquired, the added benefit evaluation of music software, and enhancements to the screen reading facility being that media no longer need be bought, as 'JAWS'. A documentary film was also premiered about the creating of The Princess' these recorders utilise 'flash' recording Tale, a new work devised by visually impaired musicians and members of the technology which enables recordings to be London Symphony Orchestra, drawing inspiration from Stravinsky's L'histoire du stored on a small card which can be used to soldat. Encapsulating the essence of the entire Inclusion Through Media project, create copies. the film follows the musicians through all the challenges, tension and humour that we recognise as a part of the creative process. The conference would have been Meanwhile, the Christmas break saw the finishing incomplete without music itself and there were vivid performances by visually touches to the Studios' recent refurbishment impaired musicians in the RCM Museum of Instruments and by Matthew plan. Control rooms 1 and 2 are now fitted with Wadsworth (theorbo) with Gary Cooper (virginals) and Hassan Erraji (oud, violin custom-built furniture courtesy of AKA Design, and percussion) with Chris Morphitis (guitar and percussion). and all Macs have been brought right up to date with the installation of Logic 8, Toast 8 and, Conference delegates relished the opportunity to network, discuss ideas and solve Leopard as well as Leopard Server. problems. There was a constant buzz of enthusiasm and hope that the future holds more opportunities for many who have been excluded from participating fully in a To help current students and staff arrange music education leading to a career in the profession. We'd like to thank everyone session times, the team is now posting regular who made the conference such a success, particularly Colin Lawson and the staff of updates on the Studios' availability online. All the RCM for hosting the event, and our principle partners Yamaha Music UK Ltd current students and staff from within the Public for all their support. For more information, visit www.musiciansinfocus.org. folders section of the RCM webmail service.

The RCM is delighted to welcome the following people who have joined our Acknowledgements popular Friends scheme. Mr E Jackson We would like to express our gratitude for donations from the following: Mr M Price Cedric M Warner · The Thomas Sivewright Catto Charitable Settlement Miss D Willcocks ·Mr Andrew Clarke Ms M Wilson · The John S Cohen Foundation Mr P Willan HonRCM · The Robert Fleming Hannay Memorial Charity Lady Roberts · Mr & Mrs Ian Johnson Mrs H Bennett · Mr & Mrs Ian Laing Mr E Kless · The Kirby Laing Foundation Mrs M Deissler · The Leverhulme Trust Mr G Evanson · The Jenny Marsh Chapman Trust Lady Stewart · The Marsh Christian Charitable Trust Mr R Adeney ·The NOSWAD Charity Mrs M Burnham · Phyllis Sellick deceased Mrs D Poole ·The South Square Trust Mr M Pix ·The Wall Trust Mr R Coles Mr D Zec Dr S Nyburg There are numerous ways in which you can support the RCM. If you are Mr D Worsdall interested in finding out about current projects or fundraising activities please Mrs R Stoycheva-Sexton contact Kathryn Ancell, Development Manager on 020 7591 4773 or Mrs R Mitchell [email protected]. To find out how you can become a Friend, see overleaf. 19