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Home , Gordon Jacob, Louise Alder, Patrick Hadley, Ruth Palmer, Stephen Dodgson, William Henry Reed

The Magazine for the Royal College of MusicI Summer 2013

HRH The Prince of Wales Celebrating 20 years as RCM President

What’s inside... Welcome to upbeat... This issue we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of HRH The Prince of Wales as our President. Contents

Since taking over the role from HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 4 In the news in 1993, he has visited the RCM almost every year for our annual awards Latest news from the RCM ceremony. To mark the special occasion, a new award has been created and you including a new Head of Junior can read all about the first recipient, RCM percussionist Ruairi Glasheen, on Programmes and a project on the page 11. health and wellbeing of musicians

We’ve also been delving into our archives and found some incredible imagery 10 Introducing The President’s of his visits over the past 20 years. Turn to page 12 for some of our favourite Award photos including honorary awards for Sir Paul McCartney, Sarah Connolly All about the award and HRH and Lang Lang. If that’s whet your appetite, visit our Facebook page for more The Prince of Wales’s annual visit photos or our YouTube channel for a short video about Ruairi and the new to the RCM President’s Award. 11 Meeting Ruairi Glasheen We’re always keen to hear from students past and present and there are now Upbeat meets the first recipient of many ways to stay in touch with the RCM: join the conversation on Twitter The President’s Award @RCMLatest, find us on Facebook or email us with your news and pictures at 12 In pictures [email protected] by Monday 23 September 2013 to be featured in the next edition of Upbeat. Celebrating 20 years of HRH The Prince of Wales as President of the RCM Upbeat online Did you know that Upbeat is available to read online at www.rcm.ac.uk/upbeat 14 Meeting the supporters If you’d prefer to read it in this way, do contact us at [email protected] and we’ll Upbeat meets scholarship stop sending you a paper copy. If you’d like us to send you an email notification supporter Ruth West when Upbeat is published, let us know your email address too. 16 Student notes… Current student success stories

18 Staff notes… News from professorial, academic and administrative staff

20 Alumni notes… Updates from RCM graduates

22 Obituaries and Marriages

RCM musicians perform works by emigre at the Goethe Institute in Paris

Front cover – HRH The Prince of Wales © Michael Dunlea Inside front cover – Images of the RCM Baroque Orchestra and RCM Chamber © Chris Christodoulou Inside back cover – A selection of images from ‘Journeying Boys’, a colourful evening of song devised and directed by BBC Radio 3 presenter Iain Burnside © Chris Christodoulou All photography © Chris Christodoulou

3 In the news...

performances by The Françoise-Green ROSL Success for Piano Duo, winners of the ROSL Morgan Pearse Ensemble Prize. Other notable wins for the RCM RCM baritone Morgan Pearse has included the Accompanist Prize for been awarded the Gold Medal and First Jennifer Hughes, awarded for her Prize of £10,000 at the Royal Over-Seas performances in both the Wind and League Competition Final. Singers’ sections of the competition. Held at the Southbank Centre’s Queen For 50 years, the Royal Over-Seas Elizabeth Hall, Morgan wowed the League has been devoted to the judges with a wide-ranging programme career development of talented young of Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Schumann, professional artists and musicians from Korngold and Donizetti. Winners of the the UK and the Commonwealth. The four solo awards competed for the top organisation provides scholarships prize including star RCM violinist and and performance opportunities for winner of the String Section Michael musicians at major venues such as the Foyle. The evening also included Wigmore Hall.

Ferrier Success comments. Patrick and Marina Breen Ashkenazy Live! from Northern Ireland wrote: “Fantastic performances, wonderful playing such for Louise Alder Vladimir Ashkenazy conducted the a joy to hear and see”, while Madeleine RCM Symphony Orchestra on 27 Liger from France said: “Many thanks February in a sell-out concert featuring to the RCM for offering us this great Prokofiev’s Second Piano , moment to watch our daughter performed by star RCM pianist Oxana performing.” Shevchenko, and Rachmaninov’s popular Symphony no 2. If you missed the performance, visit our YouTube channel for exclusive rehearsal The performance was also streamed clips and an interview with Vladimir live to an enthusiastic global audience Ashkenazy, offering a fascinating insight via the RCM website and we were into the rehearsal process: delighted to receive many enthusiastic www.youtube.com/rcmlondon

RCM soprano Louise Alder has been awarded Second Prize at the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Awards. The Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship Fund’s Annual Competition – which has a reputation as “Britain’s most prestigious singing awards” – offers the chance for young professional singers to compete for glittering cash prizes and instant international recognition.

The Final took place on Friday 25 April at ’s Wigmore Hall. After the competition Louise commented: “The Wigmore is the most magical place to sing in and the atmosphere was electric! I was honoured to be in the final and heard alongside such talented young artists.”

4 Michael Gough Matthews New Head of Junior Programmes

Vice-President and former RCM later appointed Director of the Junior Director, Michael Gough Matthews, Department at the RCM. Following Sir has died. David Willcocks’ appointment as RCM Director in 1974, Michael successively Michael’s long association with the held the posts of Registrar, Director RCM began when he was eight, with a of Studies and Vice-Director before Junior Exhibition award from Sir Percy becoming Director in 1984. Buck to study piano. Advised by the RCM against evacuation during World He always endeavoured to War II, as that would have affected promote the RCM overseas and The is delighted his studies, he travelled to the RCM succeeded in repositioning the RCM to announce the appointment of throughout the Blitz from his parents’ internationally. In 1985 Michael was Miranda Francis as the new Head of home in Essex. At 15, he won an Open invited by the Sultan of Oman to Junior Programmes. Major Scholarship to study with Frank establish the Royal Oman Symphony Merrick, returning after National Orchestra and the following year Miranda takes up her appointment in Service to win the Hopkinson Gold embarked, with the late Belle September. In this new role, she will Medal in his final year. Shenkman, on organising RCM concerts succeed Peter Hewitt as Head of the at more than 40 Embassies and High RCM’s Junior Department and will also Private studies followed with Harold Commissions worldwide, sponsored work closely with RCM Sparks, the RCM’s Craxton who prepared him for the 5th by Jaguar Cars. On his retirement in wide-reaching learning and participation Chopin International Competition, 1993, Michael was appointed a Vice- programme. where he won a Chopin Fellowship for President of the RCM. He continued Miranda is currently Head of Academic advanced studies and a series of recitals to teach and adjudicate, and sat on a Music at the Purcell School. She is also throughout Eastern Europe. He later number of musical charities well into Principal Examiner of Performance at won an Italian Government Scholarship his retirement. Advanced Level for Edexel and Area to , and gave his Wigmore Hall Leader for Aural Training at the RCM. debut recital in 1960. Michael Gough Matthews died on 11 April 2013. He was loved and respected She studied double bass at the Royal In 1964 he set up a Junior School for by students and staff alike for his Academy of Music and received an MA gifted children at the Royal Scottish kindness and generosity of spirit. His in Music Education from the Institute of Academy of Music in Glasgow and was legacy is still much in evidence today. Education (). Professor Colin Lawson, Director of Events during the week included a the RCM, commented: “I am absolutely Rag Week Cheese and Wine soiree, a salsa lesson delighted to announce Miranda’s and a pub quiz. Other fundraising appointment to the position of Head of The RCM Students’ Association efforts this term have included the Junior Programmes. This new position organised a week of events in February in second concert by the RCM Student represents the RCM’s commitment to aid of this year’s charity the Parkinson’s Film Music Orchestra, featuring a special providing both elite training for the most Movement for the Cure Parkinson’s performance of Michael Kamen’s cult talented musicians and inspirational Trust. score for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. musical experiences for all.”

5 In the news...

(FRCM) on five outstanding figures in Leading British conductor Christopher The President’s international musical life: Tony-Award Hogwood, universally regarded as one winning tenor Alfie Boe, RCM Head of of the world’s leading exponents of Visit 2013 Percussion and principal with the BBC historically-informed performance, was Symphony Orchestra David Hockings, presented with an Honorary Doctorate. On Wednesday 15 May, HRH The Prince guitarist and Gary Ryan, of Wales visited the Royal College of flautist and conductorJaime Martin and His Royal Highness also presented the Music where, in his role as President of Guildhall School of Music and Drama Tagore Gold Medal to two students who the RCM, he presented special honours Principal Barry Ife. graduated last year – violinist Mari Poll at the RCM’s annual awards ceremony. and trumpeter Christian Barraclough Honorary Membership of the Royal – and the Queen Elizabeth The Queen This year was particularly special as it College of Music (HonRCM) was Mother Rose Bowl to pianist Caterina marked 20 years of HRH The Prince of presented to six individuals who have Grewe. Wales as our President and the creation made an outstanding contribution to of a brand-new honour, The President’s music and to the RCM: philanthropist After the ceremony, His Royal Highness Award. You can read more about the Graham Bamford, composer and attended a short concert in which the award and its first recipient, RCM educator Rachel Leach, RCM Director Tagore medallists and Rosebowl winner percussionist Ruairi Glasheen, on pages of Finance Marcus McDonald, RCM performed works by Ravel, Hertel and 10-11. Director of Development Samir Savant, Rachmaninov, and then met RCM students and supporters. His Royal Highness conferred the philanthropist Dasha Shenkman and Fellowship of the Royal College of Music chief David Whelton.

6 RCM violinist Ben Baker has triumphed Windsor Festival at the prestigious Fourth Windsor Musical Impact Festival International String Competition, International String winning both the First Prize and the Competition Audience Prize. Ben beat off competition from seven other semi-finalists – some the world’s finest young string players – to be awarded the top prize fund valued at more than £20,000. The prize also includes a concerto performance The UK’s nine top conservatoires have with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the come together for a new £1 million competition’s associate orchestra, at the project on the health and wellbeing of Windsor Festival in September and a solo performing musicians. recording opportunity with Champs Hill Records. Musical Impact is a four year project that aims to generate new Ben, who is an ABRSM scholar at the knowledge of the physical and RCM studying with Natasha Boyarsky, mental demands of music making said of his win: “Performing in the historic and to identify effective strategies and inspiring surroundings of Windsor for promoting musicians’ health and Castle was very special, and to come away wellbeing. Funded by the Arts and with such a coveted prize has been quite Humanities Research Council and the overwhelming. The reality is still sinking participating institutions, it aims to in but I am already looking forward to provide comprehensive resources to returning to Windsor to play with the maximise musicians’ educational and Philharmonia in September.” professional opportunities. Professor of Performance Science at the ancient world to the modern day, the RCM Aaron Williamon, who The Story and suggested that music has always will be leading one of three strands been a crucial part of human existence. of research, said: “I’m thrilled about of Music Musical Impact, which offers an exciting opportunity to make a tangible RCM musicians Anne Marie difference to the lives and health of Christensen and Emmanuelle Fleurot, musicians.” and RCM Quartet in Association the Sacconi Quartet have all featured in Director of the RCM, Professor Colin Howard Goodall’s BBC2 programme Lawson, commented: “Nothing is The Story of Music. more important to the members of Conservatoires UK than the health In the six-part series, composer Howard and wellbeing of our students. We are Goodall traced the story of music from Howard Goodall delighted to be working together on a project that promises to make such a positive difference to their lives.” visited the RCM for two immensely Lang Lang popular masterclasses, received The project will be led by an Honorary Doctorate, and met Conservatoires UK and also involves Music World participants in the RCM’s International scientists from Cardiff University Piano Course. and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head Crucially, these centres of learning of Keyboard at the RCM, has been will also be working with professional appointed Vice Chairman of Lang Lang musicians and their employers – Music World: Lang Lang’s school for via the Musicians Union and the gifted pianists in Shenzhen, China. Association of British Orchestras – as well as health practitioners This advisory role will see Vanessa make a and researchers linked to the British number of visits to the school, where she Association for Performing Arts has already given several masterclasses. Medicine and the International Health The appointment represents the latest Humanities Network. For further phase in the close relationship the RCM information, visit enjoys with Lang Lang, who recently www.rcm.ac.uk/cps/musicalimpact

7 In the news...

of his time tutoring at the RCM. His Composer of star pupil (born 1926) RCM and the the Week followed in Jacob’s footsteps, and has himself taught at the RCM for almost 50 BBC Proms Two much-loved RCM composers, years. and Joseph Horovitz, have been the subject of BBC Radio 3’s Each day, from 15 to 19 April, Joseph popular programme Composer of the Horovitz joined presenter Donald Week. Macleod to explore both his own music and that of his teacher. The producer of Gordon Jacob (1895–1984) composed this edition was Luke Whitlock, RCM more than 400 works and spent much alumnus and former member of staff.

Joseph Horovitz teaching at the RCM This summer the RCM once again plays a big part in the BBC Proms, the world’s greatest classical music festival. Every Prom will be preceded 2013 Rod Williams Memorial Concert by a Proms Plus event in the RCM’s Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall. The RCM was pleased to welcome In addition RCM Sparks Summer Nigel Woolner and Jeremy Pickering, Music runs alongside the BBC Proms representatives of the Mills Williams season and offers a range of events for Foundation, to a concert by the RCM participants of all ages and levels of Classical Orchestra conducted by Sir ability. Roger Norrington. This year the series includes fun The current Mills Williams Junior workshops for 6 to 12 year olds that Fellow, pianist Yulia Deakin, was explore music from selected Proms delighted to attend the event and and an exciting new three-day course be presented with the Mills Williams for young people aged 10 to 12, Medal, which Peter Mills commissioned inspired by Mussorgsky’s Pictures at for all recipients of the award. an Exhibition. For teenagers, a five-day composition course sees participants Peter Mills established the Mills create an eclectic new ensemble Williams award on the death of his and compose a new piece inspired life-long partner, Rod Williams, in 1995. by music from . Finally, To date, the award has endorsed 17 new hands-on taster workshops for Mills Williams Junior Fellowships and families offer storytelling in the RCM continues to fund an annual concert at Museum of Music, samba drumming the RCM in memory of Rod Williams. and gospel singing. All participants are Peter himself died in 2006 after a long eligible for special Prom concert ticket battle with cancer, but happily the offers. Mills Williams Foundation lives on with the objective of supporting music and For more information visit young musicians. Yulia Deakin www.rcm.ac.uk/summermusic

8 Boconnoc, in Cornwall. The prize A history The Boconnoc constitutes a week’s residency on the estate, with all travel, lodging and of ABRSM Music Award costs covered, providing a valuable opportunity for the musicians to work The Cataleya Quintet has been intensively on repertoire and technique named as the second recipients of the in a private and unique environment. Boconnoc Award. Pablo Ortiz de Urbina said: “There Comprising RCM musicians Diego is nothing more exciting than being Aceña, Alasdair Hill, Pablo Ortiz given an opportunity to be inspired De Urbina, Sophie Robertshaw and by music and to do so in a peaceful Adrian Somogyi, the ensemble will environment. An opportunity like the be resident at Boconnoc from 22 to 26 Boconnoc Award is so valuable to our July, culminating in a public concert on professional careers and reminds us why 26 July in the estate’s parish church as we love music so much.” well as recitals at Boconnoc House on 23 and 25 July. To find out more about Boconnoc and the Cataleya Quintet concerts, please The award was established last year email [email protected], telephone thanks to the generosity of Anthony 01208 872 507 or visit and Elizabeth Fortescue, owners of www.boconnoc.com

A new book on the history of ABRSM has been written by David Wright, previously Reader in the Social History of Music at the RCM. Published by Boydell & Brewer, this ground-breaking history explores how ABRSM became a formative influence and looks at some of the consequences resulting from its pre-eminent position in British musical life. Upbeat readers can claim a 35% discount by entering the offer code 13032 on the Boydell & Brewer’s website. The offer is valid until the end of August.

A royal trip to Qatar

Musicians from the RCM performed for concert, Stephen conducted works by royalty during a recent trip to Qatar. Purcell and Shostakovich, while Sarah and Joseph joined forces with RCM RCM Artistic Director Stephen Johns, alumna Amira Fouad, Artistic Director together with RCM cellist Sarah Joyce of Qatar Music and Arts, to play the and violinist Joseph Devalle, travelled Andante from Mendelssohn’s D minor to the capital city of Doha in March. Trio.

During their visit they worked with The three RCM representatives also young musicians from the Qatar Music took time to visit the English Speaking Academy and gave a performance at School in Doha, where they gave the Katara Cultural Village for Their performances and masterclasses, and Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales the city’s Yamaha showroom for an and The Duchess of Cornwall. For the introduction to the RCM.

9 Introducing The President’s Award

for the RCM and indeed for music Sparks programme not only gives our itself. We know that he loves music and students a tremendous opportunity to particularly the music of our second work with young people, but also gives director, Hubert Parry. There’s no doubt a wonderful experience to the children that having that sort of advocacy at this themselves, who are inspired by what we level is very important to us.” have to offer.”

Of course the President’s Visit isn’t all This May – having commissioned about the awards. After the ceremony, -based wood carver Tim Plunkett there’s a more informal part of the day, to carve a rose bowl from a piece of when students can meet the Prince oak from his Duchy of Cornwall Estate and talk to him about music. (On one – His Royal Highness presented the particularly memorable occasion, they inaugural award to Irish percussionist even engaged with him in an impromptu Ruairi Glasheen, who has been working pool tournament!) The Prince always with RCM Sparks for four years. After seems to relish this part of the day, and receiving the award, Ruairi joined takes a genuine interest in the lives of the with students on the RCM’s Sparks current generation of RCM students. Juniors programme to give a special performance for His Royal Highness. The 2013 President’s Visit was a particularly special occasion. In Professor Lawson described Ruairi as a celebration of the 20th anniversary “wonderful choice for this award”, and of his Presidency, Prince Charles told Upbeat: “He’s done a great deal for decided to inaugurate a brand new our Sparks programme, which brings award, honouring a student for the RCM into the wider community and their outstanding work in the wider benefits thousands of young people. community. He is a fantastic advocate – a very fine percussionist, a great personality – and The RCM calendar is always packed full Professor Lawson is particularly really embodies all the RCM values!” of extraordinary and intriguing concerts, delighted that the award will celebrate masterclasses, lectures and events. But achievement in this area of the RCM’s HRH The Prince of Wales annual visits among all of these there’s one annual activity. “Every musician today has to to the Royal College of Music are always event that always stands out: The work out how they can interact with the special occasions and we look forward President’s Visit, when students, staff community, and outreach work is a very to welcoming him back for many years and supporters get to rub shoulders not important part of what we do. The RCM to come. only with HRH The Prince of Wales, but also with musical royalty in the shape of our honoured prize-winners and award recipients.

The list of those who have attended the President’s Visit is quite extraordinary, and reads like a “Who’s Who” of classical music in the last 100 years. In addition to the most significant British composers, conductors and performers, the RCM has played host to international figures such as Abbado, Barenboim, Boulez, Casals and Domingo (for letters E to Z you’ll have to visit the website…). They have all made the pilgrimage to Prince Consort Road to shake hands with royalty and to sign the RCM’s hallowed Book of Honours, surely one of the musical world’s most treasured objects.

There’s no doubt that Prince Charles’s presence is a big draw for these figures, and Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM, is enormously appreciative of his support. He told Upbeat: “The Prince of Wales is a wonderful advocate

10 Meeting Ruairi Glasheen

Why do you do so much education and outreach work? For me, making music is so much about the people. Part of the reason why I came to the RCM and pursued music is because of the great people. And particularly working in the community and in schools you’re always meeting amazing new people. That is really inspiring for me.

Also I didn’t start playing percussion until I was 17, and I think because I came to it so late, that’s really been a great driving force for me to get involved in education and outreach, and work in the community. Seeing a performance by Evelyn Glennie, do, or my creative output. We’ve recently seeing how she did things, was a very played at Ronnie Scotts and at The Forge, Do you have a favourite project that clear moment. I think that when you get which were two amazing gigs. We’re you’ve worked on? to that age of 16 or 17, you really lock recording an EP, and it would be great to Among many other things, I’m a into something, and find your passion. It do a few more videos. percussion teacher at Holland Park was very instant, and I just decided: that Secondary School. When we started was it. And two and a half years later, I How do you work together? teaching there through the RCM’s somehow managed to get into the RCM! We all write together: I do write songs “Musicians of the Future” programme separately too and Laura writes a lot of there was very little music happening Can you tell us about your band? the songs, but it’s a really collaborative in the school. But in the three years When I first moved to London I didn’t group and we all contribute. that we’ve been there it’s just grown know anybody at all. And on my very and grown, and it’s now a really thriving first day in the kitchen at our halls of When I came to music I couldn’t read department. When they came to the residence, I met a very nice lady called music, and it’s still my great weakness – it RCM and did a performance as part of Pippa Mercer, and we both started our always has been. When I play in the band the percussion festival – with a human undergraduate degrees at the same time there’s very seldom sheet music involved metronome! – that was really good fun! here at the RCM. We were pretty much and it’s all very organic. And I think that best friends from the very start, we met aspect of my work – where things aren’t How do you feel about receiving the guitarist Laura Snowden a couple of written down – transfers really well to award? months later, and we formed a band the outreach and education work, maybe When I found out about the award I was called Tir Eolas. because it’s so accessible. very honoured, obviously. I’m in my final term here now, so real life is impending! We were originally a trio, but over the Did you enjoy the day? And it’s always great to move on with years we’ve added and changed shape, I was very excited, of course! In particular, some recognition for what you’ve been formation and outlook. It’s been about I really enjoyed playing: I think it’s much doing. four years since we really started making easier getting up and playing than having music together. It’s a great part of what I to talk about things! My mum and dad came all the way from Ireland, and two of my band mates from my band Tir Eolas came along too. So it was a good celebration!

How and why did you come to percussion aged 17? Well it’s funny really! I was born in the UK but my parents are both Irish, and Ruairi in action when I was very little – about 4 – I You can watch a short video of started playing the bodhrán. When I was Ruairi receiving the President’s 7 my family moved back to Ireland and Award from HRH The Prince of funnily enough, I then stopped playing Wales and giving a concert with the bodhrán completely. I didn’t play anything at all until the age of about participants from our RCM 16 or 17, when I got an urge to play the Sparks Juniors programme on drum kit. our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rcmlondon

11 Celebrating 20 years of HRH The Prince of Wales as President of the Royal College of Music

Over the past 20 years many students, staff and distinguished guests have had the opportunity to meet HRH The Prince of Wales at his annual visit to the Royal College of Music. Here are just a few of our favourite moments captured on film.

1994: HRH The Prince of Wales confers the FRCM on composer 1993: HRH The Prince of Wales becomes President Sir Peter Maxwell Davies of the Royal College of Music in a special handover ceremony at the RCM which saw HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother take on the role of President Emerita

1995: HRH The Prince of Wales confers the FRCM on Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney

1994: HRH The Prince of Wales confers theJulian FRCM on Junior Department alumnus and cellist Lloyd Webber

12 2002: HRH The Prince of Wales tries his hand at the RCM’s gamelan 1998: HRH The Prince of Wales enjoys a game of pool in the student bar as part of his annual visit to the RCM

2004: HRH The Prince of Wales confers the FRCM on world-renowned soprano Dame Emma Kirkby 2004: HRH The Prince of Wales takes up the baton to conduct the Elastic Band Orchestra, the precursor to the Royal College of Music’s learning and participation programme, RCM Sparks

HRH The Prince of Wales confers the FRCM 2008: HRH The Prince of Wales listens to a 2007: Gerald Finley performance by RCM Sparks, the Royal College of on baritone and alumnus Music’s learning and participation programme

2008: HRH the Prince of Wales confers the FRCM on alumna and mezzo-soprano HRH the Prince of Wales confers the Sarah Connolly 2011: Lang Lang HonDMus on super star pianist

13 Meeting the supporters...

How did you first hear about the RCM? And so at the moment he supports two We’d supported the RSPCC for many terrific performers from South Africa years, but I was looking to find a way of and Slovakia. We met them both at a doing something a bit more personal marvellous Big Band concert in February. for young people. As I’ve always enjoyed music, supporting young musicians So altogether we’ve supported five seemed the perfect idea. The thing that students over the past few years. You attracted me most to the RCM was the become very interested in your students sense of enthusiasm; I was immediately and you really want them to do well. engaged by what the RCM was doing. We’re now in a position to put back something and it’s lovely to give people a Who have you supported so far? chance who might not otherwise have it. As I love opera so much I was particularly They’re so talented and it would be such keen to support a singer. But actually my a shame if they missed their place for first student was José Antonio Domené, lack of funds. a harpist. So out of the blue came José Are you looking forward to coming to with his harp into my life! He was a lovely the scholars’ reception tonight? chap and we put on a musical evening in our house for about 30 people. He Yes, and it’s the first time that we’ll meet really loved studying at the RCM and our current student Tai Oney, who is was always very good about keeping a countertenor studying at the Opera in touch. He’s now a professor in Spain School. I’m so excited to meet him. It’s and also occasionally plays for the opera lovely to meet the personality behind the house in Barcelona. José’s father, who talent. had been a promising singer, became a What would you say to someone who’s nurse because he didn’t have the funds thinking about supporting the arts? Ruth West to support his own musical training. So it You meet some very interesting people. was lovely to be able to support his son Scholarship supporters Ruth West and It’s just lovely to see them progressing, in this way. her husband Michael share a life-long moving on to better things and interest in music and have supported five Who else have you supported? knowing that you have supported that. RCM musicians over the past few years. Since then I’ve supported a countertenor It opens up new interests too. I didn’t Upbeat caught up with Ruth as she visited called Rupert Enticknap. He’s now gone know very much about the harp at all the RCM for a scholarship reception. on to great things in Vienna. In fact, he before meeting José, but I became very wrote to me recently to tell me he had interested in the instrument as a result. Has music always been important For example, I’d not noticed how many to you? to step-up last minute to the title role in Handel’s Radamisto at the Theater an der harps there are in the Ring Cycle! My father was very musical and there Wien. was a lot of music at home when I was I think it’s also the welcome you get growing up. I have fond memories of And what about your husband, here, the RCM is a lovely place to singing around the piano on a Sunday Michael? have a relationship with. I’m not very knowledgeable about music, but no- evening. I’ve always loved ballet and My husband supports two saxophonists. one makes you feel out of place. It’s opera, and remember being very excited It came about in a rather funny way just wonderful to be able to give young as a young girl when Sadler’s Wells came actually, Michael half-jokingly said to musicians the chance to succeed. to Belfast. I went for music lessons with Professor Colin Lawson: “I don’t suppose an eccentric teacher, who unfortunately you accept saxophonists here at the never managed to teach me the piano, RCM?” And he said, “Oh yes we do!” but she did teach me how to listen to music. So that’s how it all began. My husband, Michael, is not from a musical background but when we came over Welcome to new Friends and Supporters from Ireland to live in Birmingham we We are delighted to welcome the following people who have recently made enjoyed going to the Royal Shakespeare their first donation to RCM Theatre to see plays and operas. Then we Oliver Bannister Ainan Groat James Moon lived in Germany for a few years before Elizabeth Barnard Hilary Holmes Richard Moore moving to London in 1985, when we Anita Brevik Nigel Jackson Grant Newman began to go to the . David Coventry Jennifer Jacobs John Norton Vin Dharmarajan David James Derek Pannell Christian Dingwall Nina Kaye Carla Sidney-Woollett Elizabeth Farthing Brian Le Marquer Simon Taylor Suzanne Gardener Derek Lyseight-jones Suzanne Goodman Michael Marr

14 Supporting the future of music...

Music has the power to transform Independent Opera Artist Scholarship David and Sue Lewis lives. Thanks to the generosity of our South Square Trust Sir Anthony Cleaver FRCM and Lady Cleaver supporters, generations of gifted Sir Peter and Lady Walters Halina and John Bennett students from around the world have Edward Brooks FRCM Dimity and Kerry Rubie been guided and inspired at the RCM. We Sir Gordon Palmer Scholarship Tania Chislett would like to thank in particular those Douglas Downie Mrs Carol J. Hagh who have made donations of £1,000 or Mark Loveday Scholarship Mr and Mrs John Heywood more in the last 12 months. Gifts are Arthur Wilson Trombone Award Monica Moezinia listed in descending order. Noswad Charity David Poultney Else and Leonard Cross Charitable Trust Mr and Mrs Charles Robinson Supporters of named scholarships, Yehudi Menuhin Award Mrs R Rothbarth bursaries and Junior Fellowships Midori Nishiura Dr Yvonne Winkler Estate of Dr Neville Wathen Kirby Laing Foundation John Cheng ABRSM The Sylvia Paterson Award Kostas Kaplanis Leverhulme Trust The Bliss Trust Soirée d’Or Scholarships Other generous donors Estate of Ian Evans Lombe Supporters of RCM Sparks Jane Kessler Estate of Roselyn Ann Clifton Parker J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust The Farthings Trust The Richard Carne Charitable Trust John Lyon’s Charity The Henry Wood Trust Laurie Barry and the John Barry Scholarship David Ross Foundation Sir Siegmund Warburg’s Voluntary for Film Composition The Ernest Cook Trust Settlement Estate of Dr John Birch FRCM EMI Music Sound Foundation The Robert Fleming Hannay Memorial The Wolfson Foundation The Hedley Foundation Charity H R Taylor Trust John Lewis Partnership John Topham HF Awards Dr Susan Sinclair and Rodolphe Olard Karen Cook John Lewis Partnership Scholarships Anonymous Miss Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust The Tsukanov Family The Oldhurst Trust The Seary Charitable Trust Richard and Rosemary Millar HPS Trust St Marylebone Educational Foundation The Worshipful Company of Musicians Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation Roland Rudd Hester Laverne Award Interros Charles Napper Award Members of the RCM Chairman’s Circle The Sharp Foundation Lydia Napper Award Philip Carne HonRCM and Christine Carne* Centrica plc The Michael Bishop Foundation Michael and Ruth West* The Rothermere Foundation The Big Give Trust Dr Leonard Polonsky and Dr Georgette Geoffrey Richards HonRCM The Reed Foundation Bennett* Dasha Shenkman Croucher Hong Kong Charitable Trust Jane Barker* Ann Driver Trust The Hon Ros Kelly Sir Roger and Lady Carr HonRCM* Serena Fenwick Opperby Stokowski Collection Trust Guy Dawson and Sam Horscroft Mark Wood The Lee Abbey Award Emma Rose and Quentin Williams* Paul Wayne Gregory Celia and Andrew Curran Scholarship Linda and Tony Hill Bill Bolsover Stephen Catto Memorial Scholarship James and Clare Kirkman* Fiona Wilson The Worshipful Company of Drapers John and Catherine Armitage* Webster and Davidson Mortification for The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Gisela Gledhill* the Blind The Estate of Mr Charles Knoll Alethea Siow and Jeremy Furniss* Sir David Cooksey Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust Dr Mark Levesley and Christina Hoseason* The Derek Hill Foundation Ian Stoutzker OBE CBE FRCM Professor Colin Lawson FRCM Members of the RCM Director’s Circle Philip Jackson Ian and Meriel Tegner Vivien McLean The Foundation UK Janis Susskind HonRCM Richard and Sue Price Peter Granger Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Junior Fellowship Victoria Sharp Phoebe Benham Junior Fellowship Blair Wilson Award Charles and Kaaren Hale Clifford and Maggie Abrahams The Mills Williams Foundation Terry Hitchcock The Derek Butler Trust Bell Percussion Judy and Terence Mowschenson Michael Steen OBE HonRCM Andrew and Karen Sunnucks Sir Peter and Lady Middleton FRCM Monica and Guy Black Scholarship Mrs Terry Collins-Tveter Metherell Family Miel de Botton The Charles Peel Charitable Trust John Nickson and Simon Rew* The Ackroyd Trust Helena Morrissey The Vernon Ellis Foundation Nicola Jones The Richard Toeman/Weinberger Opera Peter and Dimity Spiller Scholarship Knights of the Round Table Louisa Treger Nonna Materkova The Wyseliot Charitable Trust Sir Sydney and Lady Lipworth The Wall Trust Sir David Lees The Stanley Picker Scholarship Members of the RCM Patrons’ Circle Kilfinan Trust Professor Lord Winston Russell Race * Richard Davey Lark Insurance Scholarship Ellen Moloney Friends of the National Libraries Steinway & Sons Mrs Piffa Schroder Brian and Hana Smouha The Boltini Trust Scholarships Rhoddy Voremberg * also support a named award Jonathon Bond John Ward For more information about supporting Richard and Debbie Ward Barbara Simmonds the RCM, visit www.rcm.ac.uk/supportus. David Laing Foundation Scholarship Betty Sutherland Alternatively, contact Irisa Frankle on Rayne Trust Scholarship Mrs Victoria Moore-Gillon FRCS 020 7591 4861 or [email protected].

15 Student notes Composition collaborations RCM composers Laurence Osborn, Gerardo Gozzi, Raquel Garciá Tomás, Ryan Cockerham and Andrew Baldwin have collaborated with English National Ballet dancers to create a series of new pieces. Choreographics – A Letter to... was performed at The Place in May… RCM Junior Department composers Aidan Judd, Phoebe McFarlane, Gabriella Noble and Joseph Reynolds have collaborated with young choreographers Melis Omeroglu (right) with Lara Melda and dancers from The Place as part of this year’s Sound Moves project… Pedro Faria Gomes’ new work – Tereza’s Dreams – has been premiered by members of the London Chamber Orchestra at Cadogan Hall.

Soraya Mafi

Soprano Soraya Mafi has been cast to sing the role of Soeur Constance in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites at Grange Park Opera this summer. She has also been signed by Askonas Holt along Arsha Kaviani with fellow soprano Louise Alder. English National Ballet Melis Omeroglu has won the Appelbe Keyboard Piano Prize at the North London Festival of Music, Drama and Dance… Arsha Vocal achievements accomplishments Kaviani makes his debut with the Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra in September Soprano Sinead O’Kelly has been Oliver Poole, Pedro Gomes, Miklos with a performance of ’ awarded First Prize at the Association Veszpremi, Mei Hui Tan and Julian Burleske, conducted by Kristjan Järvi… of English Singers & Speakers (AESS) Toha along with Head of Keyboard Poom Prommachart has won First Courtney Kenny Award… Ahead of Technical Services Chris Moulton have Prize in the grand final of the 2nd the London Handel Festival and RCM visited Hurstwood Farm Pianos in Kent International Piano Competition with a production of Imeneo in March, singers to try out some of the most innovative performance of Rachmaninov’s 3rd Piano Louise Alder and Morgan Pearse pianos in the world, including the first Concerto accompanied by the appeared on Resonance FM’s Opera and only all-carbon fibre piano known as Symphony Orchestra… James Burrows Hour while Hannah Sandison, Tai Oney, the ‘Phoenix’… Pianist Ian Tindale has has featured in the Huffington Post’s Katherine Crompton, Luke D Williams been awarded the Accompanists’ Prize Young Talent ‘Student of the Week’ blog and Bradley Travis featured on BBC at the Association of English Singers & with his band ‘James & The Rabbit Hole’. Radio 3’s In Tune to discuss the opera and Speakers (AESS) Courtney Kenny Award. talk about their experiences of studying at the RCM… Soprano Laura Wright String successes has sung I Vow To The My Country in the February edition of Songs of Praise, The Vasara Quartet, comprising Emma broadcast from St Mary’s Church in Oldfield, Jessica Coleman, Emma Portsmouth… Baritone Morgan Pearse Purslow and Kristiana Ignatjeva, has won the John Hosier Award… has won joint First Prize at the Soprano Anna Rajah has been awarded Britten Intercollegiate the Musicians Benevolent Fund Miriam Competition. Sponsored by the Britten- Licette Scholarship and the Audience Pears Foundation, the competition Prize at the Maureen Lehane Vocal celebrated the early chamber works of Hurstwood Farm Pianos in Kent Awards. Britten in his centenary year.

16 Jarvis Jazz Competition. His prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to the USA to attend the Centrum Jazz Workshop in Washington. Research achievements Doctoral student Alessandro Sanguineti has published an article in the American journal Performance Practice Review. His article is entitled ‘Unearthing Forgotten Treasures: Anonymous Arias with Obbligato Violoncello at the Estense Giacomo Bigoni Library, Modena’.

Junior Department cellist Rufus Lawrence has won First Prize in the Spotlight on... regional round of the German federal music competition Jugend Musiziert. Lyrit Milgram Violinist Joo Yeon Sir has been selected to join the Tillett Trust Young Artist Platform scheme and will be performing Violinist Lyrit Milgram has won the 2013 as part of their Monday Platform Series Ben Steinberg Musical Legacy Award at London’s Wigmore Hall during the for emerging musicians in Canada with 2013/14 season… Violinist Michael Foyle Jewish roots. has won the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist Competition… Junior Department violinists Itamar Rashkovsky and Alexander Chalk have won the Kings College School In Visible by Rob Olins Senior and Intermediate String Prizes respectively… Violinist Ben Baker has RCM composers Raquel García been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Tomás and Ryan Cockerham have Society’s Emily Anderson Prize. Ben was provided the soundtrack to an selected for the award following recent intriguing sculpture exhibition. YCAT auditions, and will receive £2,500 Galleries at the Royal British Society towards professional development… of Sculptors (RBS) have been Violinist Olivia Scheepers has won the transformed by sculptor Rob Olins’ First Prize at the Hatfield and District large scale work In Visible, a series of Music Festival. The prize includes an Aisha Syed bright, unnaturally coloured concave opportunity to perform with the de acoustic dishes which challenge visual Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra this perceptions and auditory responses. autumn. Violinist Aisha Syed has given concerts in Tel Aviv, Madrid and the Dominican Raquel and Ryan complemented Republic with Pasión Latina World Brass successes the installation with a series of Tour. She has also won the Soberano pieces recorded by combining Award in the Dominican Republic for Kensington Brass, a dectet featuring natural and manmade sounds from Best Classical Artist Abroad… Guitarist Ryan Linham, Toby Street, Adam the surrounding area with new Giacomo Bigoni has won Third Prize at Stockbridge, Tom Griffiths, Finlay music technologies. Raquel’s piece the Celano Guitar Competition and First Bain, Tom Barton, Adam Taylor, steel:speeches was installed until 26 Prize in Città di Treviso International Gordon Maclachlan, Jim Alexander April, while Ryan’s will be in place Musical Competition in Italy… Violinist and Stephen Calow, performed along until the end of August. Alessandro Ruisi has been awarded the the route of the London Marathon, In Visible is open to view 12.00pm Musicians Benevolent Fund Emily English rallying on the many runners including – 5.30pm Wednesday to Friday Scholarship…Violinist Valeria Kurbatova Head of Strings Mark Messenger and (or by appointment) at The Royal and flautistLuce Zurita have won a place Concert Manager Jess Pearce… Junior British Society of Sculptors on Old in the finals of the Croydon Concerto Department trombonist Jasper Rose has Brompton Road, London SW7. Competition. won the British Trombone Society Carol

17 Staff notes

Professor of Performance Science Violin professor Natalia Lomeiko has Vasco Hexel, Area Leader in Aaron Williamon is in residence at the performed Tchaikovsky’s Composition for Screen, has contributed Cheltenham Music Festival in July. He with the Moscow State Symphony music for BBC1’s Panorama and Channel will give a series of talks with Professor Orchestra at Cadogan Hall. Conducted 4’s Supersize vs Superskinny. Together Roger Kneebone from Imperial College by Music Director Pavel Kogan, the with Academy Award winner Jan A P on how professional musicians and concert formed part of the Zurich Kaczmarek, he is in the process of setting surgeons cope with the stress of life International Concert Series for 2012–13. up a series of short screen composition on the front line. There will also be an courses at the Rozbitek Institute in opportunity to try out the RCM’s new Poland for autumn 2013. Performance Simulator, a training facility to help musicians with the transition from the practice room to the stage.

Junior Department piano teacher Clara Rodríguez has curated a series of concerts at London’s Bolívar Hall. The programmes showcased the best of Classical, South American and Jazz music, performed by a host of well-loved Venezuelan and French musicians.

Director of Opera Michael Rosewell has conducted Bach’s St John Passion with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Vasco Hexel and Chorus. It was the first time the work has been performed on Good Friday in Dave Conservatoire, an online music the National Concert Hall in Dublin. The school created by Web and New soloists included tenors Mark Wilde (as Natalia Lomeiko Media Officer David Rees, has taught the Evangelist) and Eamonn Mulhall. its 50,000th lesson. Over the past 12 Violin professor Yuri Zhislin and his Junior Department musicianship teacher months, nearly 12,000 students from orchestra, the Russian Virtuosi of Europe, and cellist Shirely Smart has organised more than 120 countries have visited the have given an early evening concert at a popular music jam session – Gypsy site, which offers short video lessons and Kings Place, London. The programme Nights – at the Green Note in Camden, interactive exercises on , featured by J S Bach and London. The regular event attracts many history and technology. Find out more at Vivaldi, string works by Kreisler and top musicians from the world music www.daveconservatoire.org and follow Shostakovich and a sextet by Czech scene and welcomes new musicians to Dave Conservatoire as it develops on composer Erwin Schulhoff. join them. twitter @dconservatoire. Baroque Violin professor Adrian Butterfield has released the first complete recording of Francesco Geminiani’s op 1 Sonatas on Somm Records to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death. He also looks forward to the release of his recording of Leclair’s second book of Violin Sonatas with Jonathan Manson and Laurence Cummings on Naxos this summer.

Paul Dawson-Bowling, the husband of Junior Department teacher Elizabeth de la Porte, has published a new book on Wagner. The Wagner Experience and Its Meaning to Us is the first large-scale, stand-alone account for many years to expound the stories and context of Wagner’s great dramas.

Yuri Zhislin the Russian Virtuosi of Europe

18 Justin Lavender, Janis Kelly and Roderick Earle

Vocal professors Janis Kelly, Justin Lavender and Roderick Earle have visited the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Singapore. During Florilegium their visit they gave one-to-one lessons and a masterclass, and sang in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Head of Historical Performance Ashley Brass Band in Residence Zone One the Esplanade Theatre with the NAFA Solomon and RCM Ensemble in Brass has played live on the Chris Evans chorus, conducted by alumnus Lim Association Florilegium have been Breakfast Show as part of ‘2Day’, a 12- Yau. They look forward to welcoming in residence at the Bath International hour celebration of everything the radio students from the NAFA to the Royal Music Festival. The highlight was a channel has to offer. Live from the stage College of Music in September. performance of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas of London’s Hackney Empire, the band with RCM alumnae Helen-Jane Howells played a mix of pop tunes, including (Dido) and Elin Manahan Thomas some of Chris Evans’ favourites, and a live (Belinda), and nine members of the version of the Breakfast Show jingle. RCM Chamber Choir in the chorus. The staged production was conducted Head of Strings Mark Messenger has by Ashley and given in the Roman Baths run the London Marathon, raising more (which the local authority drained for than £4,000 for students who would the performances!). otherwise not be able to study at the RCM. The event took place on the same day as Super String Sunday, the RCM’s annual string extravaganza, and Sarah-Jane Bradley with Matthew Taylor and Garry Walker Mark even made it back to the RCM to play Mendelssohn’s Octet in the final performance of the day. Junior Department viola teacher Sarah- Jane Bradley has recorded Matthew Taylor’s Viola Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The CD will be released on Toccata Classics this autumn. She also looks forward to the release of Walther Braunfels’ Viola Concerto, which she recorded with the BBC Chamber Orchestra for Dutton Epoch, in October.

HR advisor Vicki Brock has sung in the chorus of Cole Porter’s popular Opera Coach Michael Pollock and has musical Anything Goes. Organised by released a new CD of English songs with the Wimbledon Light Opera Society, it baritone Anthony Michaels-Moore. was performed at the New Wimbledon Featuring works by alumni Charles Theatre over four nights in June. Villiers Stanford and Ralph Vaughan , the recording is one of Concert Manager Jess Pearce has run Williams the London Marathon, raising more three first releases from Opus Arte in than £3,000 for The Neuro Foundation, conjunction with Rosenblatt Recital a charity that provides support, Series. advice and help to those affected by neurofibromatosis. Visitwww.justgiving. com/jessrunsthelondonmarathon to support her. Mark Messenger

19 Alumni notes

James Brown Alan Chu

James Brown has been named Artist Manager of the Year at the ABO/ Rhinegold Classical Music Industry Awards. James was honoured principally for the successful year of pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, whom he manages.

David W Tattersall has been awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) for services to music through education and administration. David has recently retired as Director of the University of Canberra College of Music, which he established ten years ago.

Composer Alex Wilson has been selected as Fellow of the Cheltenham Music Festival, following a grant from the BBC Performing Arts Fund. In this Alison Arnopp Amy Dickson role, he will work under the guidance of a professional mentor to develop his skills, as well as lending support to the festival. Singer Alison Arnopp has won Saxophonist Amy Dickson has released Third Prize and $7,500 at the Lotte a new album, Dusk & Dawn, on Sony. Violinist Ruth Palmer has performed Lenya International Theatre Singing The disc features a collection of classical Korngold’s Violin Concerto with the BBC Competition. Held at the Eastman pieces, songs and film music including Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted School in Rochester, New York, the several arrangements by big-band by Yutaka Sado at Nottingham’s Royal competition was set up in honour of specialist Chris Walden and composer/ Concert Hall, the programme also orchestrator Nan Schwartz. Lotte Lenya and recognises talented included Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony young singers and actors. no 4. Pianist Alan Chu has performed Saint- Soprano Sophie Bevan has been Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals with named Best Young Singer at the first the Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong International Opera Awards. She beat off under the baton of maestro Ho-Man steep competition from a host of rising Choi. international stars. Also nominated for the award of Best Female Singer was Soprano has released alumna Sarah Connolly. a single of Handel’s aria Lascia ch’io pianga with the charity Streetwise Opera. All proceeds go towards supporting the work of the charity with homeless people. The track is available from iTunes. Elizabeth Watts

20 Guitarist Manus Noble has released his Composer Christopher Letcher has debut CD. Nightshade features world contributed music to the BBC2 drama Alumni reunion premiere recordings including Hot Club The Challenger. The ambitious factual Francais written by Assistant Head of show followed physicist Dr Richard Strings Gary Ryan. Feynman (played by William Hurt) on his painstaking journey to search for answers following the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster.

Bob Hayden-Gilbert has written a series of interactive, tutorial CDs for beginner wind players. Known as iBegin®, the first four titles for Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet and Alto Saxophone are available online from musicroom.com

Jeremy Morris has celebrated 50 years as choirmaster at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate United Reformed Church in Nottingham. Over his time there he has built up a strong adult choir of between 25 and 30 singers. Violist reached Isabel Villanueva Composer Francesco Antonioni’s the final of the VII Yuri Bashmet new work Ballata has been performed International Viola Competition in by Birmingham Contemporary Music Moscow. She performed Bartók’s Viola Group (BCMG) at London’s Wigmore Concerto with the New Russia National Hall. Commissioned by BCMG in 2009, Symphony Orchestra and Mozart’s the piece takes its inspiration from two Sothie Paul-Duraisamy Sinfonia Concertante with the Moscow songs: a lullaby from southern Italy and Soloists. a ballade, Ecco la primavera, composed Alumna Monica Hunter (née in the 15th century by the Florentine Kendrick) reports on a recent alumni Composer Marcos Fernandez has gathering… released his latest CD – Piano Underscore Franceso Landini. – on iTunes and Amazon. Featuring his In November last year, a group Composer David Braid’s Second Piano own compositions for piano, the disc Sonata has been premiered at The Forge of alumni who earned their was recorded with Cre.Art Ensemble, GRSMs in 1957 met in Cranmer in Camden by Sergei Podobedov. His RCM graduates and members of the first sonata was performed for the first Methodist Church to hear a very Symphony Orchestra of Oviedo. Marcos time last July at the Purcell Room. fine performance of Grieg’s Piano has also won the Juan Crisóstomo Concerto, played by alumna Sothie Arriaga Composition Prize organised Countertenor Rupert Enticknap has Paul-Duraisamy. by the SGAE and Fundacion Autor and sung the title role in Vincent Boussard’s Sothie, bridesmaid to one and loved heard his winning piece performed by production of Radamisto at the Theater Grupo Instrumental SXX at the Reina an der Wien. He made his debut there at by all her year group, came from Kuala Lumpur to perform with Sofia National Museum in Madrid. the start of the season singing L’umana the Wolverhampton Symphony fragilita / Pisandro in Claus Guth’s Orchestra at the behest of Margaret production of Il ritorno d’Ulisse. Myatt (née Lucas), violinist with the orchestra.

Sothie’s charming husband, Louis, also came with her and we had a celebration meal the night before the concert with Jackie Chapling (née Knight) and enjoyed catching up on all the news.

Our friendships have been fostered over many years with regular reunions held in Cambridge – often for some 20 guests – providing an opportunity to share national and Rupert Enticknap international musical experiences.

21 Obituaries and marriages

making music soon led him to establish duo and chamber music partnerships with many of the RCM’s most gifted students. Alongside his piano playing, he also maintained an active profile as an orchestral violinist and developed an interest in conducting, under the guidance of Harvey Phillips, and Norman del Mar. John gained the ARCM Diploma in Piano Performing in April 1971 and the GRSM in July of that year. His graduation was marked by the award of several RCM prizes including the Tagore Gold Medal. Two years of Postgraduate study saw the Sir Colin Davis award of the Worshipful Company of Musicians’ Medal, the Sir Conducting Prize and great acclaim as the summer of 1949, enabling him to assistant conductor to Harvey Phillips Obituaries visit Italy. In 1956 he returned to the on the RCM Chamber Orchestra’s RCM as a teacher and conductor of the RCM alumnus and renowned conductor European Tour. Appointed to the Junior Orchestra. He was later appointed Sir Colin Davis died on Sunday 14 RCM Staff by David Willcocks in 1974, to the professorial staff, and taught April. Sir Colin Davis made an amazing John taught Piano Accompaniment, composition and theory from September contribution to British musical life, coached chamber music and was a staff 1965 until he retired in July 1982 to working with many of the world’s leading conductor, subsequently becoming Head devote more time to composition. He orchestras. He was Principal Conductor of Orchestral Studies and Conducting in was awarded the FRCM in 1981. A special 1989. At the time of his death, John was and President of the London Symphony memorial concert for Stephen Dodgson teaching piano at Lancing College and Orchestra, and internationally renowned will be held on Wednesday 23 October at was an invaluable member of the team of for his interpretations of Mozart, Sibelius the RCM. Further details will be available official accompanists for RCM auditions. and Berlioz. Sir Colin was a Foundation on the RCM website from 21 August Scholar at the RCM from September when the autumn season goes on sale. 1944 to July 1946. He studied clarinet Marriages with , as well as the piano, and received an ARCM in Clarinet Alumni Alan Chu and Fabiola Wong Solo in December 1945. In 1946 he was married on New Year’s Eve 2012 in Hong awarded the E F James Prize. His studies Kong after meeting each other in London were interrupted by a period of National eight years ago. Service with the band of the Household Cavalry, but he re-entered the RCM in April 1948 thanks to an award granted by the Minister of Education. He left in July 1949, and was awarded the FRCM in 1969. You can read a full obituary and leave a message of condolence on the London Symphony Orchestra website at www.lso.co.uk RCM alumnus, former professor and RCM Fellow Stephen Dodgson has died. Stephen was a student at the RCM from April 1947 to July 1949. His principal instrument was horn, which he studied with Frank Probyn, but he described his John Forster second study of composition – which he initially took with R O Morris and then with – as his “real RCM alumnus and former professor incentive”. He won two composition John Forster has died. He joined the prizes: the Cobbett Memorial Prize in RCM in 1968 to study piano with Cyril 1948 for his Fantasy String Quartet and Smith and violin with Felix Kok. John’s the Sullivan Prize in 1949. He also won pianistic ability, combined with great an Octavia Travelling Scholarship in musicianship, integrity and sheer love of Alan Chu and Fabiola Wong

22

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