RNCMNEWS Autumn 2014

Coming soon… The RNCM Concert Hall Nears Completion News 3 RNCM Welcomes Sir 4 Andy Stott is Head of Popular Music 5 John Lewis Trafford Supports RNCM 6 Brant Prizes for RNCM 7 ROSL Award for Zelkova

8 Talented Elliott in BBC Final Andy Stott page 4 9 RNCM Students Among New Genesis Line-Up

CONTENTS Features 2 10 Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw: After the Silence: Music in the Shadow of War page 5 1912 – 2014

12 RNCM Concert Hall – The Story So Far Oliver She page 6

14 Postgraduates at the RNCM Zelkova Quartet page 7

Alumni News 16 Life’s a Festival for RNCM Cellist 17 RNCM at the National Studio 18 Mercury Nomination for GoGo Penguin Elliot Gaston-Ross page 8 19 World Première of Intriguing Opera 20 Alumni Join Kinshasa’s Inspirational Orchestra 21 Kathryn Chosen for Hillsborough Tribute

RNCM Friends 22 Joyce Lindley Parker: 1927 – 2014 23 RNCM Opera: Be Part of Our Next Production

For large print copies of Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw page 1o RNCM News, or if you would prefer GoGo Penguin page 18 to receive it electronically, contact: [email protected] 0161 907 5338 You can also download it at www.rncm.ac.uk/rncmnews RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, . M13 9RD James Barralet page 16 InternationalCelloin C hair RNCM Welcomes Perényi a s Haworth Sir John Tomlinson and chambermusician. internationally asasolo he continues to perform educational commitments, addition to hisnumerous lecturer andprofessor. In where helater becamea Academy ofMusicinBudapest his studiesattheFranz Liszt award winner, hecompleted of hisgeneration. A multi- as oneofthegreatest cellists Miklós isrecognised worldwide in1948,Born inHungary drama, ,sight-reading, improvisation, movementand history, harmony, language, immense amount. Although I wasnota‘star’butlearntan at theRMCMwere fantastic; engineer, said:‘Myfour years age of21afterqualifyingasan toJohn, whostarted singatthe Talking ofhisnewpositionSir and international opera houses. regularly appearsatnational throughout theworldand leading roles withcompanies Since thenhehasperformed of Music(RMCM)in1970. the Royal Manchester College College aftergraduating from has astrong connection to the The critically-acclaimed in Cello, made possible by support from in Cello,madepossiblebysupport The Haworth Trust. Miklós Perényi hasbeenannounced astheRNCM’s International Chair newHaworth

hair in singing Chair Is International Sir John ‘ which isthecrucialthing. development ofthevoice itself it’simmensely important, the and musicianshipare all of SirJohn Tomlinson asInternational ChairinSinging. The RNCMisdelighted to announce theappointment Nobuko Imai,asa‘truegenius’.’ our International Chairin Viola, him asa‘livinglegend’and the Talich describes Quartet My colleague Petr Prause of and performfor ourstudents. teach this consummate artist It isareal privilegeto watch the role ofInternationalChair. Miklós isjoiningusthistermin thrilled for ourcello studentsthat said oftheappointment:‘Iam Head oftheSchoolStrings, Chris Hoyle,fellow cellist and perhaps Ican return thefavour.’ of enormousbenefit to me– journey. The oldCollegewas career, helpingthemontheir ofmyperforming part latter some ofmytimenow, inthe and Ifeelboundto spend duty wrong turnsthatcan betaken, a longhard road withlotsof of RNCMvocal students.It’s contribute to thedevelopment work, whichiswhyIwantto time, patience, anddevoted difficult process thatneeds isalengthyand young singers Learning to singfor most T on omlinson Vocal StudiesandOpera. with studentsintheSchoolof visit theRNCMeachterm, working Award atthe2007Oliviers.Hewill and washonoured withaSpecial recipient ofa1993Grammy Award Knighted in2005,SirJohnwasa ‘ School of Vocal Studies,added: Lynne Dawson,Headofthe enormously to hisparticipation.’ and weare alllookingforward a hugeinspiration to ourstudents Singing. Hispresence here willbe to beourInternationalChairin reputation, shouldhaveagreed of suchtalent,experience and alumni andaninternationalartist one ofourmostdistinguished honoured that SirJohn Tomlinson, We are absolutelydelightedand Miklós Perényi

Professor A Dr StevenMead and projects attheRNCM.’ to contributing to exciting new Black Dyke Band,lookforward a great honourandI,alongwith be awarded aprofessorial titleis While Nicholascommented: ‘To do sofor to come.’ manyyears sincerely hopeto continue to world duringthistime,andI young talentsinthelowbrass to workwithsomeofthefinest there. Ihavebeenprivileged minuteofmytime enjoyed every week for andhave 24years mile journeyto Manchesterevery the RNCM.Ihavemade100 said: ‘Thisisagreat honourfrom Talking ofhis newtitle,Steven the College. profession andto theworkof outstanding contribution to the accolade inrecognition oftheir Band, were bothawarded the Musical Director ofBlackDyke Principal Conductor and Horn, andDrNicholasChilds, Euphonium andBaritone Steven Mead,a Tutor in title ofProfessor bytheRNCM. of brass havebeengranted the Two leading figures in the world Steven Mead Dr NicholasChilds warded RNCM Nicholas Child ships

3 NEWS 4 NEWS Development Director of Appoint RNCM possible overthe coming months.’ andFriendsas Supporters and Ihopeto meetasmany an exciting timeto bejoining and dynamicenvironment. Itis to workinginsuchanenriching andam lookingforwardyears concerts attheRNCMfor many She said:‘I havebeenattending and commercial sectors. from theeducation,cultural experience ofdevelopment to theRNCMwide-ranging national level,Suziebrings and persuasiveadvocate at andanaccomplishedthe arts, Passionate aboutmusicand bursaries. engagement andscholarships/ for relationship-building, alumni School andinnovativestrategies a newsixthform centre atthe large-scale capital appeal to build private sector giving,includinga campaigns to increase publicand capacity, shepresided overmajor Senior Leadership Team. Inthis was amemberoftheSchool’s Development Director and Girls, where sheworked as Manchester HighSchoolfor Suzie joinstheCollegefrom Director ofDevelopment. appointed astheRNCM’s new Suzie Thompson hasbeen ew s New Suzie Thompson Quintet 2014’s Golden new Head RNCM’s new of PopularMusic and four ofitsaspiringyoungcomposers. in Junefeaturing 10oftheCollege’s finestperformers The RNCMhelditsninthGoldMedalCompetition Medal celebrates exceptional performance and Merrick said:‘TheRNCM’s much-coveted Gold Talking aftertheCompetition,Professor (General ManageroftheBBCPhilharmonic). SaxtonRobert (composer), andSimonWebb (classical musicjournalistfor The Independent), (RNCM Director),Artistic JessicaDuchen (RNCM Principal),DrMichelleCastelletti It wasadjudicated byProfessor LindaMerrick new workfor theBorealis Saxophone. Quartet composers thechance to compete bywritinga For thefirsttimeannual competition offered pupil of Adam GorbandPaul Patterson. and postgraduate composer Sergio Cote, a Lauren Plazas; Fielder,whostudieswithMary Dave HassellandPaul Patrick; postgraduate soprano studies withSimoneRebello, LizGilliver, IanWright, undergraduate percussionist DeliaStevens, who and Leanne Cody,whostudieswithPeter Lawson; bytheHelenMackanessand issupported Award, Alexander Panfilov, whostudieswithGraham Scott This year’s winnerswere postgraduate pianists Andy Stott istheCollege’s firstHeadof Popular Music. eminent professional performers, with colleagues whoare such students wehavehere and to workwiththeexceptional addingitisas‘anMusic, honour be thefirstHeadof Popular to said thathewas‘delighted’ Music Performance degree, Andy the newBA(Hons)Popular capacity hehasbeendirecting at Access inwhich to Music, Head ofHigherEducation Joining from hispositionas postgraduate study. orasapreparationindustry for musicians inthepopularmusic who intend to work asfreelance a highlevelofperforming ability instrumentalists andsingerswith provides intensive training for Music Manchester, thedegree by theRNCMand Access to Established in2013anddelivered and teachers.’ composers, academics Nelson Bohorquez, Richard Evansand Aled Smith. So, soprano andcomposers MeinirWynRoberts, Makino, violinistKana Ohashi,pianistJeremy Clinton, saxophonist MichaelJackson,violistKimi The other2014competitors were: oboistHelen they achievedontheirjourneyto thefinal.’ who competed shouldbeextremely proud ofall Leanne everyone winners, andSergio were worthy on thedayandwhile Alexander, Delia,Lauren, panel wasfaced difficultdecisions withvery high and2014wasnoexception. The adjudicating the competition betweenstudentsisextremely composition bystudentsattheCollege.Eachyear

2014 GoldMedalWinners Andy Stott Support John Chart- a difference to people’s lives-itreally hasthe John Lewis Trafford, added:‘Musiccan make such Carole Hartley, community LiaisonCoordinator at againinthefuture.’Partnership and welookforward to workingwiththe local way tomusicprojects support suchasours, this event. schemeisagreat The MusicMatters significant contribution to theoverall success of from theJohnLewiswhichmadea Partnership, said: ‘We were thrilledto receive thedonation Christine Wardle, RNCMHeadofPhilanthropy, through donationsof£1000to £5000. outstanding contribution to theirlocalcommunity is designedto helpgroups whichmake an in thecommunity, theMusicMatters programme Celebrating music alongtradition ofsupporting off-site projecttheSilence: After MusicintheShadowofWar. Partnership’s MusicMatters programme toitsendofterm support The RNCMwasrecently awarded agrant of£1500bytheJohnLewis David Schofield , andstudents from theSchool Daniel Parkinson, pianistandJRNCM alumnus was recorded byRNCMpostgraduate conductor or DannyBoyasit’s more commonly known, A newversionofthefamousLondonderry Air, earlierthisyear.chart A charitysinglereleased inaidofYour RNCMreached thetop oftheiTunes T harity Single opping Charity rafford s Trafford Lewi s RNCM Kinder Charitable Trust, and CouncilEngland. Arts by theBBCPerforming Fund,EricandMargaret Arts responses to theFirstWorld War, wasalsosupported ofIWM’spart Reactions 14seasonofcreative premières. The imaginativeproject, whichformed over 300students,80pieces ofmusicand25world an excitingfeaturing three dayeventatIWMNorth theSilence:After MusicintheShadowofWar was can’t waitfor thenextconcert!’ were them,and delightedto beableto support track-record ofcreating inspiringmusiclocally. We ‘The RNCMisafantastic organisation withalong a musical experience thatreally hasanimpact. we can gosomewaytoin help people take part community. We hopethatthrough MusicMatters power to bring peopletogether inourlocal Ross Clarke. Stephen Houghwithoriginalorchestration by and stringsbyalumnusworld-famous online stores. The workwasarranged for piano of StringsinMayandreleased through allmajor 5 NEWS News in brief Brant Prizes Mauricio Pauly, an RNCM Tutor in Popular Music, has been awarded a Fellowship to the for RNCM Pianists Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. With an acceptance rate of only four per cent, this prestigious international fellowship gives Mauricio the The RNCM made a big impression at this year’s Brant International opportunity to spend a year at Harvard University focusing on Piano Competition with postgraduate Oliver She winning First Prize and his compositional work. undergraduate Dominic Degavino both Third Prize and the Audience Prize.

NEWS A4 Brass, comprising first 6 year undergraduates Michael Norma Fisher (RNCM Fellow and Professor at (Jamie) Smith (cornet), Michael the Royal College of Music), Di Xiao (pianist and Cavanagh ( horn), Tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire), Richard Hawley Jonathan Bates (tenor horn), (Director of Artistic Programming and Projects, Town and Christopher Robertson Hall and Symphony Hall), and pianist John York. (euphonium), won the Christopher Rowland Chamber Oliver, a pupil of Graham Scott, performed Debussy’s Ensemble of the Year Award. Les Collines d’Anacapri, Liszt’s Rhapsodie Espagnole, and Rachmaninov’s Sonata No 2 in B flat minor to Soprano Judith Holt is the secure the £3000 top prize, while Dominic, a first new Students’ Union President. year pianist studying with Helen Krizos, performed Judith replaces fellow soprano Oliver She Haydn’s Sonata in B minor, Berg’s Sonata Op 1, Amy Webber, who held the and Tippett’s Piano Sonata No 2 to win the position for two years. Founded in 1979 and held in Birmingham each year, £1000 Third Prize and the £500 Audience Prize. the Brant International Piano Competition is open The RNCM recently announced to all UK-based pianists between the ages of 18 Their success follows that of fellow RNCM pianist plans to launch a new jazz route and 28 and is recognised as one of the UK’s most Alexander Panfilov who won First Prize in the in the Bachelor of Music (BMus) prestigious music competitions. It was judged by 2013 competition. course. The initiative will combine the benefits of building a solid instrumental technique and broad understanding of music through classical studies with a rigorous Trio of Proms Success grounding in jazz and a deep exploration of improvised music. for Junior RNCM

Jet2.com launched its new Three students from Junior RNCM were among the winners of this year’s flight from Manchester to BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition. Vienna in April with a concert under Concorde featuring RNCM Harry Johnstone, aged music. It provides them with a Orchestra, conducted by students. Held at Concorde 19, was one of three Senior friendly environment to share Nicholas Collon, at the Proms Hanger, , Category winners thanks to his ideas, participate in workshops, Plus Inspire concert in August the event included the Deventer composition Dis-Pulsed, while meet other young composers followed by a special programme Wind and Leos String Quartets, 17-year-old Harry Castle and and develop their creativity. The on Radio 3. soprano Sarah Foubert, baritone 16-year-old Robert Durnin Young Composers’ Competition Graham McCusker, and pianist made up two thirds of the offers winners an unrivalled James Hendry. successful Junior Category with opportunity to have their music La Trahison des Images and played by professional musicians Dr Paul Goodey, Vice Principal Study in Anarchy respectively. at the BBC Proms and broadcast (Performance) gave the world on BBC Radio 3. Each composer première of two of his new solo Now in its 16th year, the BBC also receives a BBC commission. works (Briza Media and Blue Proms Inspire scheme is for Moon) at Montepulciano budding composers aged 12 to All three composers had their this summer. 18 who want to write their own pieces performed by the Aurora Harry Johnstone RNCM Gala ROSL Award Dinner for Zelkova

The Zelkova Quartet received the Elias Fawcett Award at the 2014 Royal Over-Seas League ARTS competition after being acknowledged as the most outstanding chamber ensemble. The RNCM hosts its fourth Gala Dinner on Friday 12 December

on the set of Lehár’s operetta, NEWS had the opportunity to perform at The foursome’s success was The Merry Widow. 7 Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank quickly followed by a trip to Centre, during the ROSL Annual Russia where they represented Since 2010 the College has Music Competition finals in May. the RNCM at the We Gather presented Gala Dinners on the Friends festival at Moscow stage of its spectacular opera Talking on behalf of the Conservatoire. productions, making it one of the Quartet, which is completing North West’s most original social an RNCM International Artist Founded in 2007, the annual experiences. This year guests can Diploma in Chamber Music, month-long event brings enjoy an evening of fine dining Caroline said: ‘We were over together young musicians and superb entertainment by Zelkova Quartet the moon for our good friends from conservatoires and music talented students in the RNCM the Solem Quartet when they colleges throughout the world Theatre amid a set inspired by the Violinists Caroline Pether and won the Ensemble Category, for concerts, masterclasses famous Paris restaurant, Maxim’s. Simran Singh, violist Rhiannon but it was nice to know that our and lectures. James, and cellist Jonathan performance was recognised Sponsored by Waverton Pether competed in the Ensemble too. We were very happy with Whilst there, the Quartet and Investment Management, the A Category Final with fellow how we played on the night Tatyana Yekimova, the College’s proceeds of the event, which RNCM students and eventual and were glad to be reassured Head of International Relations, also includes an Auction of winners the Solem Quartet. that those listening enjoyed were interviewed by the luxury items and Prize Draw, go Alongside the award, they also it as well!’ country’s Cultural TV channel. to RNCM Engage, the College’s Learning and Participation programme which makes musical performance accessible to people Cirtina Wins International from all walks of life through a range of projects, workshops, Trombone Competition and placements involving Undergraduate trombonist Josh Cirtina became the first UK student to win the George Roberts RNCM students. Bass Trombone Competition, held in Rochester, New York, in June. Taking place one month after the The competition was open to Competition has been a huge opening of the new RNCM Concert trombonists under the age honour for me. The Festival was Hall, the Dinner will also include a of 18 and formed part of the a fantastic experience which I drinks reception in the redeveloped International Trombone Association will never forget, where I made venue kindly sponsored by Festival (ITA); an annual event new friends and learned a lot! contractors Styles & Wood. comprising solo and ensemble I am also very grateful to the competitions, workshops, RNCM for supporting me.’ Tables of 10 are available, priced masterclasses and concerts. £1200, and individual tickets, Josh’s win marks the first time subject to availability, can be On securing the award Josh, a in the ITA’s 43-year history purchased at £130 per person. former JRNCM student who is that a UK student has won To book/reserve or to learn more currently in his second year and the bass competition and only about the event and additional studies with Adrian Morris, said: the second time a UK student sponsorship opportunities, contact ‘Winning the ITA George Roberts has won any additional ITA Lauren Cox on 0161 907 5394 or International Bass Trombone competition categories. Josh Cirtina email [email protected]. Talented Notos quartet – New Elliott in Waverley Junior Fellows BBC Final in Chamber Music

The RNCM International Chamber Music Studio is delighted to announce that the Notos Piano Quartet has been awarded the position of Waverley Junior Fellows in Chamber Music for the 2014/15 academic year. NEWS 8 Formed in 2007, Notos (comprising violinist as Junior Fellows for 2014/15. It follows in the Sindri Lederer, violist Malte Koch, cellist Florian footsteps of outstanding groups such as the Navarra Streich, and pianist Antonia Köster) won the 2011 and Heath String Quartets and takes over the Parkhouse Award, and was a First Prize-winner of position from the exceptional Sitkovetsky Trio. previous Charles Hennen-Concours and Premio Vittorio Gui competitions in Holland and Florence ‘Notos is an international prize-winning ensemble respectively. The Quartet has also performed in and impressed at the interview and audition. It’s a venues including Wigmore Hall and Amsterdam’s group with a very promising future and has already Concertgebouw. achieved considerable international success. The RNCM welcomes them to this important post.’ Elliot Gaston-Ross Talking on behalf of Notos, Antonia said: ‘We are honoured to have been chosen as the Waverley Notos Piano Quartet Junior RNCM percussionist Junior Fellows in Chamber Music and are all Elliot Gaston-Ross was one looking forward to working together with chamber of three musicians to reach musicians at the RNCM. Sharing our experiences the Final of the 2014 BBC as well as learning from the students will be an Young Musician of the Year exciting challenge for us and we hope to have lots competition. of memorable moments full of wonderful music over the next 12 months.’ The 15-year-old, who studies with Ian Forgrieve, won the Percussion Jeremy Young, Head of Chamber Music, said: Category Final and subsequent ‘The RNCM’s International Chamber Music Studio Semi-Final to secure the sought- is delighted to welcome the Notos Piano Quartet after place alongside recorder player Sophie Westbrooke and pianist (and eventual winner) BBC Commission for RNCM Composer Martin James Bartlett. RNCM postgraduate composer and Radcliffe Trust Scholar Tom Harrold made his mark Talking after the competition, at the 2014 BBC Proms thanks to a new commission by Radio 4’s PM. which took place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and The popular current affairs Radio 4 listeners. It was a Drama, Elliott, who performed programme approached Tom challenging project; the issues Dave Heath’s African Sunrise/ earlier this year asking him to associated with marrying Manhattan Rave alongside the write a piece that would utilise acoustic and electroacoustic BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra a selection of everyday sounds elements into one piece required and conductor Kirill Karabits, said: recorded and submitted by PM a lot of thought.’ ‘I thought the whole BBC Young listeners since January. Musician experience was amazing. The work was premiered by the I feel extremely privileged to have Tom, a former BBC Proms Inspire Aurora Orchestra and conductor Tom Harrold had the chance to play in such Young Composers winner, said: Nick Collon in August and a beautiful hall with such a ‘I was really excited to have broadcast live on Radios 3 and Tom added: ‘It was exciting to welcoming audience, and it will been commissioned to compose 4 simultaneously with a second work with Nick Collon’s fabulous certainly be an experience that will a new work which uses sounds Radio 3 broadcast to be Aurora at the Proms once again stay with me for the rest of my life.’ of everyday life submitted by confirmed at a later date. – they’re a terrific orchestra.’ Rod Franks RNCM Students Among 1956 - 2014 New Genesis Line-Up

Four RNCM vocal students have been accepted onto the 2014/15 Genesis Sixteen young artists’ scheme. Rod Franks NEWS NEWS Mezzo-sopranos Rachel Maby It is with sadness that the 9 and Lucy Vallis, tenor James RNCM reports the untimely Black, and bass-baritone Peter death of trumpeter Rod Franks Edge will now benefit from a on 20 July, aged 58. series of week-long and weekend courses held throughout the year Born in West Yorkshire in 1956, led by key figures from the world- Rod took up the cornet at the famous choral and orchestral age of six, going on to play in ensemble The Sixteen. In addition, the Hammonds, Brighouse and they will also receive group Rastrick and Black Dyke brass tuition, individual mentoring bands. After graduating from and masterclasses from some of the RNCM, where he studied the industry’s top vocal experts. as a postgraduate student with Maurice Murphy and Rachel, a fourth year student Rachel Maby Lucy Vallis Philip Jones, he was appointed on the Joint Course run in Principal trumpet of the conjunction with the University of Lynne Dawson, Head of the Established in 2011, Genesis Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester, said: ‘It’s an absolute School of Vocal Studies, added: Sixteen is the UK’s first ever progressing to become Principal honour to have been chosen ‘Genesis Sixteen is a highly fully-funded programme trumpet of the Symphony to sing with Genesis Sixteen. competitive and sought after of its kind, offering unique Orchestra, a position he held for It’s one of the few free choral scheme for aspiring ensemble and pioneering training some 20 years. professional engagements and singers, and I’m thrilled that opportunities to 22 young music development programmes Rachel, Lucy, James, and Peter singers aged between 18 Alongside his orchestral career, in the UK for young singers. have been chosen for the and 23. Thanks to a close Rod was Principal trumpet with I’m hoping it will lead to future forthcoming year. The skills partnership with the Genesis the renowned Philip Jones Brass professional engagements with and experience they will learn Foundation participants not Ensemble and a key member of fellow singers on the programme from industry experts will prove only receive free tuition, but the LSO’s brass ensemble. He and music professionals invaluable to their development also a bursary to cover all was passionate about education, connected with the course.’ as professional singers.’ additional costs. and the College was proud to welcome him back to work with its current students. As well as giving a recent public Second Excellence Award masterclass at the RNCM, Rod pioneered a memorable weblink for RNCM Library masterclass from St Luke’s The RNCM Library has secured good practice in addition to music and library industries and Church in London with trumpet its second Excellence Award from recognising outstanding personal were chaired by Professor Jan students at the College. the International Association of achievement by individuals. They Smaczny of Queen’s University, Music Libraries (UK and Ireland). also provide an opportunity for Belfast. The RNCM was one Rod was renowned for being music collections – of any size of 14 institutional libraries a natural musician, with a Presented every two years, the and type – to be nominated. and four individuals to receive refined sound and consummate Awards acknowledge music an Excellence Award during a musicality. He will be much missed libraries which demonstrate The 2014 Awards were judged by ceremony held at Fitzwilliam by all those who were privileged sustained good work and a panel of experts from both the College, Cambridge. to know and work with him. 10 FEATURES onFriday A MemorialServiceto celebrate Ollerenshaw willbeheldat 7 Novemberat 11.30am. the life ofDameKathleen All are welcome.

she chaired from theJointCommittee andCourt One ofthemostillustriousMancuniansherera, onto asinglesite. SchoolofMusic College ofMusicandNorthern with bringingtogether theRoyal Manchester and amemberoftheJointCommittee andCourt) after being tasked (as both Lord Mayor of the City was aprimemoverintheformation oftheRNCM Born inWithington, Manchester, DameKathleen 1912 –2014 KatDame hleen Ollerenshaw on 10 August 2014attheageof101. of acclaimed mathematicianandpoliticianDameKathleen Ollerenshaw It iswiththegreatest thedeath ofsadnessthattheRNCMreports and The DuchessofKent, 1973 Dame Kathleen, right,

friends shemadehere overthepast40years.’ I knowthatshewillbegreatly missedbythemany andstudentsremains invaluable,and to bothstaff figure oftheRNCM.Herloyalsupport inthehistory woman whowillforever beremembered asapivotal Principal, said:‘DameKathleen wasaremarkable In tribute, Professor LindaMerrick,RNCM throughoutand supporter theyearsthatfollowed. 1972 to 1986andremained atrulyloyaladvocate Kathleen and MichaelKennedy, 1994 l-r: SirJohnManduell, Dame : :

“ Michael Kennedy talkingin2012 her wemight stillbetalkingabout anewcollege instead ofcelebrating its40thyear.” plotting, obduracy, suddenforgetfulness andthe bestuseofred herrings.Without stretched outover15years. Ilearnedfrom Kathleen’s chairmanshiphowto dealwith did Isay?Neverwas aword somisused.Whatoughtto havetaken afew meetings Smooth, SchoolofMusicinto CollegeofMusic. Northern thenotyet Royal Northern to smooth thewayto themerger oftheRoyal Manchester CollegeofMusicandthe I firstmet Kathleen Ollerenshaw whenshewasChairmanoftheJointCommittee, formed

11 FEATURES 12 FEATURES incredible 12monthprocess that to thepublicfor thefirsttimeon In advance ofthatdate, here isa sneak peek at the journey so far: sneak peekatthejourneysofar: backstage areas, willbeunveiled The redevelopment, contracted Oglesby Balcony, by supported by Styles&Wood, hasbeen an new flooringandseating, The result, whichincorporates bring inover50tons ofsteel. the Oglesby Charitable Trust), Oglesby the has seen70workers take out Thursday 6Novemberwith over 515 tons ofwaste and baritone Sir Thomas Allen. a special concert by British special concert byBritish a state-of-the-art technical technical state-of-the-art balconies (includingthe facilities, andimproved

the S Hall RNCM Concert to abrand Hallfor newConcert thefirsttimeinover40years. Autumn 2014isanhistoric time for theRNCMasitopensdoors tor View from thebalcony F y So ar The OglesbyBalcony Seat frames ready to beinstalled Scaffolding thenewbalcony supports or call0161907 5394. Cox donation, please contact sponsor abarofmusicormake a why youdecidedto nameaseat, If you have a story to share about incredible transformation possible. from donorswhohavemadethis sight, wewouldloveto hear Now, withtheopeningwellin fortheir support Your RNCM. by thenumberofpeopleshowing College hasbeenoverwhelmed Over thepast10months Share for more information. ac.uk/yourrncm/nameaseat Alternatively, visitwww.rncm. . [email protected] 0161 9075338oremail the Developmentteam on To Take Your Seatpleasecontact payments of£25) Balcony £300(or12monthly monthly paymentsof£37.50) Middle Block£450(or12 monthly paymentsof£50) Front Block£600(or12 following prices*: Seats are availableatthe ofalovedone. memory a specialoccasion, orin yourself, to asagift, celebrate transformed Hallfor Concert You canTake Your Seat inour make apersonalcontribution. enjoy canbetheperfect wayto Naming aseatinvenueyou T Seat ake Y [email protected] Your S View ofthenewbalcony our tories Lauren

13 FEATURES FOCUS ON RESEARCH

Postgraduates at the RNCM

Rosamund Cole Rosamund Cole Library of Congress FEATURES 14 The research of Rosamund Cole has RNCM students on the successfully applied for an Postgraduate Research AHRC International Placement Degrees Programme Scheme Award, enabling her (MPhil/PhD) covers a wide take up a six-month residency variety of projects right at the Library of Congress in across the field of music, Washington DC. The AHRC including composition, awards just 60 of these research performance, historical fellowships annually. musicology, music psychology, music and Rosamund’s PhD researches spirituality, and education. into the effect of the changes in later 19th century German vocal This variety can be illustrated style and its transformation in by some recent and current the post-Wagner generation. Library of Congress, Washington DC projects being undertaken It focuses on the career of the by three research students: singer Lilli Lehmann, who not uncatalogued Lehmann letters opera houses, including Rosamund Cole, only sang for both Wagner and memorabilia, the Geraldine Köln, Leipzig and Frankfurt. Lucy Pankhurst and and Mahler, but went on to Farrar collection, and the She recently honed her Suzanne Ross. influence performing style well Library’s unparalleled archive of skills through the German into the 1920s. early sound recordings. Historical Institute in London in reading 19th century German The residency will enable Most of Rosamund’s sources handwriting. She also intends, Rosamund to consult, transcribe are in German, in which she while in the US, to make contact and contextualise Lehmann’s is fluent, having worked from with various experts in the field own diaries, held at the Library 1996 to 2008 as a full-time and to give presentations of her of Congress. The diaries are professional soloist in German work at conferences. written in 19 volumes recording Lehmann’s professional and personal life, and include the period during which she worked with Mahler and the years in which she made her first recordings. The singer’s diaries in question cover the latter period of her life, when her surviving recordings were made, and she was pursuing her career in the USA. Transcriptions from the diaries between 1894 and 1916 will be used as the basis for further contextual research using other sources of the Library’s holdings. These include Library of Congress, Washington DC Suzanne Ross Musical Impact

Lucy Pankhurst Lucy Pankhurst Salisbury International Arts Festival FEATURES Lucy Pankhurst is undertaking a PhD in composition A major research project led 15 entitled The un-tapped textural potential of the by Professor Jane Ginsborg, brass band through contemporary music. Associate Dean of Research and Enterprise, began in September. She was approached to produce a new composition for the 2014 Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival that reflected upon the Christmas Truce of 1914, where many downed weapons and even lit small trees on the parapets, as a gesture of peace, humanity and, above all, hope. On the eve of the centenary of the Christmas Truce, there are already many commemorative events and performances set in place around the world. However, it is still a highly sensitive subject, which needed a delicate and thoughtful approach. Even 100 years on, its Singers at Salisbury Cathedral sentiments are still as relevant and strong as ever. Although the two sides of the chorus were still Lucy set out to write a series of idiomatic songs physically separated by the central portion of that reflected the music and issues of the era - the cloisters, (representing ‘No Man’s Land’ for giving an authentic and sincere component to the them) the audience had no barriers and were not music. However, to present the material in a way expected to stay seated in the same place. During relevant to the 21st century, she also employed the première, the audience did indeed take the Suzanne Ross electro-acoustic and spatialisation elements for opportunity to wander around and take it in from the performance. The chorus was physically split different perspectives, treating the experience Better Practice: Health promotion into two, and placed on opposite sides of the almost like a sonic time capsule. The pre-recorded in music education and the cloisters in Salisbury Cathedral. The effect of this ‘soundtrack’ featured readings from segments of profession is one of the three was several-fold, illustrating the two sides of the Sir Edward Hulse’s letters, which he wrote to his core strands of Musical Impact, a conflict (and also their unity in common cause); mother from the trenches during Christmas 1914. four-year research collaboration utilising the space of the cloisters in a unique between all nine UK manner, with antiphonal effect; and allowing the During The Brothers’ Carol, the chorus united to conservatoires (www. audience to experience the performance from sing in English, French, German, Dutch and Russian, musicalimpact.org/research). any number of angles. simultaneously. This is directly symbolic of the Suzanne Ross, a graduate of the spontaneous Christmas carolling of 1914, where Royal Scottish Academy of Music soldiers sang songs together with common melodies, and Drama (now the Royal but in their own languages. This is the only point in Conservatoire of Scotland) and the performance where the chorus sing en masse Goldsmiths, University of and it is signalled by an aleatory brass fanfare. London, has been awarded an AHRC-funded Project Voices From No Man’s Land was the opening Studentship (2014 – 2017) to event of the 2014 Salisbury Festival and was undertake her PhD research presented as an installation over two hours, with under Jane’s supervision and will over 1000 visitors through Salisbury Cathedral. be developing and evaluating There is a video diary of the whole project which effective interventions to Musicians at Salisbury Cathedral you can view at www.vimeo.com/96922087. enhance healthy music-making. Life’s a Festival for RNCM Cellist

Last year, a decade after completing his postgraduate studies, cellist James Barralet established the Whittington International Chamber Music Festival. A L U M N I NEWS 16 Inspired by the late Christopher Rowland, the RNCM’s Director of Chamber Music, the Festival is a 10 day event dedicated to the work of one composer.

‘I’d done quite a few chamber music festivals since graduating and I eventually got to the point where I had enough ideas to put one together myself,’ said James, who graduated in 2003 and studied with Hannah Roberts. ‘The chamber music established at the RNCM made it the best place to study in Europe, and it was Chris Rowland who enhanced this reputation when I was a student. In fact, it was Chris’ idea for the RNCM Chamber Music Festival to focus on the work of one composer, which was something I really admired and noticed wasn’t done all that much.’

For the first Festival, in May 2013, James James Barralet ambitiously chose to focus on Brahms’ complete cello works, while this year it was the chamber of Wigmore Hall’s Ignite Ensemble dedicated to music of Schubert that took the spotlight. the organisation’s outreach projects, was keen to involve the local community. ‘Choosing Brahms for the first year was not the most obvious choice,’ he explained. ‘ ‘Outreach has played an important part in the is not a big thing in the area so one of the main Festival,’ said James. ‘We were sponsored by the things was to present it in a way that everyone Cavatina Music Trust which meant that all people could relate to. There is enough variety and aged eight to 25 could attend the concerts free of creativity in Brahms’ music that it never really got charge, and we also asked young musicians in the boring, likewise with Schubert. From a musician’s area to put their names forward to work on a piece experience, to do nothing but his chamber music of music and share the stage with professional for two weeks and to eat and drink together was musicians during the final concert. We created a a phenomenal experience that will stay with me bespoke arrangement for them – this year was the forever. It’s great to build strong relationships Trout Quartet – which enabled beginners and more with composers and to see how they progress as advanced players to take part. they go along, and it’s good to share that with audiences. The numbers for the second Festival ‘Ignite was also involved this year, working at The 2015 Whittington had more than doubled. We are really lucky that Derwen College, a specialist college for young International Chamber Music people have embraced the concept so warmly.’ people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Festival takes place between We presented workshops over three days and at 9 and 15 May and will focus on In addition to performances by international the end of the festival those involved presented the music of Mendelssohn. guest artists and ensembles (the first Festival a small musical. It was a wonderful experience To learn more visit welcomed the Leondari Ensemble while the for them and one that we would very much like www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk second the Werther Ensemble) James, a member to continue if funding allows.’ RNCM at the National Tabby Joins Opera Studio Trinity

Mezzo-sopranos Hanna-Liisa Kirchin and Heather Lowe, and repetiteur Eda Seppar have been offered places to study at the National Opera Studio (NOS). A L U M N I NEWS Alumna Tabby Estell has been 17 appointed Head of Junior Trinity.

Tabby, who graduated in 1993, has worked in music education for over 20 years, including managing the pioneering education programme at the London Sinfonietta and as Director of Education and Community at the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Hanna-Liisa Kirchin Heather Lowe Eda Seppar In recent years she has enjoyed an active freelance career working as Established by the Arts Council as a link during my time at NOS. My late teacher Barbara a music education specialist with between music colleges and the main UK opera Robotham was very keen for me to apply to the a range of different music companies, the NOS offers professional training Studio, and knowing that she would have been so organisations including the BBC of the highest quality to singers and repetiteurs, pleased means I hold this opportunity very close Symphony Orchestra, London providing tailor-made performance opportunities to my heart.’ Symphony Orchestra, Royal Opera and invaluable coaching from some of the House and Southbank Centre. industry’s leading artists. After completing the course both Hanna-Liisa and Heather will join a fantastic list of NOS Talking of her new position, she ‘There are very few places available at the NOS vocal alumni, including fellow graduates Barry said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to and I’m proud and privileged to have been Banks, Alice Coote and Joan Rodgers. Estonian be joining the amazing staff, tutors offered one,’ said 2013 alumna Hanna-Liisa, Eda Seppar, currently in her postgraduate year and young musicians of Junior who studied with Susan Roper and performed studying with Kevin Thraves, Head of Music Staff Trinity, and I am looking forward lead roles in RNCM Opera productions, including within the School of Vocal Studies and Opera, will enormously to working closely with Handel’s Xerxes and Monteverdi’s Il ritorno also add her name to an impressive list of alumni, everyone at Trinity Laban.’ d’Ulisse in patria. ‘The NOS is one of those including early music specialist and RNCM Tutor in organisations that always seems so far away Historical Performance, Roger Hamilton. when you are studying, and to have actually reached it feels wonderful. The audition was a ‘I’m very honoured and extremely pleased to tough and long process but it really is a fantastic have been chosen as one of the NOS trainees for step forward and one that I hope will open more the upcoming year,’ said Eda. ‘Their repetiteur doors and possibilities in the future.’ programme had been in my sight for a long time, but I never really dared to believe I could become Fellow mezzo Heather Lowe, who graduated part of something that exciting and exceptional. this year with an MMus in Solo Performance and It would never have happened without the performed the role of Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed support I received from the RNCM, the School of Euridice, reiterated: ‘I’m very excited to be starting Vocal Studies and Opera and, of course, Kevin at the NOS after only just completing my Master’s Thraves. His guidance as a tutor and mentor has at the RNCM. It was a great surprise and one that been absolutely invaluable and this is as much was so unexpected but incredibly exciting. It’s his achievement as mine. I will be proud to be been a pleasure studying with Ann Taylor and I’m associated with the RNCM when taking the next looking forward to continuing my studies with her big step!’ Tabby Estell Alumnus Wins 2014 Orlando Success Dutch Talent Award for Benyounes

RNCM alumni the Benyounes Quartet flew the flag for Great Britain in the Netherlands recently, winning Second Prize in the 2014 Orlando Competition.

A L U M N I NEWS Following two rounds in Rolduc Abbey, three 18 ensembles made it through to the Final (including eventual winners the Berlin-Tokoyo Quartet and Third Prize-winners the Tercea Quartet) where they performed Beethoven’s String Quartet No 11 in F major Op 95 and a post-1940 quartet of choice to a panel of judges including cellist Stefan Metz who founded the Festival over 30 years ago. Joris van den Berg Emily said: ‘We were absolutely delighted to Cellist and alumnus Joris have won Second Prize at such a prestigious van den Berg has won the competition. The whole event had a very prestigious Dutch Classical Benyounes Quartet encouraging and supportive atmosphere. We Talent Award. felt very privileged to be the only British quartet Violinists Zara Benyounes and Emily Holland, taking part and to have the opportunity to Held at Amsterdam’s violist Tetsuumi Nagata, and cellist Kim Vaughan perform in the beautiful concert hall in Concertgebouw in May, the were one of eight quartets – and the only Heerlen for the Final.’ competition was open to participants from Great Britain – to take part young classical singers and in the annual international competition which In addition to a cash prize of ¤4000, Benyounes also instrumentalists and forms forms part of the Orlando Festival. won performance opportunities within the Festival. part of Dutch Classical Talent, an intensive programme of masterclasses, coaching and Mercury NOMINATION FOR GoGo Penguin recitals throughout the Netherlands. GoGo Penguin’s album v2.0 has ‘There are seven outstanding appearing on Later…with Jools been shortlisted as one of the début albums here, and five Holland on BBC 2. Joris, who was accompanied 2014 Barclaycard Mercury Prize records by more established by pianist Martijn Willers, was Albums of the Year. artists, all pursuing exciting new Talking of the nomination, Chris one of three competitors to directions. What most impressed said: ‘It’s been a very surreal and reach the final, and performed The album, which follows the jazz the judges was the inventive incredible experience and has works by Brahms, Britten and trio’s critically acclaimed début passion with which musicians blown us away to be nominated Lutoslawski to secure a first offering Fanfares, is one of 12 to explore music and emotional as one of the 12 Mercury Prize prize of ¤10,000, a bronze be nominated for the prestigious possibilities, refusing to be albums of the year.’ statue designed by Marianne award, sitting alongside works by pinned down by rules or genre.’ Houtkamp, and a place in the Damon Albarn, Bombay Bicycle Hall of Fame at the Recital Hall Club, Anna Calvi, East India Comprising alumni Chris of the Royal Concertgebouw. , FKA Twigs, Jungle, Nick Illingworth (piano, 2007) and Mulvey, Polar Bear, Royal Blood, Rob Turner (percussion, 2005), Dutch Classical Talent is Kate Tempest, and Young Fathers. and double bassist Nick Blacka, organised by the Royal GoGo Penguin is fast becoming Concertgebouw, the Royal Simon Frith, Chair of Judges, said: one of the UK’s leading jazz Concertgebouw Orchestra, the ‘The 2014 Barclaycard Mercury ensembles, selected in 2013 as Dutch Concert Halls, Radio 4, Prize shortlist confirms that these The Times’ ‘New Faces’ to look and the JCP Foundation. are fascinating times for UK music. out for in the arts and recently GoGo Penguin Intriguing Opera Première of world for Alumnailís Commemorative C ompsition Ailís NíRíain perilous, desperate anddeadly. plight becomes increasingly the story unfolds thecouple’s Brannoch andMrWilmore. As exploited bycollectors Lady his unscrupulousagentand Masetto isbeingrippedoffby Impoverished, cold andstarving, Zerlina. painter,portrait andhislover about Masetto, abrilliant passionate andobsessivetale 2014), Madame X isadark, Sophie Dicks(mezzo-soprano, Sheerin (soprano, 2011),and Morss (tenor, 2013),Laura includes fellow alumniTom Written for acastofnine,which for solo cello to illustrate aninspirational newproduction byFeelgood Theatre. Ailís NíRíain(composition, 2002)wascommissioned to write anoriginalscore the NewBradford Playhouse,London’s Acrola Theatre, andtheRNCM. première at Todmorden’s Hippodrome in August before performances at Madame X, anewopera byalumnusTimBenjamin,received itsworld and Owenwas a victimof against thecontinuing conflict hero hospitalisedafterprotesting Sassoon wasadecorated war during theFirstWorld War. Warat Craiglockhart Hospital 20th century poetswhomet Sassoon andWilfred Owen,two Heroes tells thestory ofSiegfried of Feelgood Theatre), Not About Stagecraft and DirectorArtistic Clegg (anRNCMConsultantin and directed byCaroline Written byStephen MacDonald familiar musical reference points, Itisapiece withmany music. languages ofWestern classical and music playsonthehistory and theEnglishlanguage, ofart libretto playsonthehistory Justasthe intriguing characters. and comedy, withastrong setof both darkandlight,tragedy Jacobean influence. Itisfullof catastrophe expectedfrom the ghostliness, madnessand features story alltheplotting, Jacobean ‘revenge plays’. The ofHandel,andfrom the inspiration from theItalian ‘Madame X takes itsmusical who graduated in1998,said: On writingtheopera Tim,

opera stage.’ brand new, exciting workfor the transformed andcombined into a alumna CecilySmith . recorded atthe RNCMby2010 accompanied by Ailís’ newscore, writings ofbothmenandis letters andautobiographical weaves together thepoetry, the UKuntilearlyDecember, Not About Heroes, whichtours his courage andleadership. crossmilitary inrecognition of with Owenbeingawarded the to thefront, bothdiedinaction cowardice. Sadly, afterreturning shellshock whowasaccused of any inconvenience caused. publication. We apologisefor was arecording rather thana Trois ChansonsdelaRenaissance stated thatSirJohnManduell’s RNCM Newsweincorrectly In theSpring2014editionof Correction and Wolf. Strausswith musicbyPoulenc, inspired orwritten bywomen collection ofsongseither album, Love saidto me,a 2007) hasreleased herdébut Caroline MacPhie(soprano, in Belgium. (formerly Vlaamse Opera) contract from Opera Vlaanderen recently accepted afestival Adam Smith(tenor, 2011) management byHazard Chase. been signedfor general who graduated thisyear, has Conductor AlpeshChauhan, Queen’s Honours. Birthday CBE for services to musicinthe National Opera, wasawarded a DirectorArtistic ofEnglish , alumnusand John Berry students from ChinaattheRNCM. prospective andcurrentsupport Chinese institutionsaswellto College initscollaborations with was establishedto assistthe the UK)atRNCM. The role Recruitment Officer (Chinaand appointed to thepostof Yu Le outstanding contribution to Music. University ofBolton for Doctorate ofthe from the Arts 1997) wasawarded anHonorary Antonia Sotgiu(mezzo-soprano, in Brief s Alumni New (percussion, 2014) has been (percussion, 2014)hasbeen

19 ALUMNI NEWS 20 ALUMNI NEWS hawkeyeandwindy. visit www.youtube.com/ and to seetheduoinaction www.funnywomen.com, Funny Women Awards visit To learnmore aboutthe numerous festivals andvenues. brand ofmusicandcomedy to circuit, bringingtheirunique West’son theNorth comedy then theyhavebeenindemand the BritishComedyGuide.Since featured onBBC America and frenzy astheirhilariousoutput The result letto aninternet low-budget musicvideos.’ comedy songsandreleasing no more andbeganwriting emotive 90spopballadhidden could keep theirloveofthehighly 2013 afterrecognising that‘they established theiralter-egos in composer andKatherine apianist, The comedy duo,Salmaa Women Awards. the Finalof2014Funny aka Hawkeye and Windy, reached Naylor andKatherine Freeman, 2008 graduates Salma Alam- and Windy for Hawkeye Funny Business s a Music’ Hawkeye andWindy

raig Craig Kinshasa Symphony Orchestra Inspirational Alumni Join of theBeatles’ Here Comesthe features beautifularrangements Classic FMlabel,SummerGuitar his lastthree recordings for the Following hotontheheelsof inJuly.FM charts soared to thetop oftheClassic fourth album,SummerGuitar, reason to celebrate whenhis in Guitar, Craig Ogden,had RNCM alumnusand Tutor hope andatestament to thetransformational in Africa, theKinshasaSymphony isabeacon of of theCongo,onemostviolentcountries Diangienda andbasedintheDemocratic Republic Founded in1994byconductor Armand organisation’s firstvisit to theUK. Hall inBristol alongsidetheHalléto markthe Hall, London’s Royal Festival HallandColston took to thestageofManchester’s Bridgewater tenor MatthewMoss,whograduated in2010, baritone DanielShelvey,a2013alumnus,and Emma Stannard, whobothgraduated thisyear, Soprano Williamsandmezzo-soprano Bryony and Choirduringaspecialtour withtheHallé. RNCM alumnisangwiththeKinshasaSymphony Orchestra Hit s T made aFellow oftheRNCM. youngest instrumentalist to be 13. In2004hebecamethe percussion from the ageof guitar attheageofsevenand Craig studyingthe started . Summertime Habanera andGershwin’s Einaudi’s Due Tramonti, Bizet’s alongside Myers’Cavatina, Sun andSting’s FieldsofGold, Spotop Kinshaa’s of orchestral andchoral Congolesemusic. of Beethoven’s NinthSymphony, aswellitems Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, andthefinale featured Sibelius’s Finlandia,movementsfrom the SouthbankCentre’s Resident Orchestras) National Youth Orchestra ofGreat Britain,and members oftheHalléChoirand Youth Choir, the Diangienda, theconcert (whichalsoinclude the Hallé’s Assistant Conductor, and Armand Conducted by2013alumnusJamiePhilips, commitment and enthusiasm they have for their work.’ the musiciansinvolvedisanexampleofsheer can changelives,andthededication shownbyall Orchestra ofhowmusic isatrulyinspiringstory Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey said:‘TheKinshasa instrumental andorchestral technique. alongside professional performers totheir further enabled theKinshasamusiciansto perform from the CouncilEngland,thisuniqueproject Arts Made possiblethanksto anExceptional Award -made instruments. talented musicianswhoare mostlyself-taughton Africa’s onlysymphonyorchestra) comprises unbelievable conditions, thegroup (Central Workingpower ofmusic. andrehearsing inalmost Orches Craig Ogden tra Hillsborough Tribute Kathrynfor Chosen Naxos RecordingforRNCM ‘ the recording andshared thefollowing thoughts: Opera JFarr criticRobert was invited to attend recording atCheshire’s Victorian Opera studioinJuly. Jonathan Santagada,aheadofthescheduled Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore ), andRNCMrepetiteur of NemorinointheCollege’s 2013production of sessions withtenor Kang (whoperformed therole visited theRNCMinJuneto leadtwocoaching Richard, aworld-renowned conductor andpianist, Satanella withRichard Bonynge AC CBEfor Naxos. studio thissummer, recording MichaelBalfe’s Recent graduate Kang Wang spenttimeinthe Biennial inJuly. Itisbasedon the openingofLiverpool at thecity’s Cathedral during Orchestra andlocalsingers Royal LiverpoolPhilharmonic Memorial wasperformed bythe Symphony No11:Hillsborough commemorating thedisaster bycomposer MichaelNyman. 96 football ofanewsymphony fanswhodiedatHillsborough aspart Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudgewaschosento singthenames ofthe Later on,Ilearnt from Raymond Walker, Chairman the youngtenor singingNemorino,Kang Wang. Donizetti’s L’eisir impressed d’amore. by Iwasvery last December’sI attended RNCMproduction of Kathryn Rudge have felt for is thepast25years The anger, painandsorrow they had ontheirbereaved families. at Hillsborough, ortheimpactit forget thosewholosttheirlives Anderson said:‘We willnever Forest in April 1989,MayorJoe semi-final againstNottingham place duringLiverpool’s FA Cup Talking ofthetragedy, whichtook families oflostfans.’ process stillnecessaryfor the contribution to thehealing make ‘a smallbutsignificant and issomethinghehopeswill Lover starringHelenMirren, The Thief, HisWife andHer subsequently usedinTheCook, Gattaca -wrote in1985and scores suchasThePianoand a workNyman-famedfor film ‘ to prepare himfor thedemandingleadtenorrole. involvement hecame from hishomeinSwitzerland Bonynge. theconductorAfter agreed Kang’s Satanella to beconducted byMaestro Richard Kang inthethenforthcoming recording ofBalfe’s of Vocal Studies,ashewasinterested incasting Lynne Dawson, theRNCM’s HeadoftheSchool of Victorian Opera, thathehadbeenintouch with I amsure willbeasuccessful career.’ ensemble orwhatever. to what A pleasingstart for repeats whentheMaestro wasnothappywith conductor’s musical nuances, aswelldemands himself for eachsession,andresponded to the professional colleagues, by how heprepared andthemanner,deportment alongwith thisfully and wasgreatly impressed bytheyoungman’s therecordingI wasprivilegedto attend sessions conducted byJosep Vicent. Youth and Training Choirs, by theLiverpoolPhilharmonic alongside theRLPO, accompanied She performed Nyman’s work an International Diploma. Artist from theRNCMin2011with Liverpool FCallherlife, graduated Liverpool andhassupported Kathryn, whowasbornin ‘ and around theworld. across thecountry Merseyside, across and bythousandsofothers inLiverpool, shared by everyone unforgettable tribute.’ of musicwillbeamovingand specially-commissioned piece the families, andNyman’s for andsupport our solidarity Memorials are asymbolof Tenor

Fawcett Award. page 7)receiving theElias and theZelkova (see Quartet the Ensemble A SectionFinal, winning with theSolemQuartet heavily inthisyear’s competition, RNCM ensemblesalsofeatured amazing!’ this award feels absolutely incredible musicians.Winning event playingalongsideother ofsuchaprestigious be part Huw said:‘Ifelt luckyto very prize moneytotalling £15,000. to secure theGoldMedaland Pedro Iturralde’s Pequena Czarda from hisConcerto inDminor, and , Marcello’sFreundschaft Adagio played Karlheinz Stockhausen’s ROSL ARTS Accompanist Prize), James Sherlock(winnerofthe of judgesHuw, accompanied by Performing to aprestigious panel 62-year history. Section inthecompetition’s bassist to wintheStrings history asthefirstdouble Toby Hughes,whomade Section, andundergraduate of theWindandPercussion Finals, includingHuw, winner winners from thesoloSection the grand final featured all Hall, SouthbankCentre, inMay, Taking place atQueenElizabeth students pastandpresent. League ARTS competition for outstanding Royal Over-Seas the GoldMedalinwhatwasan Saxophonist HuwWigginwon ROSL Gold Wiggin Strikes Huw Wiggin

21 ALUMNI NEWS Joyce Lindley Parker: 1927 – 2014

It is with sadness that we report the death of Joyce Lindley Parker, a former Chair of the Association of Friends of the RNCM, and an active musician all her life. RNC M FR I ENDS 22 In 2003 Joyce was awarded the Cross of Merit of the Lion of Finland by the President of Finland for her work in music and culture between Finland and the UK.

Having known Ida Carroll personally, Joyce played an active part in the Junior RNCM presenting and donating prizes annually. In 2009, she established the Andrew and Matthew Scrivener Bursary in the names of two RNCM alumni, to offer valuable support to aspiring young violinists and to create a lasting link with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then five RNCM students have benefitted: James Toll, Sarah Thornett, Rosemary Attree, Jessica Hall and Victoria Marsh.

Joyce Lindley Parker One of the RNCM’s most loyal supporters, her last donation was to dedicate a seat in the new Joyce was an alumna of the Northern School Concert Hall with her great friend David Hamer of Music where she studied singing, specialising with whom she set up the JRNCM Lindley Parker in lieder and working with other musicians in Hamer Chamber Music Prize last year. chamber music. She later studied in London with Otakar Kraus where she met fellow student Sir Joyce will be missed by all at the RNCM for her John Tomlinson and sang alongside Sir Willard enthusiasm and dedication to supporting young White in the last concert performance at the musicians. Her funeral took place in September, Free Trade Hall. with the family requesting donations to the RNCM Student Awards Fund in place of flowers. In 1985 she was presented to The Queen in recognition of her fundraising work in music for the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund. A national and North West committee member of the Incorporated Society of “Joyce will be missed by all at Musicians and organiser of the ISM Annual Young the RNCM for her enthusiasm Musicians’ Platform Prize, Joyce also founded the and dedication to supporting Manchester Philharmonic Choir (formerly the BBC young musicians…” Philharmonic Friends Choir), and was an honorary member of the Friends of the BBC Philharmonic, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Chetham’s School of Music, William Byrd Singers, a member of the Hallé, and a patron of the Manchester Camerata. Joyce Lindley Parker Forthcoming riendsE a head start fora headstart theirfuture careers. a professional experience thatgivesthem our singersandinstrumentalists,offering ofthetraining anddevelopmentof a vitalpart The award-winning RNCMOpera productions are celebrate aspecialoccasion. or through yourcompany, or buyasauniquegift who studyhere. You cansponsorasanindividual great waytotheRNCMandstudents support atjust£50andisa Sponsoring acostume starts thing to beingonthestageyourself! oftheproduction. be part This isthenextbest the audience, achance to helpdress thecastand costumes. For thefirsttimeweare offering you, and acastofover50,alldressed instunning WidowwillfeatureThe Merry aglittering set This autumn,theRNCM’s production ofLehár’s performance from just£15.30 book tickets for theevening only. RNCM Friendscan Free admission,byticket withstudents. expertise share theirexperience and are invited to joinasthey masterclass. RNCMFriends vocal ensemblesinashort Singers willcoach twoRNCM performance, The King’s Ahead oftheirevening Hall 2pm RNCMConcert Thursday 20November The King’s Singers Masterclass with or contact Rebecca. Morgan [email protected] To sponsoracostume orto findoutmore visitrncm.ac.uk/sponsoracostume

The Merry Widow Widow Merry The 3pm RNCM Theatre Tuesday 2December Sunday 30December seeking thecoveted hand of effervescent taleofsuitors delighted audiences withits Widow haslong The Merry and ever-flowing champagne, Maxim’s can-candancers, ladies, eligiblebachelors, An intoxicating whirlofelegant Lehár’s operettaWidow. TheMerry first to seeournewproduction of fellow Friendsandbeoneofthe Join RNCMstaff, studentsand RNCM Opera Previews Production Our Next Part of Be RNCM Opera: Sponsor aCostume • •  • The aboveplus: Principal Leading Character: £450 •  • • Acknowledgement intheopera programme Principal namedcharacter andGrisettes: £100 RNCM ChorusMember:£50 This ishowwewillthankyou: member’s biography A dedicationofyourchoice includedinthecast chosen character A signedprintofthecostume sketches for your Wardrobe Manager at thecostume designswithElaineNeedham, Access to abehind-the-scenes tour looking opportunity toopportunity meetthecastafterwards Invitation to arehearsal incostume withthe characters with detailsandpictures ofthecostumes and Regular e-newsletters intherunupto theopera

(restrictions apply) Silver Members andabove Tickets: £12.50,free to Widow Waltzand TheMerry . Vilja, You’ll FindMe At Maxim’s, many well-knownarias,including première in Vienna andfeatures a huge crowd pleaser since its 1905 This much-loved operetta has been widow’s drawer… jewellery GDP hasendedupintheyoung state ofPontevedro whoseentire of thesmall,strugglingBalkan unfold againstthebackstory in fin-de-siècle Paris. Events wealthy widow Anna Glawari vent

s Fox [email protected]. join orlearnmore contact Bryan are increased by50percent. To to £20.EachDecember theprizes monthly prizesranging from £80 College andtheothertowards four subscription goingdirectly to the per yearwithhalfoftheannual Full membershipispriced at£25 ‘ inamonthlyprizedraw.take part to members withtheopportunity the RNCMwhilstproviding offers anagreeable wayto support Eric Waite Fox andBryan and now runbylong-timesupporters Friends scheme),the200Clubis and ChairmanoftheRNCM Graham Merriam(former Trustee Established over 10 years ago by Hall. Concert to nameaseatinthenew RNCM recently, donating£4000 generous contribution to Your The RNCM’s 200Clubmadea . [email protected] team on01619075338oremail or contact theDevelopment Visit www.rncm.ac.uk/friends a month. atjust£2.50 Friends starts Membership to theRNCM Join he 200 Club The The Merry Widow The Merry draw atthesametime.’ excitement ofamonthlyprize refurbishment whilstenjoyingthe projects Hall suchastheConcert able to make a positive impact on ‘It’s great to knowthat you’re Club could beideal,’saidBryan. theCollegethen200 support If you’re lookingfor afunwayto the RNCMFriends

23 RNCM FRIENDS Wednesday 3 – Saturday 13 December Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow RNCM Opera Wyn Davies conductor Piero Lombardi Iglesias assistant conductor Stefan Janski director Kate Ford set and costume designer Nick Ware lighting designer Kevin Thraves chorus master Bethan Rhys Wiliam choreographer RNCM Opera Orchestra RNCM Chorus

Tickets from £21

/rncmvoice /rncmlive Box Office 0161 907 5555 www.rncm.ac.uk/merrywidow