25-29 JUNE 2017 Were allthingsequallydesirable Love inthegarden singingto theinstrument The tiltyard skill,thestrategy ofchess The purplebullfinchinthelilactree Music andPhilosophy, curiosity Delight andsense, inlearningandthought description ofwhat willbe happeningduringtheArtsFest onThe Close. to summarisethetemptations ofyouth, butwhat emerges isapassably good of oneBecket’s speechesinMurder in theCathedral. Eliotis,ofcourse, attempting The phrase ‘delight inlearning’comes to measIthinkaboutahalf-remembered echo experience. culture, creativity andcommunity. Allofwhichwillcollide to create anunforgettable and membersofthewholeRugby community whowillbeengagedinfive days of Thank you to allourPatrons, allourperformers, workshop leadersandstudents COMMEMORATE THEFOUNDING OFRUGBY SCHOOL450YEARSAGO. THIS CELEBRATION ISCENTRALTO OURSERIESOFANNIVERSARY EVENTS TO IT ISAGREAT PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO THEFESTIVAL ONTHECLOSE. A WARM WELCOME

A MESSAGE FROM With best wishes,Judi Autumn. which are dueto bereleased inthe on theOrientExpress” bothof “Victoria andAbdul”“Murder production work for my two films, to my eyes withpress andpost- sorry Ican’tbethere asIamup involved intheFestival andamso I sendallgoodwishesto everyone to engagewithartsandculture. young people from all backgrounds work creating opportunitiesfor The Festival onThe Closeinits am therefore proud to support exciting works for themto see. I theatre andtheartsisto provide involved andinterested inthe The way to getyoung people JUDI DENCH PATRON DAME OUR HONORARY Peter Green, HeadMaster Floreat Rugbeia unexpected andexpected magicalmoments. I hopeyou enjoy thefive days and experience many encounters itstarget –theeureka moment. takes place whencreativity andcuriosityunexpectedly Things equallydesirable! The flashof recognition that

inspired to GetCreative. member, we hopethat you leave us workshop participantoraudience Whether you have beenaperformer, Rugby School’s 450thAnniversary year. Thank you for supportingusinthis, festivals inthecountry. ambitious andexciting educational arts festival andmake thisoneofthemost singing withG4–lieat theheartof Motionhouse, stomping withStomp, professional musicians,dancingwith lifetime experiences –playing alongside public evening shows. Unique, once ina and performing alongsidethemin the festival, working withyoung people class visitingartists are here throughout our publicshows. Many ofourworld- are, inpart,fundedby ticket salesfrom across theregion –workshops which free ofcharge to children from schools All oftheseworkshops are completely sculpture; from fashion to stage combat. commentary; from creative writingto to dance theTango to live sports throughout theweek –from learning workshops for children running The Closealsohasover 500creative music andtheatre, The Festival on shows includingworld-class comedy, In additionto astellar line-upofpublic campaign. supporting theBBCArtsGetCreative enrichment workshops proudly around aprogramme ofeducational The Close2017, apublicartsfestival built We welcome you to The Festival on RICHARD TANNER TIM COKER AND ANDREW CHESSELL, FESTIVAL DIRECTORS A MESSAGE FROM

FESTIVAL ON THECLOSE WELCOME TO THE 01 A MESSAGE OF OUR WORKSHOPS EXPLAINED

PRACTICAL HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS IN A HUGE RANGE OF CREATIVE DISCIPLINES LIE AT THE VERY HEART OF THE FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE.

Unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for young people to try something new in our BBC Get Creative THANKSTO OUR SPONSORS: workshop programme litter the festival.

A HUGE THANK YOU GOES TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO HELP US PUT TOGETHER THIS INCREDIBLE WEEK OF CREATIVITY AND CULTURE IN RUGBY TOWN. TO OUR PERFORM live on stage with the cast of Stomp MAIN FESTIVAL SPONSOR STEPNELL LTD, AS WELL AS TO OUR FESTIVAL FRIENDS AND ALL OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE OFFERED SUPPORT IN ANY WAY OVER THE PAST NINE with internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8 MONTHS SINCE WE BEGAN WORKING ON THIS PROJECT, A SINCERE THANK YOU. SING

Our Festival Friends: Mr & Mrs G Bucknall | Mr & Mrs C Hobbs | Mr & Mrs J Lowther | The Walker Family DANCE with the astonishing physical theatre company Motionhouse

And the following organisations without whom the It is only through your generous support that we have been festival would not have been possible: able to welcome so many children from across the region to ACT with the Royal Shakespeare Company take part in our extensive workshop programme this week. As an entirely self-funded, not-for-profit festival, we are reliant on sponsorship, individual donations and other offers of help as LEARN how to deliver a stand-up routine with professional comedians from The Comedy Club 4 Kids well as ticket sales to make this festival a success.

I hope then, that as you explore the festival this week and see the enormous range of creative opportunities for young Whatever the choice, we think there is something for everyone to enjoy as part Supporting people to engage in the arts, that you will appreciate that the of our extensive 5-day festival celebrating creativity, culture and community right investment from your companies, as well as the kind donations here in Rugby. from our festival friends, will have helped to give many young people an inspirational experience that they might otherwise We have around 700 children from schools across the region coming to The never have had. Festival on The Close to perform with G4, Stomp, NYJO, Motionhouse and others as well as to join in our workshop programme. We believe in the power Whether it’s stomping with Stomp or weaving a willow of creativity to transform lives. We think you’ll agree that this incredible week of sculpture, these things that occupy the children today at this activities and performances has the power to do just that. festival will we hope continue to inspire them tomorrow: to go to an opera, to join a choir, to dance, draw, act, invent and play throughout their lives.

CREDITS

Festival Directors Andrew Chessell, Tim Coker, Richard Tanner THANKS TO Festival Manager Vicky Henderson Hunts Bookshop Festival Administrator Peter Thomas Sally Phillips Steering Committee Andrea Brogaard, Phil Byrne, Matthew Gray, James Mead and his Grounds Team Neil Gutteridge, Neil Hampton, Denise Osborne, Chris Wright Judy Robinson and the Rugby School Estates Team Marketing Amanda Hunter, PJ Green Brian Rollason Technical and Venues Manager Matthew Gray Rugby College Performing Arts Department Technical MCL Create, Kyle Arrowsmith, Jamie Elson Rugby School Porters Front Of House Mrs Mandy Reynolds and all of our Levee & staff Sue Freeman and the Rugby School Cleaning Team who have so kindly helped Stephanie Saunders Catering Chartwells and all of our concessions Mark Pougatch Literary Events co-ordinator Alix Scott-Martin Julia Fuxman Music Events co-ordinator Claire Bradley Pauline Desmond Health & Safety Dennis Davies De Boers Medical MedEvent Jean-Francois Denis Security Chris Wright and Stonewall Security Ltd Rugby School Teaching and Support Staff

02 03 THANK YOU TO OUR WORKSHOPS OUR SPONSORS EXPLAINED Alderton iPhone Photography Take most recent novel ‘Bleaker in a group, to create and discussions of some of the as part of the warm-up to The amazing photos on your phone House’ and gets you putting present your own sales pitch Bard’s plays followed by Festival on The Close Comedy Flog Me a Nun Create an Jive Learn how to twist and Jive pen to paper yourself in this for the plot of a Hollywood screenings of a few excerpts. Night advertising jingle for various inspirational creative writing romantic blockbuster The focus will be on exploring products Julia Fuxman Publishing workshop the continued relevance Surrealist Games Unleash Learn the secrets of the and entertainment value of and explore the creativity of Georgina Lamb - Physical Publishing Business with Julia Orienteering Design and walk Shakespeare’s drama your subconscious mind with Theatre Join RSC Movement Fuxman routes around the school a range of Surrealist activities Director & original cast Signing Song Learn the lyrics such as Exquisite Corpse & member of Frantic Assembly, Junk Jam Create and play Origami An opportunity to a song in sign language Automatic Drawing and Writing Georgina Lamb in this high- instruments from scrap to see scale factors and with the amazing signed song Nell Stevens octane creative workshop algorithms in action! Generate tutor Paul Whittaker OBE Tango An exciting opportunity Invent Olympics Create your intricate origami shapes and perform it in our headline to learn some basic Argentine Guerilla Knitting Whether you own sport where Rugby was through following precise show with Laura Mvula Tango moves. Learn a short are already a knitter or have born instructions and learn an series of steps danced to WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE never considered knitting, this interesting skill Slime Making Create your the Game of Thrones/Skyrim is your chance to take part Kitchen Chemistry Ever Royal Shakespeare Company different types of slime with theme 1 Singular Sensation Blasts from The Past Learn in an exciting opportunity wanted to make spun sugar Passport to Stockholm The name says it all; come and our very own mad professor Watch this world-premiere the history of Brass, from its to learn and take part in a baskets, honeycomb and or ice Masterclass Get advice about develop your acting skills with The Trading Game An performance of ‘1 Singular early development, through to dynamic knitting project on cream using liquid nitrogen. your sound from Passport to the world-famous RSC Song Writing Create the opportunity to negotiate Sensation’ before it heads to its current form the close Now’s your chance! Stockholm’s lead singer Chris next #1 in our song writing fact-to-face deals in the the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Barnard workshop trading pit to maximise your in August Cèilidh Learn this traditional Giant Chess Flex all your Lego Shakespeare Use Lego profit. Acting on behalf of Gaelic form of dancing muscles in a game of giant and stop-motion animation to Pétanque Challenge your Spectroscopy in a Suitcase your client you will have to Aerogami Exploring the chess create scenes for friends to compete against It’s a suitcase, with some establish contacts, compete meditative art of crafting Ceramic Bowl Making Design Shakespeare’s plays you in this classic game awesome spectrometry for business and act swiftly to paper-aeroplanes. Participants and make your own artisan bowl science in it! generate the highest returns. will investigate the science Nick Parker Writing Your Protest Signs Hate the A quick brain and creative behind flight, and be Clay Robots Design, create, chance to work with government cuts? Want bargaining under pressure will challenged to create their glaze and fire your own robot professional writer Nick Parker. to save the whales? Hate be needed to win! own unique designs in a final Hear about his most recent, Protests? Here’s you chance to competition Comic Acting with award- and extremely funny, book make a stand! Treasure Hunt Find the clues winning star of the West End Graffiti Learn from professional ‘The Exploding Boy’ and gain and win the race Alice in Wonderland stage David Bark-Jones graffiti artists how to design insider knowledge about the Richard III, Villain or Rugby FM Broadcast The experience Travel down the and spray your own creations. world of literature Victim Forensic History: an Festival on The Close takes Tri series sports Tri your hand rabbit hole and see the Library Creative Cuisine Learn to Don’t worry…you’re allowed investigation into the death over Rugby FM for a day! at Space Hopper Football, transformed! Come along to make amazing dishes with Mindfulness Take moment to of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ Fancy being a radio presenter? Frisbee Golf & Ultimate celebrate your ‘un-birthday’, the professional Chefs from Green Woodwork Ever yourself in our mindfulness tent making use of historical Broadcast live to the world dodgeball experience the Mad Hatter’s Chartwells fancied wielding an axe or sources to develop a case for on digital radio and learn Sports Commentary tea party, solve the Cheshire slamming a maul onto a foe? Model United Nations the defence or prosecution of the tricks of the trade in this Commentate on a live cricket Ultimate Frisbee Try your Cat’s riddles, join in with Cricket Sketching Create art This is a chance to try your Represent your country, or Richard III unique workshop with Rugby match broadcast online with hand at Ultimate Frisbee puzzles, crafts and more inspired by the 1st XI as they hand at making useful things someone else’s, in the debate FM DJ Jason Moss ITV’s Mark Pougatch play Clifton College from trees, one of the oldest over some of the world’s most Rocket Building It’s not rocket Architecture A tour exploring technologies in the world! important issues science - is it ? Yes, it is! After Tai-chi Learn the ancient Stage Combat with Chris the different styles of Design the TRR Work with a brief background on the Chinese martial art of Tai-chi Round Learn the secrets architecture within the professional Architects to physics of rocket design we of stage combat from school’s grounds redesign the TRR will be building rockets which Tea-tastic Taste the difference professional fight coordinator can then be launched using a between Earl Grey, Oolong Chris Round Dragons’ Den Design and compressed air launcher - a and PG Tips pitch your product for our successful rocket should go at Staff Guitar Music Guitar very own Dragons least 100 feet high! Trebuchet Battle Build a music at its very best medieval weapon of war and Drawing Anatomy Become Roman Centurion Learn the fire it at the other team Staff Oboe Music An the next Leonardo da Vinci art of war from our very own outstanding Oboe concert by as you study and sketch the Roman Centurion from the Samba & Body Percussion Katie Potts and Friends wonders of anatomy Greek Theatre with the Actors Deva Victrix Legion XX v.v Body Percussion & Samba of Dionysus Learn the secrets Motionhouse Work with in this interactive workshop Drumming with former Stomp Stand-up comedy with Effigy Building Build an Effigy of performing Greek Theatre internationally-renowned from professional historical re- cast member Ollie Tunmer Tiernan Douieb Learn the Willow Weaving Work with to be burnt on the last day of with a modern twist in this dance company Motionhouse enactment company Roman craft of Stand-up Comedy professional sculptor Spencer Beatbox with MC Zani Learn the festival acting workshop with Actors Tours UK Scrap City Create architectural from professional comedian Jenkins to create your own to Beatbox with UK Beatbox of Dionysus Artistic Director Mud Mural Design and paint masterpieces out of scrap Tiernan Douieb willow art installation outside Champion MC Zani Fairground Creations Design Tamsin Shasha your own mud mural on the wall Romantic Comedy Take a materials the TRR and build all the fairground look at the different genre Stomp with Stomp Spend a Black Comedy Watch this favourites such as ‘Hook a Henry V for the day Perform Music, Words, Movement ingredients which go into Shakespeare on Screen day learning how to Stomp Yoga Take some time our of year’s brilliantly funny E & duck’, ‘Splat a Rat’, ‘Coconut Shakespeare’s Ultimate war Group improvisation workshop making a romantic comedy, The workshop will comprise and then perform live on stage a busy workshop schedule to F Block student Play ‘Black Shy’ and any others you can play with 4 props of your – bring an instrument, your looking at famous novels and with the cast of this world- relax and get fit at the same Comedy’ think of choice! Think Who’s Line is it voice or anything you can find films; in the second part of the famous show time in our introduction to Anyway rather than The Globe to make a noise with session, there will be a chance, Yoga workshop Fashion Show Rugby Street Comedy Try your hand school design I Love You, You’re Perfect, NYJO Workshop Rehearse at Street Comedy students present Now Change Catch a test and perform with the amazing with professional their festival show. performance of The Stodge National Youth Jazz Orchestra performers from Theatre Company’s new Slaphaddock 05 04 FestMag Journalism musical before it heads to The Nell Stevens, Author Theatre Company OUR WORKSHOPS with Sunday Times Edinburgh Fringe Professional writer Nell and then perform OUR WORKSHOPS EXPLAINED columnist, Dolly Stevens talks about her with Slaphaddock EXPLAINED ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING 450 YEARS SINCE THE FOUNDING OF RUGBY SCHOOL… MERCHANDISE

WELCOME TO THIS ‘FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE’, A MAJOR EVENT TAKING PLACE From bone china mugs to Prestat chocolates, high quality branded clothing and accessories; AS PART OF OUR 2017 PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE THE FOUNDING OF RUGBY SCHOOL IN 1567. our 450th Anniversary Merchandise is available on-line.

We started the planning process at the beginning of 2015 by asking the Rugbeian THE ANNIVERSARY BOOK… from Elizabeth to Elizabeth community of alumni, parents and staff what we should be doing to celebrate this moment in Rugby’s history….and we received 380 ideas! When these ideas were This glossy commemorative book traces the history of both the School and the wider grouped together, we found they could all be recognised under eight key headings world since 1567. As well as significant world events which give the book a timeline … our History, our Founder, our Sporting Heritage, our Charitable Ethos, our Global perspective, it covers the School’s many and colourful Head Masters, its governance, Reach, our Commitment to the Community, Music and the Arts, and our Christian Faith. the achievements and influence of Rugbeians through the ages and it records the School’s highly distinctive built heritage. With a foreword by Sir Hew Strachan, there So it all started in 1567 when our Founder, Lawrence Sheriff, left £50 in his Will are eminent contributions from the Bishop of Birmingham David Urquhart, former together with ‘8 acres of pasture’ outside the walls of London to start a school Chair of Governors, Michael Fowle, actor Roger Ringrose, and former members of in Rugby. On April 28, a plaque was unveiled by AN Wilson in Rugby Street to staff, David Ray and David Hempsall. The book may be purchased for £45 including permanently recognise this bequest, and those ‘8 acres of pasture’ now centred on p&p by going online at www.rugbyschoolshop.com Lamb’s Conduit Street are known as ‘The Rugby Estate’.

450TH COMMEMORATIVE MERCHANDISE… We have recorded the School’s History through publication of Our Global Reach has just been celebrated on June 24 when There are attractive specially-commissioned items of 450th Merchandise for sale to suit our 450th Anniversary book, from Elizabeth to Elizabeth, and 600 guests attended the 450th Film Premiere and Gala Ball on all tastes. These include the Anniversary mug with an exclusive new design by Sam by the inspirational Exhibition created from the book installed The Close, and on the same day, screenings took place in Hong Cope, Prestat chocolates and a scented candle. A special Anniversary tie has also been in OBS at the School. You can purchase a copy of the book or Kong, Sydney, Dubai, New York, San Francisco and Singapore. created which combines Society, School and Arnold Foundation colours. There is also a arrange a visit to the exhibition through the School Shop at We also premiered the 450th Anniversary Overture composed [email protected] by Nathan Williamson (Tu 92-97), and the 450th Anniversary 450th hoodie for more athletic Rugbeians, and an adorable teddy bear. Anthem composed by Simon Johnson, organist at St Paul’s Our Sporting Heritage, and in particular, recognition of the Cathedral. game that we gave to the world, was wonderfully expressed through the International Schools U18s Rugby Sevens £16 Tournament which took place at the School at the end of March. We were so delighted to welcome schools from Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as well as schools representing England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales … and of course our own Rugby School team was there too! They all enjoyed friendly but challenging competition on the exact same ground where the game was first ‘invented’ by William Webb Ellis in 1823. The winners of the 450th Anniversary Cup were Hilton College from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

£18 £2.50 £35

Our global reach is further emphasised by ‘The Global Pass’ £35 which will see 450 Rugbeians passing the ball as it makes its way around the world. It has already visited Stonehenge, the Outer Hebrides, Menton, Bordeaux, Moscow and Hong Kong…. and is on its way to the South Pole ! You can track progress on Twitter at #globalpass2017 or at www.rugbyschool.co.uk/450th

Our Commitment to the Community will be admirably expressed on September 27 when both Rugby and Lawrence Sheriff Schools come together to put the ‘fun into fundraising’ on behalf of the Bradby Club in Rugby….. and as the anniversary year draws to a close, we will be holding a Thanksgiving £8.50 Celebration in the School’s Chapel on November 26 to £35 £12.50 We recognised our Charitable Ethos at a splendid ‘City Dinner’ recognise our Christian Faith. in London on March 21 in Middle Temple Hall which was full to capacity with 288 guests. The charitable ethos on which And now this exciting ‘Festival on The Close’ celebrates the the School was first founded, and further strengthened by the School’s commitment to Music and the Arts, not just with an influence of Thomas Arnold and subsequent Head Masters, inspirational programme of acts but by providing interactive is continued today through the transformational work of The performing arts experiences for school pupils as well. Arnold Foundation. Whichever of the performances you have come to attend, I am sure that you will have a wonderful evening.

For a souvenir of Rugby School’s 450th Anniversary, you can order your copy of from Elizabeth to Elizabeth and view the Visit our pop-up shop on the School Porridge during the Festival on The Close 06 colourful and varied range of 450th Anniversary Merchandise 450 YEARS gifts by going to www.rugbyschoolshop.com OF RUGBY SCHOOL www.rugbyschoolshop.com SUNDAY HEADLINE MUSIC G4 & LESLEY GARRETT G4 “UNDER THE STARS” G4 originally met and formed at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, hence the with guest soprano Lesley name “G4”. They set an exciting trend by bringing classical music to British reality TV Garrett screens for the first time in 2004 with their performance of Nessun Dorma. However, it was their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody that became their signature tune, storming 7.30pm the charts in 2005. Their eponymous debut album went straight to No.1, selling more Arena than 245,000 in the first week, making it the fastest-selling album of the year.

G4 SHOT TO FAME ON THE FIRST G4 subsequently released three albums, selling over 2 million copies in the UK. They SERIES OF ITV’S THE X FACTOR IN also released a “Live at The Royal Albert Hall” DVD, an autobiographical book “G4: 2004, WHERE THEY PIONEERED Our Way” and completed five sell-out tours across the UK and Ireland, including THE WORLD OF POPULAR OPERA. a Cathedral Tour where they sang acoustically. Other G4 highlights included THEIR EXQUISITE HARMONIES collaborating with Lesley Garrett, Robin Gibb, Stephen Gately and Sir Cliff Richard, AND UNIQUE ARRANGEMENTS OF performing in The Royal Albert Hall more than a dozen times, and having the roller- ICONIC SONGS SUCH AS MY WAY, coaster ride G-Force named after them, which they opened at Drayton Manor Theme CIRCLE OF LIFE AND BOHEMIAN Park. In 2007, after three albums, over 2 million album sales and five sell-out tours RHAPSODY IMMEDIATELY CAPTIVATED with performances in many of the UK’s iconic venues, the band decided to disband to THE HEARTS OF THE NATION AND follow individual interests. CATAPULTED THEM INTO INSTANT STARDOM. On 17th November 2014, G4 reunited at London’s Barbican Centre to celebrate their 10th anniversary since appearing on The X Factor. Due to unprecedented demand, the band were forced to reconsider the “One Night Only” aspect of the show, and bring their music back to audiences across the UK, which resulted in their 20-date Reunion Tour.

After the phenomenal reaction to their Reunion Tour to packed houses across the UK, G4 transported their loyal following right back to the moment they first fell in love with G4’s trademark harmonies. Having recreated their unique take on songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Circle of Life and Nessun Dorma, they also proved they can tackle the latest chart-toppers including Let It Go, Happy and Uptown Funk in their own inimitable style.

Due to the overwhelming demand for G4, and having toured their 29-date ‘Back For Good’ tour in 2016, G4 went on to tour their popular ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ show across the UK in November and December in 14 historic churches and cathedrals.

In February 2017, G4 released their fifth album, recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, and featuring collaborations with Lesley Garrett and Merrill Osmond. In March 2017, G4 made their Asia debut in South Korea, with further shows planned in Asia in 2018 and 2019 already.

08 09 SUNDAY HEADLINE SUNDAY HEADLINE G4 & LESLEY GARRETT G4 & LESLEY GARRETT Following on from the success of G4’s MONDAY 26 JUNE UK tour in March, they will take the tour to Ireland and more UK venues in September 2017, which is set to further MUSIC Keyboard and Composition, Overture on Hebrew Themes, whose bestselling novel, showcase their flawless vocals in even has taught at Rugby since Op. 34, Sergei Prokofiev Apple Tree Yard, was adapted more towns and cities nationwide. CHAMBER MUSIC 1999. He studied at King’s (1891-1953) - Michael Fuxman, as a major BBC television with Bliss Sinfonia College, Cambridge, The soloist series in 2017. Royal Academy of Music, 1.45pm London and The Vienna Francis Hopkinson joined ITV NMR Musikhochschule. He is Studios as Creative Director, an active musician and LITERATURE, Drama in 2011. Since arriving Bliss Sinfonia String Quartet his interests range from his department has produced joins forces with Head performing classical recitals FILM, TV, MEDIA the critically acclaimed LUCAN of Keyboard, Rob Colley and concerti to composing and the hit series HOME FIRES and talented pupils in a commercial music and jazz. THE WRIGHT both for ITV. He started his programme of chamber BUSINESS career on the THE BILL, before music by Mozart, Beethoven, joining World Productions Schubert and Prokofiev. 1.45pm as Associate Producer of The Macready the BAFTA Award winning Bliss Sinfonia String Quartet Theatre series THE COPS. In 1999 he is formed from Bliss Sinfonia, joined Granada Television the professional orchestra in In a lunchtime conversation, and produced a number of residence at Rugby School, Francis Hopkinson, BAFTA programmes, including: the and comprises the string award winning Creative BAFTA nominated DANIELLE teachers from the music Director, Drama at ITV and CABLE: EYEWITNESS and the department. The Sinfonia is Literary Agent and Antony Emmy Award winning HENRY named after the composer Sir Harwood lift the lid on the VIII, starring Ray Winstone. Later this year, they return to 21 churches Arthur Edward Drummond business of commissioning, and cathedrals for their ‘Christmas By Bliss, CH KCVO (1891-1975) editing and realising award Candlelight’ Tour, in association with who was educated at Bilton winning books, film and Missing People, who are a lifeline when Grange before moving onto television programmes. someone goes missing. Rugby School. In 1953, he Antony Harwood was was appointed Master of the Yammi Yip (piano) and at Chatto & Windus G4 are now enjoying a huge resurgence, Queen’s Music. Michael Fuxmann (clarinet) publishers for six years as and since their reunion in November 2014, Andrea Brogaard and Chris Publicity Director and then G4 have performed over 70 headline Andrea Brogaard, Head of White (violins), Karin Norlen Commissioning Editor before shows in the UK, and have over 60 shows Strings at Rugby School, (viola), Elaine Ackers (‘cello), becoming a literary agent planned in 2017 alone. graduated from the Royal Rob Colley (piano) in 1985. He was a Director In 2005 moved to Channel Danish Academy of Music in of the Wylie, Aitken & Stone 4 as Senior Commissioning G4 will be return to the Midlands on 7th 2001 and played in the Danish Piano Concerto no. 12 in A, and Curtis Brown agencies Editor for Drama and oversaw December at St Paul’s Church as part of Radio Symphony Orchestra KV.414 (first movement), before setting up his own the multi-award winning their Christmas tour. They will also be before becoming moving to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart agency, based in Oxford, in ELIZABETH I starring Helen performing at Birmingham Town Hall in Rugby in 2004. She performs (1756-1791) - Yammi Yip, 2000. Over the years he has Mirren, LONGFORD and E4’s March 2018, for the fourth year in a row. regularly both in school and soloist worked with a broad range hit series SKINS. In 2007 he in the local area playing both of writers including Anne co-founded Left Bank Pictures You can join G4’s Mailing List for free recitals and concerti. At Rugby String Trio Op. 9/2 in D (1st Tyler, Iris Murdoch, William and was Executive Producer on their website for the latest news, or LESLEY GARRETT she runs the string orchestra and 2nd movements), Ludwig Burroughs, Angela Carter, of the BAFTA award winning even join the GF4N Club if you’re feeling and oversees a number of van Beethoven (1770-1827) Alan Hollinghurst, Garth Nix, WALLANDER starring Kenneth adventurous! In a wide-ranging career, Lesley Garrett has achieved international recognition chamber music groups. String Trio in B-flat, D. 471, Dorothy Koomson, Peter F. Branagh and ITVs long running as an opera singer, recording artist, musical theatre performer and television Rob Colley, Head of Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Hamilton and Louise Doughty, detective series DCI BANKS. G4: personality. Her recordings range from her many, best-selling solo albums to The JONATHAN ANSELL, Magic Flute and Cosi fan tutte (both conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras). BEN THAPA, MIKE CHRISTIE In concert she has sung with, among others, the Halle (particularly under Sir Mark NICK ASHBY Elder), the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, the European Union Chamber Orchestras and often for the RTE. Her operatic career has taken WWW.G4OFFICIAL.COM her from the Wexford and Buxton Festivals to Welsh National Opera, Opera North, DRAMA TWITTER: @G4OFFICIAL The Royal Opera and Glyndebourne. As a principal artist with English National FACEBOOK: G4OFFICIALMUSIC Opera she sang in Xerxes, Ariodante, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, The MONOLOGUE SLAM Cunning Little Vixen, The Mikado, A Masked Ball, The Midsummer Marriage and (student performance) The Barber of Seville. Musical theatre roles include Eliza Doolittle My Fair Lady (Hollywood Bowl with Jonathan Pryce and the Los Angeles Philharmonic), Nettie 4.30pm Fowler Carousel (West End) and Mother Abbess The Sound of Music (West End The Macready Armoury Studio and world tour). Join a number of talented young actors, many of whom are current LAMDA students She has been awarded the CBE, and is a Fellow of and Board Member at the Royal here at Rugby School in a back-to-back celebration of all things monologue. Academy of Music. Her major television appearances include The Lesley Garrett Show, Who Do You Think You Are?, the first ever series of Strictly Come Dancing, Loose Women and a Songs of Praise special – My Story, My Music. She was also for many years presenter of the Lesley Garrett Opera Show on Classic FM.

Recent operatic performances include La Voix Humaine and the world premiere of Pleasure for Opera North, Despina for Garsington and this season sees her return 11 10 to ENO and WNO. Last year Lesley was thrilled, as a life-long cricket fan, to be SUNDAY HEADLINE invited to become President of the Lady Taverners. MONDAY G4 & LESLEY GARRETT 26 JUNE MONDAY HEADLINE A NIGHT AT THE PROMS

MUSIC Robert enjoys a busy schedule presenting an exciting season of concerts as Musical Director of the City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra at the West Road Concert Hall. He is particularly A NIGHT AT THE well-known for his work with young people and he is passionate about the education of the next PROMS generation of musicians. Robert is Musical Director of Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra in London, with Rugby School and Director of Music for the London Junior region of the National Children’s Orchestras of Symphony Orchestra Great Britain. He also works at the Royal College of Music Junior Department where he conducts the Sinfonia and delivers classes in conducting technique. Early in 2015 Robert took up a post 8.00pm to conduct the symphony orchestra at Rugby School, Warwickshire and he is a frequent guest TSR conductor of Malta Youth Orchestra.

IN THE TRADITION OF THE The 2016/17 season has been a busy one which, alongside his current commitments has seen WORLD’S GREATEST MUSIC guest performances with Farnborough Symphony Orchestra and Carillon Chamber Choir in St FESTIVAL, RUGBY SCHOOL’S Albans. In December Robert conducted the Yorchestra Holiday Course at York University and SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, in April he travelled again to conduct Malta Youth Orchestra. In the 2017/18 season Robert is UNDER THE DIRECTION OF looking forward to making debuts with Oxford University Orchestra and Malta Philharmonic ROBERT HODGE PRESENT A Orchestra. PROGRAMME OF POPULAR ORCHESTRAL CLASSICS. TO INCLUDE: Symphony no. 8 in G major, Op. 88 (fourth movement), Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Piano Concerto no. 21 in C, KV 467, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) – Hans Fechner, Rose Wang, Sam Horton, soloists Interval The Empire Strikes Back Medley, John DRAMA Williams (b.1932), arr. John C. Whitney Mission: Impossible Theme, Lalo Schifrin BUBBLE SCHMEISIS summer camps, religion even. A hit with critics and co-artistic director of Slap (b.1932), arr. Calvin Custer (1939-1998) Written and All to no avail. audiences at the 2016 Haddock and take stock Duke Ellington! (A Medley for Orchestra), Performed By Nick It wasn’t until his blind Edinburgh Festival, Bubble exchange. His theatre work arr. Calvin Custer (1939-1998) Cassenbaum grandfather took him to the Schmeisis is full of intimate has always focused on the 007: Through the Years, arr. Stephen Bulla Schvitz in Canning Town, East and personal true stories way we interact with places 6.00pm London that he found what about identity, home and and spaces and what that can The Macready he was looking for. Here they getting washed by old men. tell us about ourselves. ‘I try Violins Brigitte Wear (leader), Eric Kabamba, Lilian Mossaheb, Katie Aram, Vincent Wu, Theatre enact the ancient washing to make stories as accessible Rose Wang, Gabriella Commins, Harry Sparke, Alice Rees, Kewen Hu, Grace Evans, ritual of schmeissing, and, as as possible. I am interested Raphael Matthews, Andrea Brogaard, Elise Harper, Chris White, Harry Pateman Writer and performer Nick he lay naked being schmeissed _ in breaking the convention of Viola Max Boorman, Becky Ting, Karin Norlen Cassenbaum found what he’s by his grandfather, he knew theatre where the audience sit Cello Oona Lowther, Naomi Cook, Alicia Middleton, looking for in East London’s he had found what he was “A big-hearted, quietly, I get them up on stage Sophie Lewis, Elaine Ackers last remaining bath house. looking for, but above all, he and hopefully make them feel Double Bass Joseph Moss, Luca Antoci, Thea Butterworth, Now he’s coming to Festival knew he had to make a show appealing show so comfortable that if they Geoff Tooley on The Close in Rugby to tell about it. about tradition want to talk to me during the Harp Auriel Pawsey you all about it. show….they can.’ Flute Ellie van Laar, Yammi Yip, Ellie Hancox, In Bubble Schmeisis Nick and belonging” Izzy Pery, Clare Preston Bubbemeises is Yiddish for and his klezmer musicians The Stage **** CAST & CREATIVES Oboe Douglas Ralston, Tim Bentham a grandmother’s story, a tall invite you to join them in Written and performed by Bassoon Alison Hargreaves, Dot Brodie story, an old wives’ tale. A the enveloping warmth of Nick Cassenbaum Clarinet: Holly Duke, Michael Fuxman, schvitz is a Jewish Steam this last remaining authentic ‘It’s just a place that’s all about Director Danny Braverman Steve Morris Bath where old Jewish men bath house in East London. sitting together,” said Nick Producer Sian Baxter French Horn Rishi Pandya, Katie Murray, Robert come to wash, relax, complain Amongst the steam and ritual of the schvitz. ‘It’s a place Assistant Director Joe Arthur, Mark Smith and rejuvenate, to exchange Nick will take you with him where men talk freely and Fleming Trumpet Leo Dakin, Bart Hobson, Jamie jokes and gossip and to swap as he embarks on a journey frankly. I tell stories about Designer Bethany Wells Marshall, David Blackadder bubbemeisis. schlepping through summer trying to forge my identity’ Musicians Daniel Gouly and Trombone Sam Horton, Sebastian Hazzan, camps, barbershops and he continued. ‘This is the Josh Middleton Chris Hickman Writer and street performer Spurs games to find the place only place where I really felt Tuba Theo Matthews Nick Cassenbaum has been where he belongs. It’s about some kind of identity – it felt Percussion Hugo Hunt, Natalie Houlston, trying to make sense of his Nick finding his identity and like home. Now I’m really Olivia Scarozza, Tim Palmer Jewish identity ever since he wanting to keep the spirit excited to be taking it out to was a young boy. He tried of the steam baths alive. It new audiences. I invite them everything - going to Spurs, gives an up-close insight into onto the stage with me and a community that is interact so the show changes fading, a folk history depending on how those of a once vibrant people respond, leaving no culture and comes two performances the same. to Rugby’s Macready 13 12 Theatre on 26 June Nick Cassenbaum is a MONDAY as the final date of a storyteller, street performer MONDAY HEADLINE 26 JUNE national tour. and theatre maker and is LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS MESSAGES OF SUPPORT _ FROM OUR PATRONS “Music is the most mysterious and emotionally powerful medium, and reaches the deepest regions of our minds, beyond reason and analysis. It expresses the joys and wonders of life as well as its sorrows _ and traumas. It crosses all national boundaries and is loved by all generations of all countries and languages. It is a richly varied, “What is education if it doesn’t invigorating and profound world waiting to be explored by young include an understanding and an people embarking on the adventure of life.”

appreciation of the arts? In an ever SIR JOHN TOMLINSON more fragmented and fast-moving John Tomlinson was born in Lancashire. He gained a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at Manchester University before winning a scholarship to the Royal Manchester College of Music. He was awarded a C.B.E. in 1997 and world great music, drama, art and knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2005. He was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award for Singer in 1991, 1998 and 2007 literature are what bring us together and in 2014 their Gold Medal. He has sung for the world’s leading opera houses, including English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and for the and provide a safe haven where we Salzburg, Aix-en-Provence, Munich and Glyndebourne festivals. In 2017 he can celebrate our humanity.” was appointed President of the Royal Northern College of Music.

ANTHONY HOROWITZ _ Anthony Horowitz was educated at Rugby School and then “We’re living in times when language is manipulated and spin- at the University of York, going on to become one of the UK’s most prolific writers, best known as the author of the Alex Rider doctored in the cause of doublespeak, to such a pernicious extreme books which have sold 16 million copies around the world. He that carnage is described as ‘limited collateral damage.’ Bearing in was invited by the Ian Fleming estate to write the James Bond novel, Trigger Mortis, soon to have a sequel. Anthony sits on mind the saying that language is the first casualty of a war, and the the board of the Old Vic theatre in London and in January 2014 he was awarded an OBE for services to literature. He lives in fact that language impacts upon the identity of the young, all the more London with his wife, producer Jill Green, and their two sons, reason for them to be exposed to language in creative expression Nicholas and Cassian. across cultures.”

_ JOHN AGARD “An education which does not include the arts is no Famed as an outstanding performer and a multi-award-winning poet, John Agard was winner of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2012 education at all, and a society that does not embrace and and was a guest on Desert Island Discs in 2014. He was the first poet-in- value the arts is doomed to terminal stagnation.’’ residence at London’s South Bank and at the BBC and is well-known by teachers and students as a poet on the GCSE syllabus.

John Agard was born and educated in Guyana. He came to Britain in 1977 and is an internationally recognised poet. He was winner of the SIR RONALD HARWOOD, CBE Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2012. In 1989 he became the first Writer in Residence at London’s South Bank Centre. In 1998 he was poet-in- Sir Ronald Harwood, CBE, is an author, playwright and screenwriter. Born in Cape residence at the BBC and in 2007 at the National Maritime Museum in Town, South Africa, he came to London in 1951 to study at RADA. He joined Sir Donald Greenwich. Wolfit’s theatrical company and for five years was Sir Donald’s personal dresser, an experience he later drew on to write his internationally celebrated and best-known play, The Dresser. His many screenplays include adaptations of his own plays The Dresser, for which we was nominated for an Oscar, and Quartet, as well as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, for which he was also nominated for an Oscar and for which he won a BAFTA, and The Pianist, for which he won an Oscar in 2003. He was 14 knighted in the 2010 Birthday Honours. 15 OUR OUR PATRONS PATRONS _ TUESDAY 27 JUNE “Losing a grip of the instinctive need for humans to be creative and MUSIC In London, Katie also Richard Tanner and Katie Potts then failing to recognise the centrality of the arts as an incalculable performed with the University means of understanding the world is deeply irresponsible. It won’t KATIE POTTS of London Symphony Serenade in F minor, Op. 73 lunchtime concert Orchestra, Les Fauristes and for oboe, horn and piano, happen if education celebrates the arts – and our various muses – as with oboe & friends the London Mahler Orchestra. Robert Kahn (1865 - 1951) - important as anything we can possibly comprehend.” Also, at the end of her second Rob Arthur, Rob Colley and 1.45pm academic year, she gave a solo Katie Potts Memorial Chapel recital for the ABRSM Teacher Awards Ceremony at the Eight Pieces, Op83: No.6 Katie was awarded an ABRSM Wigmore Hall. Nachtgesang, Max Bruch (1838 Scholarship to study oboe - 1920) - Brigitte Wear, Oona and cor anglais at the Royal In her last year of Lowther and Katie Potts PROFESSOR JONATHAN FREEMAN-ATTWOOD College of Music where undergraduate studies, Katie Jonathan Freeman-Attwood is the 14th Principal of the Royal Academy she studied with Olivier was awarded the Macklin I Got Rhythm, George of Music and was appointed in 2008. Alongside his commitment to Stankiewicz, David Theodore, Bursary given to the most Gershwin (1898 - 1937) - education, he is also a recording producer, freelance trumpet player, Fabien Thouand, Jacques Tys, outstanding ABRSM scholar. Marshall House Choir: Yagna writer and broadcaster, and was conferred a Professor of the University and Christine Pendrill. During In July 2015, she graduated Teaching Assistant within its Aravindan, Rohan Badial, of London in 2001. this time, she played with the with a First Class Honours Music Department. William Chen, Eden Chow, RCM Symphony Orchestra, Degree. She then continued Izzy Colbourne, Leo Dakin, As a trumpet soloist Jonathan Freeman-Attwood has released 10 solo Philharmonic Orchestra, her studies at the RCM with a Trio Sonata in G minor RV Abi Monteith, Shannon albums. He has produced over 250 commercial discs for many of the Classical Orchestra, Opera and Fast Track MMus Postgraduate 81 (Allegro, Largo, Allegro), Shoker, Skye Slatcher, Bede world’s most prestigious independent labels including Naxos, BIS, New Perspectives Ensemble. course supported by an Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741) - Teeton, Jack Turner and Meg Chandos, Hyperion and Harmonia Mundi. She had many wonderful Iris Chappell Award. At the Tim Bentham, Katie Potts, Oona Wells. Rose Wang (piano), opportunities to play principal end of her Postgraduate Lowther and Richard Tanner conducted by Katie Potts oboe in orchestras led by world year, she won the RCM renowned conductors such as Concerto Competition and Gloria, RV 589: V. Domine Premier Solo de Concours, Bernard Haitink and cor anglais obtained a Master of Music in Deus, Rex coelestis, Antonio Op.33, Charles Colin (1832 - in concerto opportunities such Performance with Distinction. Vivaldi - Olivia Scarozza, 1881) - Katie Potts and Rob as Copland’s Quiet City under Richard Tanner and Katie Potts Colley the direction of John Wilson. Katie is presently on a one Die Seele Ruht in Jesu _ year’s contract at Rugby Handen, J.S. Bach (1685 School working as a Graduate - 1750) - Natalie Houston, “I’m very proud to support this fantastic and innovative project that will bring the learning power and pleasure of the arts to hundreds of children. At a time when access to the arts for many children is restricted by cost MUSIC and cuts to both the arts in the curriculum and to teachers of the arts in Baroque to Boccherini features pupils and staff from Rugby School’s guitar and strings BAROQUE TO department and celebrates the chamber music of the Italian maestros Vivaldi and our most disadvantaged schools, this project is a beacon of hope. Creativity BOCCHERINI Boccherini and plenty more! also needs diversity and The Festival on The Close, is opening the door to Classic guitar concert with Georgia Geary, Graham Roberts, Katrina Dong, Hugo Hunt, Alice Day, Nathan new voices, new artists and new opportunities for expression to enrich our Graham Roberts Fuentes-Grant (Guitars), Andrea Brogaard & Harry Pateman (violins), Karin Nolen arts and cultural life. In an increasingly creative age, the arts, design and (viola), Alicia Middleton & Oona Lowther (cellos) 1.45pm technology will be essential to the future economy. ” NMR Graham Roberts is one of the UK’s most versatile guitarists. After graduating with honours from the Royal Academy of Music and winning the Julian Bream Guitar Prize, he has worked with numerous orchestras including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and BBC Symphony Orchestra at The Last Night of the Proms. Graham is Head of Guitar studies at both Radley College and Rugby School. PROFESSOR JONOTHAN NEELANDS Professor Jonothan Neelands PhD, DSc is a National Teaching Fellow, Allegro from Concerto in C major (1st movement), Antonio Vivaldi Professor of Creative Education at the Warwick Business School (WBS) and (1678-1741) - Georgia Geary, soloist Chair of Drama and Theatre Education at the University of Warwick. Padoana Veneziana, Vicenzo Capirola (1475-1548) Havre Gosselin, Vincent Lindsey-Clark Professor Neelands has advised government on the identification and Irish Suite, David Carroll (1913-2008), Georgia Geary & Graham Roberts, soloists training of exceptionally able and motivated young performers and is (i) The Boys of the Lough, (ii) The Scholar, (iii) The Rights O’ Man, an Executive Director of Drama UK, which represents industry standard (iv) The Gentle Maiden, drama training. He is a Board Member of the Warwick Arts Centre and (v) Fasten’ the Leggin’/TheMouse in the Cupboard Patron of the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA). Etude in B minor, Fernando Sor (1778-1839) - Alice Day, soloist Promise, Yvonne Bloor - Hugo Hunt, soloist Allegro from Concerto in C major (3rd movement), Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) - Georgia Geary, soloist Fandango from Quintett in D, Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) - Graham Roberts, soloists

16 17 OUR TUESDAY PATRONS 27 JUNE MUSIC MUSIC Oxana Shevchenko is a graduate of the Moscow PIANO PIANO RECITAL Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, where she MASTERCLASS by Oxana Shevchenko studied with Elena Kuznetsova and Sergey with Oxana Sponsored by Duet Group Kuznetsov. She is currently studying with Shevchenko Benedetto Lupo at the Accademia Nazionale di 6.00pm Santa Cecilia in Rome. 4.30pm TSR NMR In 2010 Ms. Shevchenko won first prize at PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL the Scottish International Piano Competition. Rhapsody in G minor, Op. CONCERT FEATURING INTERNATIONAL Additional awards include first prize at the 2015 79/2, Johannes Brahms (1833- ACCLAIMED PIANIST OXANA SHEVCHENCKO International Franz Liszt Piano Competition 1897) - played by Anastacia PLAYING A RANGE OF MUSIC FROM (Italy) and fourth prize, the International Peters BEETHOVEN TO STRAVINSKY. Music Critic Prize, and a special prize for Jeux d’Eau, Maurice Ravel the best interpretation of Busoni’s work at (1875-1937) - played by Bookshop Band the 2009 Ferruccio Busoni International Brigitte Wear Piano Competition (Italy). She has The Lark, Mily Balakirev (1837- performed with orchestras worldwide, 1910) - played by Jemma including the BBC Scottish Symphony Starling Orchestra, Orchestre de Chambre Allegretto from Sonata in D LITERATURE/ published in February 2016. As MUSIC de Lausanne, Orchestre National minor Op. 31/2, The Tempest, well as writing, de Bernières de Lorraine, Radio Symphony Ludwig van Beethoven (1770- MUSIC plays the flute, mandolin and LONG LAWFORD Orchestra Pilsen, and the Sendai 1827) - played by Katie Aram guitar. He was born in London COMMUNITY CHOIR Philharmonic Orchestra, and with AN EVENING WITH in 1954. notable conductors such as Vladimir LOUIS DE BERNIÈRES 7.00pm Ashkenazy and Martyn Brabbins. hosted by Susannah The Bookshop Band are Memorial Chapel Tresilian, music from Beth Porter and Ben Please. Highlights of recent seasons include the Bookshop Band They write songs inspired Long Lawford Community appearances at London’s Wigmore by books, and play them in Choir have been together for Hall, Tonhalle Zurich, Hong Kong 7.00pm bookshops. The band have just under a year and a half, City Hall, Glasgow City Hall, the TRR written and recorded over 140 and have built up a varied and Lucerne Festival, and more. book-inspired tunes, coupled interesting repertoire ranging Join the best-selling author of them with musical cameos from hymns and spiritual The Seasons, Op. 37, Pytor Ilyich Captain Corelli’s Mandolin in a and readings from top authors songs through to popular Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) unique recital of his work with such as Yann Martel, Ben Okri, music and lots of things in i) January: At the Fireside; ii) the Bookshop Band with Louis Joanne Harris, Patrick Gale between! We are made up of February: Carnival; iii) March: Song himself playing along. and Louis de Bernières and members of various ages and of the Lark iv) April: Snowdrop; packaged each album with interests and all the music we v) May: Starlit Nights vi) June: A rare opportunity to hear gorgeous illustrations. The sing has to be agreed by the Barcarolle; vii) July: Song of the some of Louis’ new poetry and albums have been released majority of the choir to make Reaper viii) August: Harvest ix) DANCE songs as well as hearing about monthly from May 2016 onward the cut. September: The Hunt; x) October: his life and work. and are available on CD and Autumn Song xi) November: Troika; FLIGHT as digital download. The The Rugby 5, a subset of the xii) December: Christmas Louis de Bernières, who lives band toured throughout 2016 main choir, have been together 6.00pm in Norfolk, published his first visiting bookshops, festivals for just over 6 months and Four Preludes, Sergei Rachmaninov Old Quad novel in 1990 and was selected and libraries around the UK and have enjoyed taking on some (1873-1943) by Granta magazine as one Ireland, playing the tracks from technical latin pieces for this i) Op. 3/2 in c sharp minor; ii) Op. 32/5 Based on Motionhouse’s of the twenty Best of Young their newest albums. concert. We hope you enjoy in G major; iii) Op. 23/3 in d minor; iv) Op. production Captive, ‘Flight’ British Novelists in 1993. listening to it as much as we 23/5 in g minor dancers show us their Since then he has become Susannah Tresilian makes enjoy performing it! interpretation of Rainer Rilke’s well known internationally the Books podcast at The Firebird suite, Igor Fyodorovich poem ‘The Panther’. Flight is as a writer, with Captain Guardian. As a radio producer Conductor Stravinsky (1882-1971) a Motionhouse youth dance Corelli’s Mandolin winning she has produced Woman’s Paulo Gomes i) Infernal dance of King company based at Ashlawn the Commonwealth Writers’ Hour on BBC Radio 4, The Kashchei; ii) Berceuse School in Rugby for students Prize for Best Novel in 1994. Verb on BBC Radio 3, and Performers (Lullaby); iii) Finale aged 12+. Choreographed His sixth novel, the acclaimed The Arts Hour on BBC World Alison Werkman, for Motionhouse by Aaron Birds Without Wings, came Service; as well as podcasts Angela Hobbs Watkinson out in 2004., A Partisan’s for the National Theatre and Bevelie Shember Daughter (2008) was Opera Holland Park. She is Deena Spencer Performed by shortlisted for the Costa Novel also a theatre director - her Elisabeth Lunn Ellie Wilson Award and Notwithstanding: next play is a new adaptation Kamilla Szabo Carys Tanser Stories from an English of Pride and Prejudice, written Kerry Horsman-Gray Katie McConell Village was published in by Sara Pascoe, at Nottingham Laura Dunn Katie Hipwell Autumn 2009, followed by de Playhouse and York Theatre Libby Thompson Daisy Pullinger Bernières’ first collection of Royal. She founded and runs Louise Cahill Millie MacSwan poetry, Imagining Alexandria: Ariadne: an organisation Margaret Moreton Savannah Bradley Poems in Memory of working with women around Miranda Barker Connie Hawkey Constantinos Cavafis, in 2013; the world making Ella Postlethwaite it is also available in audio, theatre to inspire Charlotte Twigger read by the author. Publication change. Poppy Twigger of his major new novel, The Emily Unwin Dust That Falls From Dreams, 19 18 was in July 2015, and his TUESDAY newest collection of poems, TUESDAY 27 JUNE OF LOVE AND DESIRE, was 27 JUNE _

Patricia Lewer “a spine-chilling late night Ronald Werkman Teresa Willey screening of the classic

Rugby 5: gothic horror Dr Jekyll Alison Werkman Kamilla Szabo and Mr Hyde to Rugby Laura Dunn Paulo Gomes with live organ improvised Ronald Werkman accompaniment”

DANCE MOTIONHOUSE CAPTIVE 7.00pm New Quad

Performed by four dancers in a large cage, Captive is inspired by Rainer Maria Powerfully physical, “Motionhouse have raised the highlight in a very broad Rilke’s poem The Panther and emotionally charged and bar for outdoor presentation programme.” considers how a human, like extraordinary, Captive is a of contemporary dance – their Angus MacKechnie, Producer an animal, can be plucked dazzling blend of dance and highly inventive yet simple | Watch This Space Festival, from normal life and plunged aerial work. In order to survive, staging means that we have National Theatre into captivity. Rendition has the environment is constantly the opportunity to present made the human experience transformed though physical dynamic and lively dance as Performed by the same as the animal’s and ingenuity. Pacing the cage part of the festival; audiences Rebecca Williams with confinement thrust upon and tumbling through a respond so well to the skill Chris Knight the unsuspecting victim, world turned upside down, and quality of the work, even Naomi Tadevossian the wild and free must find which way is up as our cell of if they haven’t experienced Aaron Watkinson ways of expressing within the confinement gets turned on dance in another setting bordered and caged. its head? before, and Motionhouse’s unique tone is a particular

Ambivent Group Ltd are pleased to be supporting Rugby School, one of our primary Clients, at their Festival on The Close event.

We are very proud to have been associated with the School in providing design and build M&E building services over the past 6 years. Of more recent times, the relationship and level of support has developed to us becoming their preferred M&E provider.

Founded in 1993, Ambivent is a privately-owned group of companies based in Northampton offering the design, MUSIC, FILM, TV, MEDIA supply, installation and maintenance, on a national basis, of DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Total Mechanical & Electrical Building Services. This includes film screening with live organ improvisation by David Briggs heating, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical works on either design & build or pre-designed projects. 10.30pm The Chapel We employ a team of fully qualified and experienced design Internationally renowned organist David Briggs brings a spine-chilling late night & project engineers. By utilising the latest computer software, screening of the classic gothic horror Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde to Rugby with live organ they produce individually tailored projects including concept improvised accompaniment. Prepare to be spooked in this atmospheric setting of designs, specification, co-ordination & procurement. Rugby School’s famous Chapel.

We wish to thank Rugby School for their continued faith in David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist whose performances are acclaimed our services and congratulate this world class institution on for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages. their 450th year. Master of an extensive repertoire spanning five centuries, he is known across the globe for his brilliant organ transcriptions of symphonic music by composers such as Mahler, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Ravel, and Bach. Fascinated by the art of Improvisation since a child, David also frequently performs improvisations to silent films such as Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Nosferatu, Jeanne d’Arc, 20 Metropolis, as well as a variety of Charlie Chaplin films. 21 TUESDAY TUESDAY 27 JUNE 27 JUNE TUESDAY HEADLINE MUSIC NYJO has helped launch the careers of many of the UK’s most renowned musicians, including Guy Barker, Amy Winehouse, Mark Nightingale, Laura Jurd and Gwilym Simcock. Their alumni NYJO NATIONAL YOUTH also includes Dave Arch (leader of the Strictly Come Dancing band) and most of his band JAZZ ORCHESTRA members, Martin Koch (music supervisor for the London Olympics and Paralympics), and many other stalwarts of musicals, films and the studio. 8.00pm Arena NYJO’s flagship band is the UK’s premier young professional (under 26) jazz orchestra, performing around 40 concerts across the UK and internationally. Recent highlights include THE NATIONAL YOUTH an annual residency at the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, performing with Gregory Porter at JAZZ ORCHESTRA (NYJO) Buckingham Palace, a major European tour, a televised performance at the BBC Proms and IS A REGISTERED CHARITY, repeat appearances at the EFG London Jazz Festival. NYJO celebrated its 50th anniversary in WHOSE MISSION IS TO 2015 when they also released their critically-acclaimed double-album ‘NYJO FIFTY’. PROMOTE JAZZ AS AN EXCITING, ENGAGING AND INSPIRATIONAL ART FORM _ THROUGH WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCES AND “NYJO has never been conformist, never hewing to one TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. particular line, never known for fawning replications and very deliberately these days a vehicle for new possibilities.” Peter Vacher, Jazzwise

NYJO is world famous as a glittering showcase for the UK’s best young jazz musicians. Under the direction of Mark Armstrong, the orchestra deftly mixes established classics from the big band repertoire, new work by composers at the leading edge of the art form and special arrangements by band members. From a hard-swinging rhythm section to a raft of hugely talented young soloists, this is a band in fine form. Following an all-day workshop with students at Rugby school, NYJO will present a programme of big band classics, including a combined performance with students that has been developed through the day.

MARK ARMSTRONG – ARTISTIC AND MUSIC DIRECTOR, NYJO Mark Armstrong has been NYJO’s Artistic and Music Director since 2011, and during his tenure NYJO has recorded two critically acclaimed studio albums, appeared at the BBC Proms, and performed at the EFG London Jazz Festival four years running. Mark is also a Jazz Professor at the Royal College of Music; and a moderator, trainer and examiner for the ABRSM.

Music Director Bass Trombone Mark Armstrong James Maund PUPILS PLAYING WITH NYJO Alto Saxophone Flute Alto Sax 1 Georgia Geary Sam Glaser Jaymee Alto Sax 2 Emma Coates Tom Smith Coonjobeeharry Tenor Sax 1 Joe Pickles Tenor Sax 2 Freya Harrison Tenor Saxophone French Horn Tenor Sax 3 Arjan Johal Tom Ridout Dewi Jones Baritone Sax Dilan Patel Tom Barford Trumpet 1 Jamie Marshall Piano Trumpet 2 James Ward Baritone Saxophone Joe Hill Trumpet 3 Bethan Robinson Jessamy Holder Trumpet 4 Sadi Ablyatifov Bass Trombone 1 William Levermore Trumpet Jack Tustin Trombone 2 Sam Horton James Davison Trombone 3 Seb Hazzan Sam Moffitt Guitar Bass Luca Antoci Tom Syson Nick Fitch Guitar Callum Newlands Harry Evans Drums Will Leng Christos Stylianides Drums Max Mills Trombone Chris Valentine Percussion Maddie Dowdeswell Jonny Mansfield Jacob Cooper Ed Parr Vocalist James Hudson

22 23 TUEDAY HEADLINE TUESDAY HEADLINE NYJO NYJO WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE ART TALK SCIENCE TALK LUNCHTIME TALK THE MAGIC OF CHEMISTRY Tate Galleries Head of the Director’s Office Sam Jones lunchtime lecture 1.45pm 1.45pm The Macready Theatre TSR

Sam Jones, Head of the Director’s Office at Tate Galleries, addresses some Nick Barker an inspirational Chemist based at burning issues in the light of the current world events on the role art has Warwick University is one of the very best live to play in modern society. Sam Jones is Head of the Director’s Office at Tate entertainers in his field. Nick inspires thousands of and supports the Director and Deputy Director on corporate governance, pupils with his Chemistry demonstrations. Nick visits strategy and policy across the organisation. He is also responsible for Tate’s Rugby each year, as part of his Outreach work, as he relationship with Trustees and public sector bodies. He has a first class is simply the best. Nick has persuaded Rugby School’s honours degree in History at the University of Cambridge and a Master’s Head of Science Mike Thompson to join him on stage. degree in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute where he worked on Come see the Fire tornado, how to insulate a nuclear 18th Century caricature. submarine, and many other exiting experiments.

MUSIC SONGS FOR SUMMER James Oxley, tenor; Philippa Hyde, soprano; Richard Tanner, piano; in recital with Rugby School student singers and pianist 1.45pm NMR

With a mixture of some of the finest songs in the repertoire and the special sound of four hands at the piano, students Ischia Gooda, Rufus Pawsey, George Jackson, Brigitte Wear, Katie Aram and Rose Wang join Miss Philippa Hyde and Messrs Oxley and Tanner for an hour of chamber music.

Philippa Hyde’s busy and varied concert, oratorio and operatic career has taken her all over the world, from Helsinki to Beijing, as well as to many of the major concert venues and festivals of Europe. Philippa is an experienced recording artist, most recently performing the role of Adonis in the first recording of Pepusch’s Venus and Adonis with the Harmonious Society of Tickle Fiddle Gentlemen, which won the 2016 Opera Award in the Preis der Deutschen Schallplatten Kritik in Germany.

James Oxley, Head of Singing since 2015, has appeared as a tenor at all the major concert halls in UK and throughout Europe. He is also at home on the operatic stage, with recent appearances at the Opera de Rennes, Opera de Dijon, English National Opera, Opera de Rouen and Theater Dortmund. He is a member of the group The Factory, an experimental theatre company in London and has been a visiting professor at the Royal College of Music.

An die Musik, Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Frühlingslied, Franz Schubert Widmung, Robert Schumann (1810-1856) ‘Widmung’ transcription, Franz Liszt (1811-1886) Die Forelle - Franz Schubert Liebesgarten - Robert Schumann At the Railway Station Upwey, Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Spring Sorrow, John Ireland (1879-1962) Goddess of Night, Herbert Howells (1892-1983) Net, tolko tot, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Berceuse from “Dolly Suite”, Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Sylvie, Érik Satie (1866-1925) Kitty-Valse from “Dolly Suite”, Gabriel Fauré Fuis mon âme, Erneste Chausson (1855-1899) Loin de moi, Erneste Chausson Les pas Espagnol from “Dolly Suite”, Gabriel Fauré Excerpts from Die Lustige Witwe, Franz Lehàr 25 24 (1870-1948) THANK YOU TO FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY FRIENDS, SUMMARY 28 JUNE and to help him further his professional careers, present companies often get. No, the currently a director of The DRAMA DRAMA studies which he inevitably a ridiculous, satirical vision of plays we create are not for, or Festival on The Close, Rugby. wants to do. contemporary society - vapid, even necessarily about, young Theatre credits include: Noisy I LOVE YOU, BLACK COMEDY vacuous and vain. people. They are proper, Words (Traverse Theatre, YOU’RE PERFECT, by Peter Shaffer grown up, difficult plays. They Edinburgh); Walking not NOW CHANGE The E and F Block A couple bicker at an airport just happen to have younger Driving (Wycombe Swan A musical by Play immigration checkpoint actors in them.’ and national tour); 1 Green Joe DiPietro and FILM whilst an innocent victim Bottle (C Venues, Edinburgh Jimmy Roberts 7.00pm is interrogated by a trio of Nick Cassenbaum (writer) is Fringe); 15 Minutes (C Venues, The Macready BLIND SIGHT incompetents. Journalists a storyteller, street performer Edinburgh Fringe); Living the 7.00pm Theatre Student Film Premiere desperately search for a story and theatre maker. He has Dream (C Venues, Edinburgh where there is simply no news. an MA from Goldsmiths in Fringe); York Mystery Plays. He The Stodge student theatre Join Rugby School’s younger 4.30pm A priest without compassion, Writing for Performance and is is published by EditionHH. company presents the hit actors in Shaffer’s hit comedy The Collingwood a doctor without care, a a graduate of the Royal Court Broadway musical I Love You, Black Comedy, a one-act Hall trombonist without a band (or Young Writers programme. CAST You’re Perfect, Now Change farce first performed in even a trombone). Dysfunction Nick writes plays, makes and Felix Allen in a preview prior to its run at 1965. The play is written to MUSIC Bassoon Alison Hargreaves Rugby School film students abounds and nothing makes performs solo work, creates Ella Daniels the Edinburgh Fringe Festival be staged under a reversed Horn Mark Smith, Alex Harris, proudly present the world very much sense any more in street performances and Sam Denny in August. See it first here at lighting scheme: opening THE LONDON Chris Beagles, Rishi Pandya, premiere of a new film, a this hilarious comedy for the broadcasts podcasts for the Susannah Gimlette The Festival on The Close. on a darkened stage. A few MIDLAND Katie Murray thriller set in a boarding alternative age. Guardian. His one-man show Felix Gladstone I Love You, You’re Perfect, minutes into the show there is ORCHESTRA Trumpet Jamie Marshall, school not dissimilar to this Bubbleschmeisis has been Ginny Gough Now Change is a musical a short circuit, and the stage Will Jeys, Jack Fisher, David one… performed all over the UK to Jack Harwood comedy with book and lyrics is illuminated to reveal the 4.30pm Blackadder critical acclaim. Rachel Hubbard by Joe DiPietro and music characters in a “blackout”. TSR Trombone Sebastian Hazzan, CAST & CREATIVES Jacob Jaffa by Jimmy Roberts. It is the Sam Horton, Chris Hickman, GG Tilly Ponsonby Tim Coker (director/sound Yaade Joba second-longest running Off CAST & CREATIVES The London-Midland Michael Tasker Freddie Bart Hobson design) is a theatre maker, Katherine Johns Broadway musical Brindsley Max Taylor Orchestra was formed in Tuba Theo Matthews, Saul Davey Max Taylor musician and teacher. He Tilly McAlister Carol Catherine Marlow 2017 by pupils at Rugby. Knights Tilda: Bea Rose trained at Birmingham Alice Payne CAST & CREATIVES Clea Olivia Bruce It is a group of talented Percussion Natalie Houlston, Lilly Zea Cole Conservatoire and has Bernadette Reynolds Naomi Cook Mrs Furnival Maggie Baring musicians from Rugby Olivia Scarozza, Rob Colley, Bella Scarlett Wellings degrees from Royal Holloway Ned Sillett Elin Gilbert Schupanzigh Zea Cole school, the local area, Junior/ Alex Harris The Teacher Tim Coker University of London, Hamish Venters George O’Keefe Harold Sam Durcan Senior conservatoires and Miss Thompson Kim Manchester University and Freddie Walker Geraint Owen Colonel Lucas Marshall Professionals. It is conducted Thompson Reading University where his Director by Andrew Chessell by pupil Robert Arthur Greg Will Hardman PhD focused on contemporary Piano Rob Colley Director Simone Hancox Will William Spruce CAST & CREATIVES music in modern adaptations Producer Peter Thomas Poet and Peasant overture, Suzy Maggie Baring Square Pegs Young Actors’ of Shakespeare. He is Franz Von Suppe (1819-1895) Ella Jeanie Falconer Company works with Oboe Concerto in G minor, Laura Elena Cumming ambitious 16-18 year olds many George Frideric Handel (1685- Charlotte Caitlin Maguire of whom are about to embark 1759) - Katie Potts, soloist Charlie Babacar Ndoye on a path to professional Symphony No. 5, Pytor Ilyich Mandy Freya Gibbs careers and takes them out Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Joe Archie Cade of the safe-haven of school or Ginny Keza Nganga college drama to present risky FILM, TV, MEDIA Violins Andrea Brogaard Josie Katy Salvesen new writing to non-partisan (Leader), Brigitte Wear, Katie Sam Sam Denny audiences. ‘Opening young AND THE VFX ACADEMY Aram, Phoebe Hewitt, Ellen Louise Bernadette Reynolds actors’ eyes and minds to AWARD GOES TO… Dunn, Victoria Fenech, Lily Written and Directed new work, as well as genuine Pete Hanson: Oscar Winning Special Farzan, Ludwig Cheng, Harry Robert Arthur came to Rugby by Rachel Hubbard critical opinion, is one of the Effects Artist - early evening talk Pateman, Vincent Wu, Grace in 2013 from Lockers Park in with Jamie Elson most important parts of this Evans, Rose Wang, Harry Hertfordshire. In 2016 he won process’ says the company’s 7.00pm Sparke, Kewen Hu, Gabriella a place at the Royal College Artistic Director Dr Tim Coker. The Collingwood Commins, Ben Oakley, Chris of Music Junior Department ‘I’ve found that working Hall Wright, Lilian Mossaheb where he studies with DRAMA with playwrights to develop Viola Max Boorman, Emily Francesca Moore-Bridger. As projects such as this really Multiple Oscar winning Double Negative’s Head of Green well as performing in choirs SQUARE PEGS begins to shift student actors’ Studio, Pete Hanson, sheds light on the explosive Cello Oona Lowther, Alicia and orchestras at school, he YOUNG ACTORS’ mindsets and exposes them in world of cinematic special effects and what it takes Middleton, Sophie Lewis, has played with a number of COMPANY PRESENTS all sorts of ways – emotionally, to be a success in the cut and thrust of the multi- Gracie Dunn orchestras outside school as One Singular artistically, intellectually – to billion pound film industry. Founded with a team of Double Bass James Oxley, well. Tours have taken him Sensation (world how contemporary theatre just 30, Double Negative (Dneg) has grown to become Luca Antoci, Joseph Moss to Germany, France, Malta, premiere student works. They also get a unique one of the industry’s success stories and is now one of Flute Ellie Hancox, Marie Sato, Slovenia and the USA and he performance) insight into the relationship the world’s largest providers of visual effects for Film with Yammi Yip, Ellie Van Laar, has performed at prestigious by Nick Cassenbaum between actor and writer as facilities in London, Mumbai and Vancouver. Recent work Lydia Baines concert venues including The they are an integral part of includes Ex Machina, The Huntsman, Alice Through The Oboe Bridget Tiller, Tim Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan 7.00pm the whole process from the Looking Glass, Captain America: Civil War, Star Trek Beyond, Bentham Hall, St Johns Smith Square, The Macready start as the work develops and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Clarinet Holly Duke, Fizzy Theatre Provence and Foyer Studio through workshops. The plays Conway, Michael Fuxman, Tor Carnegie Hall. Last Christmas that we make are always, by Walberg, Luke Melville he was fortunate enough to From the pen of former default, original and they are perform alongside BBC Royal Court Young Writer, always bespoke, made to Young Musician Nick Cassenbaum comes a measure. And by giving the Winner, Sheku brand new absurd comedy cast a voice in the process it Kanneh-Mason in which takes a sideways look creates a genuine sense of London. He recently at the fake news world. A ownership, whilst at the same 27 26 received a generous seriously talented cast of time avoiding that horribly WEDNESDAY grant to help finance 18 young actors, many of patronising ‘youth’ label WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE a new instrument whom poised on the brink of that plays written for young 28 JUNE COMEDY DRAMA DANCE COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS LES AMATEURS with Tiernan Douieb A One Act Comedy written by and starring David Bark-Jones STOMP and student stand-ups with Roger Ringrose as Professor Buchannan 6.00pm 4.30pm Weds 28 June 8.00pm; Thurs 29 June 8.00pm Arena The Macready The Foxcroft Lecture Theatre Theatre SEE MEMBERS OF THE WORLD- A cast of OR National Theatre actors perform this One Act Comedy inspired by the brilliance of FAMOUS PERCUSSION-DANCE- Join award-winning stand-up Wine Expert and Famous OR Stephen Spurrier. You will be required (if over 18) to consume at least THEATRE SENSATION STOMP comedian Tiernan Douieb for five glasses of excellent Tanners Wines throughout this unique Theatrical Blind Wine Tasting. Back PERFORM LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL an unforgettable 45 minutes of in May 1976, in the REAL world, three years before Roger Ringrose (SH 79-85), James Clarke (SH ON THE CLOSE WITH STUDENT stand-up comedy. Tiernan will 79-84) and David Bark-Jones (M 79-83) arrived for their first day at Rugby School, young OR Wine STOMPERS. headline a short show featuring Expert living in Paris, Stephen Spurrier, was gently questioning long held assumptions about Wine a number of brave young by hosting a blind wine tasting. The results proved to have a truly revolutionising impact. In “Les student comedians who will Amateurs,” in an UNREAL 1976, the fictitious Scientist and Amateur Wine Connoisseur Professor have been workshopping their Buchannan (Roger Ringrose) decides to test the assumption that French Wine is Superior through stand-up comedy skills during a “scientific” blind tasting that goes horribly wrong. Join Roger, James and David for a night of the day with the amazing irreverent blind wine tasting and theatrics, where you might even, unwittingly, learn a little bit more Comedy Club 4 Kids. Our club about a subject close to most of our hearts: Wine. has on stand-up comics and sketch acts, performing for Cast & Creatives David Bark-Jones, James Clarke, Roger Ringrose kids of 6+ at a time of day they can see it, in venues they can Roger Ringrose has worked in Theatre, TV, Film and Radio for the last go to, and telling jokes without 25 years as an actor, director and translator. Favorite theatre productions any rude words so they can include ‘Burnt by the Sun’ at The Royal National Theatre, ‘The Importance watch it! Our workshops teach of Being Earnest’ and ‘Travesties’ at The Birmingham Rep and ‘Shaw kids how to write and perform Cornered’ at the Old World Theatre Festival in Delhi. His TV work includes comedy, finding the funny in ‘Waking the Dead,’ ‘Spooks’ and ‘The Musketeers.’ He will be appearing in life and their own experiences, the forthcoming BBC Film ‘Stan and Ollie’ starring Steve Coogan and John and turning this into C Reilly. confidently-delivered stand-up and sketches. David Bark-Jones has appeared in numerous Award Winning Productions for over twenty years in the Theatre and on TV and Film, most notably NT/ Tiernan Douieb West End in Dealers Choice, 39 Steps, The Forest, Noises Off and on TV/ Tiernan’s done the comedy Film in Pride and Prejudice, Oliver Twist, Pillars of the Earth, Rocknrolla, thing for ages and ages now. Expatriate. He is to appear in a cameo role as Ian Fleming in Series 2 of Since his early days treading The Crown, Borg vs McEnroe and Cold Feet, Macbeth, and makes his the boards, his comedy has Chichester debut in Stepmother directed by Sir Richard Eyre in August. taken on a more satirical edge opting to complain about James Clarke has been a successful Businessman for nearly thirty years, worldly political happenings last appearing on stage in a School House Production in 1983, in what is in the friendliest and funniest now known as The Macready Theatre. manner possible. This is balanced by his stand-up for children and families which is mostly about bogies and superheroes. Tiernan regularly performs all over the world even though he really likes being at home. He is constantly on Twitter, co-runs the successful Members of the current and past company Comedy Club 4 Kids and has of STOMP will be performing extracts from performed and written several their stunning stage show in our incredible solo shows which have all Performance Arena. STOMP will have been done alright really. workshopping with student stompers all day and the results of the workshops will also be presented live with student stompers performing with their mentors. The Festival on The Close is proud to welcome STOMP founding cast member and casting director Fraser Morrison with members of the cast of STOMP.

For over 25 years, STOMP has hammered out a universal theatrical language of rhythm, movement, comedy and dance, bringing everyday objects from matches, plastic bags, bin lids – even the kitchen sink – to life along the way. It’s the event that showed the globe that even the most ordinary objects can do extraordinary things – in the right hands. Once STOMP starts, you won’t know what’s hit you, it’ll set your toes tapping and your pulse racing.

STOMP has 4 companies performing worldwide; one on tour in North America, another touring throughout Europe and the rest of the word, one performing off-Broadway in NY and one situated in London’s West End at The Ambassadors Theatre. Cast members from the international hit stage show STOMP, including original cast member Fraser Morrison, will perform alongside student Stompers in 29 28 a unique production specially created for Festival on The Close. WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE 28 JUNE David Bark-Jones: Acting in the Michell House Production STOMP performers, including current and alumni members of the London cast of STOMP will work with students of See How They Run back in 1982 was the most enjoyable as part of all-day workshops to choreograph and create a virtuoso demonstration of dance, theatre and percussion experience of my years at Rugby School and was instrumental culminating in a performance guaranteed to wow audiences! in my choosing Acting as a profession. Nick Cassenbaum: I love performing in festivals. There is STOMP teaching and performing at Festival on The Close are: Adam Buckley, Nigel Clarke, Paul Gunter, Billy Hickling, a certain energy in the air that you don’t get at one-off Lorraine Le Blanc, Serena Morgan, Fraser Morrison, Andy Patrick, Rob Shaw, Joe White and Sam Wilmott. performances. You are part of something bigger and people generally are more up for it than usual. The Festival on The Close “The education workshops that STOMP offers can cover a wide range of ages and abilities. We adapt the workshop programme looks great, so a very exciting one to be part of. to those varying needs and environments. It could be for a couple of hours or a couple of days with a view to a Max Mills and Tom Syson: Playing music to any audience is performance at the end of the workshop. Our aim is to make it fun, accessible to all and loud!!” Fraser Morrison exciting, and playing with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra and promoting jazz across the country is very rewarding. It is always great fun playing at successful festivals. As an art form, ‘big band’ music thrives in a festival atmosphere, so we are PERFORMING WITH STOMP really looking forward to it. Also, it has been a while since NYJO Sadi Ablyatifov Elena Cumming Sophie Hughes Tilly Ponsonby Mimi Tennant has played in Rugby and we are excited about being here. Celeste Allen Rosie Currie Hugo Hunt Izzy Pougatch Sean Tobin Roger Ringrose: I’m excited to be performing at the festival Eloise Arbuthnot Harriet Cuthbert Alice Jackson Lucy Powell May-Ling Turner for two main reasons: firstly, selfishly, because it will be my Guy Balderstone Minna De Boinville George Jackson Daisy Pullinger Charlotte Twigger chance to return as an old boy and participate in celebrating Annabel Barlow Sam Finlater Pooja Joshi Honor Richards Alex Venters a milestone for an establishment that had so much influence Florence Barshall Charles Flax Rinesa Kastrati Sophie Roe Lucy Venters on my formative years; and secondly because, having spent a Georgie Bibby Kelise Foster Ellie Kennedy Eliza Rosselli Chloe Walsh-Flear great deal of my life involved in the arts – in my case theatre, I Rosanna Brockbank Poppy Fricker Alexander Korotkov Hannah Sainty Maisie Watts know how much it can offer and on how many different levels. Ashlee Brown Saskia Fuchs Sofia Laine Neve Satchwell Guy Williams To be part of something that aims to open these benefits up to Olivia Bruce James Gardener Daisy Laming Lucy Seidler Ellie Wilson more and more people makes it very special. Charlie Bruce- Alice Garthwaite Codie Leigh Evans Molly Skan Jenny Wilson Jones Emily Green Millie MacSwan Jessie Stoddart Beno Wiltshire and Hannah Bruneau Victoria Green- Eliza Marlow Hannah Swaby Robert Wood TC: What do you remember about your experience of art, Sophia Bulla Rubio Armytage Rosie Marshall Marina Symington Gigi Woodward music, drama, dance at school? Kitty Bulmer Cerys Harbour Katie McConnell Carys Tanser Lauren Wright FM: I went to school in the 60’s and the arts seemed more like a Imogen Burgess William Hardman Shona McGuinness George Taylor token gesture. That said, there was one teacher who in her own Olivia Channing Connie Hawkney Josh Montfort time managed to enthuse enough children to perform a show. Courtney Childs Toby Henderson Bebb I was one of them and I always remember that first feeling of Georgie Clayton Christian Hobbs Ben Muncaster being on stage and the adrenalin rush of applause. Zea Cole Liberty Hughes Cavan Murphy QG4’s Jonathan Ansell: I remember that it was not encouraged as a vocation but I was delighted to be exposed to a huge variety of performance opportunities both in and outside of school. Music and singing played a huge part in _ marking me the person I am today. To be part of something It is just a shame that schools tend that aims to open these not to see it as a benefits up to more and career and rather just a rewarding more people makes it hobby. DBJ: Back in 1979 I very special. don’t think Rugby’s Macready Theatre was called the Macready, don’t think that there was a Drama teacher let alone a Drama department! To my memory, we were FESTIVAL DIRECTOR, TIM either directed by a dedicated teacher who gave up their own COKER TALKS TO SOME OF OUR time to direct a House Play, or indeed, were left to get on and VISITING ARTISTS ABOUT THE stage it ourselves. I can’t remember clearly but we somehow IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY AT A built the sets ourselves, as a House, wallpapering living room TIME WHEN THERE ARE SERIOUS walls on flats, painting, constructing etc. I can only imagine the CONCERNS ABOUT THE FUTURE standard was not high but for all that, I remember it was huge OF THE ARTS IN EDUCATION. fun and I can’t remember any collapsing sets. NC: I had a fantastic drama teacher. He opened us up to really exciting work by the likes of Pinter, Beckett and Kane, once TC: So, can you tell us why you’re excited about performing I got over the thrill of being able to swear in school I was at The Festival on The Close? inspired by their use of form and style. When I got to Uni to do AFraser Morrison: Stomp are excited about performing and drama I found not many people my age had been exposed to working with young people, this year, at Rugby, as it is always these writers. He also taught me the joy of being silly but with a fun, rewarding and inspiring. serious edge to it. This still carries on in my work today. G4’s Mike Christie: We are absolutely delighted to open this MM and TS: It gave me relief from stress as well as boredom incredible Festival on The Close and to perform on the opening in life. It’s healthy. My night. As kids, all of us were encouraged so much through experience was very music, and given opportunities to perform. It is great to be able good. I went to a to give something back, and this festival does that in spades. local state school We have recently set up G4 Young Voices (in association with that had achieved 31 30 PQA) to give kids a chance to perform at our shows throughout arts college status. WEDNESDAY the year, and we’re so excited to have them with us on stage The school gave Q&A 28 JUNE here tonight. me many artistic WITH TIM COKER development of the young mind. As for example teamwork and a good work for only one group of people. Music, FM: Hugely important, and there are a lot adults and their largely “formed” minds ethic. The Arts can also build confidence for example, is a worldwide language of wonderful people doing just that. No the extent that Arts and Culture can in children and importantly, allow them that we can all speak, and should be matter how small or how large, the ability Fraser Morrison is one of the change them is greatly dependent on the to express themselves. It develops their available to everyone. The arts can enrich to have a creative outlet is as informative original cast members of Stomp. mind in question, for some the Arts are brains in a different way and helps them everyone’s lives, and should be on offer as it is inspirational, bringing communities He is now one of the show’s a life saver, for most it seems to me, they learn things differently and sometimes to everyone equally. closer together whilst recognising and international directors. are an indispensable balm. more effectively. It also disciplines them RR: I think the first thing to say is that acknowledging their differences as NC: 100 per cent it can change people. to respect and work with other people. if the arts and culture were left to the individuals. G4 (Jonathan Ansell, Nick Ashby, It can open people’s eyes to things they RR: For the same reasons as mentioned wealthy and privileged few they would G4’s Nick Ashby: Well I think the answer Mike Christie and Ben Thapa) are had not thought about. Challenge them above, but, as we are talking about the stagnate. Fortunately most fields here is in the question! Any form of art, the original X Factor ‘popera’ fusion into rethinking ideas that they have. Arts developing mind here too, you also have of the arts have a grass roots basis, be it paintings, dance, music, poetry or superstar band. Having originally and culture can also empower people the chance to add variety to their mental allowing innovation and precociousness whatever is created to be consumed by formed at the prestigious Guildhall into telling stories about their own and emotional stimuli. It is undoubtedly a to flourish. And in spite of funding absolutely anyone. It’s never made with School of Music & Drama, they experience which can open other people way to aid burgeoning social skills as well cuts there are still many areas where the idea of being for an elite few. So we each have successful classical solo up into seeing their world. Art to me is and to enable children and young people community arts institutions of all sorts should do anything we can to spread singing careers as well as recording a conversation, a conversation that is to develop a greater understanding of the exist, bearing witness of course to the all forms of creativity as far and wide and touring together as G4. there to educate, inspire and interrogate. world around them: how they fit in and tireless work of certain individuals, but as possible. Not only does it bring us If we are open to the conversation how others fit in with them. also to the durability of culture. It will happiness and emotional connections, David Bark-Jones is an Old and the conversation is open to us always prevail, because it is part of who it also makes us think, question, discuss, Rugbeian actor and award- then absolutely it can change people. TC: Why is important that access to arts we are. And that is the message that grow and develop as people. Whether winning star of the West End. He is However it is important to realise that and culture are not just the preserve of must be put across, both in general it’s breakdancing or ballet, Banksy or appearing in his own new play Les not everyone thinks they can be part of the wealthy, privileged few? terms and as far as funding is concerned. Botticelli, Bieber or Bach, all art has Amateurs. opportunities, including 4 shows, 3 it. It is our job to make it as accessible as FM: If the arts were limited to just the Reliance on the assistance of those statements and comments on humanity school concerts, a jazz evening, and 2 possible. wealthy, we wouldn’t see the broad with wealth is of course undeniable and that can be interpreted by anyone simply Nick Cassenbaum is a theatre- exchange trips to Germany, every year. MM and TS: It develops their brains in spectrum of stories and issues that essential, but the more the providers of by engaging with it. The sad reality for maker, writer and performer. He is Without the artistic opportunities the a different way and helps them learn we see. It’s important for all to see the wealth are aware of the worthiness music is that it can cost a lot to learn an appearing in his own one-man play school provided me with, I wouldn’t be things differently and sometimes more themselves represented and portrayed as of the cause and the more the recipients instrument or become an accomplished Bubbleschmeisis and also wrote the working in music today. effectively. It also disciplines them to that imbues a sense of collective rather respect their responsibility, the more musician. This makes it hard to get large school’s Edinburgh Fringe show 1 RR: I remember the Music School being respect and work with other people. The than alienation. It’s also a positive thing positive and mutually beneficial this crowds to engage with some types of Singular Sensation. fairly active and productive – and the arts can have many positive effects on to see our differences. relationship will be. music. However there are fortunately a house orchestra being fun. The Art people. It can help build confidence and few ways of listening to lots of live music Max Mills and Tom Syson are School seemed popular too, but not friendships, as well as the satisfaction without breaking the bank; cheap tickets members of NYJO, one of the best something I had much to do with. Apart of learning new skills. It can also unite at choral concerts, orchestral concerts or youth big bands in the world. from small parts in House plays, I don’t people and help to break down any social _ operas. This is music that you don’t have remember getting too involved in drama barriers, amongst many other things. to have in-depth musical knowledge to Roger Ringrose is an Old Rugbeian either. The School Plays were of a pretty RR: Enormously. I would go so far as to Arts and culture change listen to and enjoy, or not enjoy. As long actor, director and translator. He good standard, though. We were taken say that you can legislate with a view to as you’ve listened! is appearing in Les Amateurs on trips to Stratford occasionally, but on changing people’s behaviour as much people immeasurably in DBJ: The truly uplifting shared alongside David Bark-Jones. the whole I’m not sure drama was taken as you like, but it is through interaction, ways that are not always experience that was generated too seriously. I had to wait until university through making sure we are all exposed throughout the country, by the to start my love of theatre. It certainly to the music, art and words of people quantifiable remarkable Olympic 2012 opening seems to be a very different set-up now who care about humanity, that you will ceremony, if replicated through other though, I’m delighted to hear. actually change people. Art on a regular basis, would surely lead to a more open, less divided, more TC: To what extent do you think that art TC: Why are the arts important to meretricious society. If all people as a and culture can change people? children and young people? G4’s Jonathan Ansell: Having grown up result of access to artistic endeavor and FM: I think art and culture can change FM: All the reasons I mentioned in the in a family with both parents as teachers appreciation, were to learn that we all people - whether they are performing previous question! and little direct access to John Brown essentially share common purpose, it will or watching. As a performer it can help G4’s Ben Thapa: It was Winston Churchill Theatre, I simply immersed myself with lead to harmony in society. you develop confidence, working as who allegedly, in response to proposed my mum’s recordings. These included NC: I can’t say what the independent group and awareness of other people’s arts funding cuts, said, “what are we Luciano Pavarotti and The Three Tenors, school sector should and should not feelings. As an audience member you can fighting for?”. I grew up on a rough and music theatre compilations in do. However, I have worked in both be inspired, educated or just amazed! council estate and then in foster care, and particular. I believe I was the only pupil sectors running projects and workshops. Art is so subjective and therefore affects without music as a focus, I think I would in my class at Guildhall [School of Music I strongly believe that both sectors can people. It is important for all sectors people in many different ways. have been vulnerable to some poorer and Drama] who begun my course having learn from each other. Some of the best of a society to help enable artistic G4’s Jonathan Ansell: Arts and culture choices in life. Music gave me discipline, never seen any operatic production live! _ new writing I have read has come from opportunities for all, which will in turn change people immeasurably in ways aspiration and a drive to improve myself The arts in all its forms should always be primary school children in state schools help break down any social barriers. that are not always quantifiable. You just as a talent, professional and human being. made accessible to as many as possible Art to me is a in Walthamstow. It would be a mistake RR: As one who believes that, far have to watch a child’s face when they To that end, I have recently established to preserve it. to think people outside of the from battening down the hatches and see a performer live for the first time, be the Ben Thapa Foundation; a charitable DBJ: Great art, is I think appreciated conversation, a independent sector do not know about being “all right, Jack,” the only way that a busker or in a concert hall. The awe foundation designed to raise funds to by the uneducated pauper and the conversation that is the arts or are not interested, but they forward is to challenge prejudices, get and pleasure that it can bring and sustain help promising and talented children highly “sophisticated” elite alike. Art don’t have the same exposure or time people engaging and enjoy rather than in someone’s life can offer profound in foster care fund their aspirations. that requires a “sophisticated” level of there to educate, inspire to spend on it. To be able to offer more fear differences, I think it’s extremely relaxation, euphoria and comfort It’s a core resource that appears to be understanding and is exclusive is never opportunities to people without is important. And if the independent sector throughout someone’s life. otherwise missing in the public sector. Great Art. To deny access to great Art/ and interrogate. exciting and will benefit the independent can be at the forefront of this, then so DBJ: I have only in the last ten years, DBJ: They help maintain, as well as Culture to anybody would be abuse. To sector as much as the communities they much the better. fully appreciated the absolutely vital develop, a child’s natural and free be denied access to “Sophisticated/High” can offer things to. role that Arts and Culture play in the imagination. If in adulthood one maintains Art/Culture is a blessing. Great Art gives MM and TS: Very important. Without free imagination, one remains free to life, poor Art takes it away. TC: How important is it that the their help, funding won’t happen, and choose different paths to suit changing NC: Because art is for everyone...it is a independent sector works in their in the current economic and political circumstances. No happily successful right not a privilege. communities to offer opportunities for all climate we are currently facing, it’s extra person I’ve ever met lacks imagination. MM and TS: There is so much to engage with arts, creativity and culture important that communities push for MM and TS: Artistic subjects and undiscovered talent in deprived areas so regardless of background and to break help to offer the arts and everything 33 32 activities are vital aspects in the in order for them to succeed, they need down social barriers, engineer social else. Historically, the arts have always Q&A education of young people. They can help to access the arts and culture. The change and open up conversations about been there to help break down social Q&A WITH TIM COKER teach children many key skills, for arts are not designed to be available diversity and the arts. barriers. They are a key way in uniting WITH TIM COKER GARY DELANEY ZOE LYONS - MC Gary Delaney is a regular guest on Mock The Week (BBC Two). Zoe’s trademark high energy, brilliantly observed routines and His other TV and Radio credits include 7 Day Saturday (Radio sharply written material has left her with an ever-growing fan 5 Live), Robert’s Web (Channel 4), Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4) base. Last year she won both the Comedian’s Comedian Award and Russell Kane’s Whistle-Stop Tour (BBC Radio 2). and Chortle Best Club Comic.

Gary is widely regarded as being the most quotable one-liner As well as being a series regular on Mock The Week (BBC 2) comic in the country. He projects the barely hidden delight of and The Wright Stuff (Channel 5), Zoe’s extensive TV credits a cheeky schoolboy and the audience can’t help but be carried include Room 101 (BBC 1), Dara O’Briain’s Go 8-Bit (Dave), along by his infectious charm. Channel 4’s Comedy Gala, Live At The Apollo (BBC 2), The John Bishop Show (BBC 1), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled Gary has also written extensively for TV and Radio including (Dave), Pointless Celebrities (BBC 1) and winner of Celebrity 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Mastermind (BBC 1). A League Of Their Own, 10’Clock Live, The British Comedy Awards and The News Quiz.

In 2016, Gary returned to Edinburgh Fringe with his latest _ show, ‘There’s Something About Gary’. He is currently on his WEDNESDAY HEADLINE third UK tour, for which he has been receiving great, 4 & 5 star “Confident and razor sharp” reviews. He has also toured twice previously, with his debut hit COMEDY show, ‘Purist’ and again with ‘Gary Delaney 2: This Time It’s Not Observer Magazine Personal’. Gary’s jokes have twice made Dave’s Top 10 Funniest Jokes from the Edinburgh Fringe. COMEDY NIGHT: THE FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE BRINGS YOU SOME OF THE VERY BEST NAMES LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL FROM THE UK COMEDY SCENE, HOUSEHOLD NAMES AND FACES IN FACT, TO Radio credits include The Frank Skinner Show (Absolute), ON THE CLOSE RUGBY - TO MAKE US LAUGH OUT LOUD IN OUR VERY OWN HOMAGE TO LIVE AT The News Quiz, Just a Minute, The Unbelievable Truth, The Now With Simon Evans THE APOLLO. JUST THAT WE’RE DOING IT IN A VERY BIG TENT IN THE MIDDLE OF _ Show, It’s Not What You Know and The Rest is History (BBC A SCHOOL PLAYING FIELD IN A BIG POSH OLD PUBLIC SCHOOL. Radio 4). Plus Alasdair Beckett-King, “Expect a cavalcade Gary Delaney, Zoe Lyons Hold on a minute, I thought this was a highbrow educational arts festival - I hear you In 2016 Zoe Lyons returned to the Edinburgh Festival with her cry. Don’t panic. It’s ok. Let me explain. of brilliantly inventive brand new show ‘Little Misfit’ at the Gilded Balloon, and she is 8.00pm puns” The Guardian currently touring this show around the UK. Arena These funny people are not here just to make us laugh, oh no. They are here to make us think too. To teach us about the world, about politics, about being human. Because that’s what comedy does isn’t it? And as an arts festival with an educational core, it will be those moments during the show when we point a satirical finger at the ridiculousness of the world or laugh at our own inadequacies or simply share a knowing nod with a friend, which will linger in our minds and make us all just that wee bit wiser, more tolerant, less prejudiced maybe. Have I told the one about the Scottish _ Public School Headmaster who walked into a bar...

“Super-sharp ALASDAIR BECKETT-KING Alasdair Beckett-King was born in 1984 (the year, not the Time Out book). He is an award winning stand-up comedian and dry wit” filmmaker.

With an offbeat, intelligent style, Alasdair won Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2017 (previous winners SIMON EVANS - HEADLINER include Rhod Gilbert, Jason Manford, Jonny Vegas, Romesh Simon is one of the UK’s most respected and established Ranganathan and Miles Jupp, to name but a few), as well as comedians. He is a regular on TV and Radio, and credits New Act of the Year Show (formerly Hackney Empire) in 2014. include; BBC1’s Live at the Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s It is no surprise he has been tipped by industry as ‘One to Comedy Roadshow, BBC2’s Mock the Week and was a regular watch in 2017’. on Channel4’s Stand Up for the Week. Radio credits include Radio 4’s Newsjack and Radio 4 Extra, On Radio 4, Simon Evans Goes to Market has audiences BBC Comedy Heats. delighting in his witty and insightful take on the unpromising comic territory of commodities, trading and wealth. Other Radio 4 appearances include the News Quiz, The Unbelievable _ Truth and Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive. He is also the only comedian to have appeared on both University Challenge “Delicious writing and – the Professionals, and Celebrity Mastermind (which he won – specialist subject Sir Ernest Shackleton). exceptional observations” Chortle

‘Sizzlingly entertaining, beautifully crafted, devastatingly funny gags’ The Guardian Alasdair returned to perform at Glastonbury this June, and he can be seen at Latitude in July. Last summer, Alasdair was part of the prestigious Pleasance Reserve line up at the Edinburgh Fringe, and he will be returning to the Fringe this year to Debut his show ‘Alasdair Beckett-King: The Alasdair Beckett-King 34 Mysteries’ at The Pleasance. WEDNESDAY HEADLINE COMEDY THURSDAY 29 JUNE

MUSIC Geistliches Lied, Johannes Brahms (1833- May de la Rue, Grace Evans, Phoebe 1897) Mathers, Katie Potts JUBILATE Ave verum, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Tenors Eric Kabamba, Cosmo Bellamy, (1756-1791) Bart Hobson, Dilan Patel, Rufus Pawsey, 6.30pm Greater Love, John Ireland (1879-1962) Matt Sandy, Tim Coker, James Oxley The Chapel - Olivia Scarozza and Max Boorman, Basses Max Boorman, Sebastian Hazzan, soloists Robert Arthur, George Jackson, Michael THIS PROGRAMME OF CHORAL Fanfare, William Mathias (1934-1992) - Fuxman, James Tanner, Ben Oakley, Tim CLASSICS WAS WELL RECEIVED BY Bart Hobson, organ soloist Emberson THE CHOIR TOUR AUDIENCES IN AMERICA WHEN THE Sanctus from the Missa Orbis Factor CHOIR TOURED IN FEBRUARY THIS Benedictus (from Requiem), May de la Richard Tanner became Director of YEAR AND FORMS THE BASIS OF A Rue (b.1999) - Natalie Houlston, soloist Music at Rugby School in September RECORDING THAT WILL BE LAUNCHED The Lamb, John Tavener (1944-2013) 2012, having previously been Director AT THIS CONCERT. IT INCLUDES Agnus Dei from the Missa Orbis Factor of Chapel Music at Trinity Laban BENEDICTUS BY CHOIR MEMBER Prayer of Thomas Arnold, Richard Tanner Conservatoire of Music, based at the FROM AN INVITATION TO PERFORM THE RADIO 4 SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE TO THE MAY DE LA RUE WHICH WAS FIRST (b.1970) Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, RELEASE OF THEIR NEW CD JUBILATE, THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF HIGHLIGHTS FOR PERFORMED IN NOVEMBER 2016 IN Jubilate, Simon Johnson (b.1975) London. Prior to that he spent 13 years RUGBY SCHOOL’S CHOIRS UNDER THE INSPIRATIONAL DIRECTION OF THE SCHOOL’S ITS FULL VERSION FOR CHOIR, as Director of Music at Blackburn DIRECTOR OF MUSIC RICHARD TANNER. OF THE MANY STAND-OUT MOMENTS THIS SOLOISTS AND ORCHESTRA AND Bliss Sinfonia Brass is formed from Bliss Cathedral. He conducts orchestras, YEAR, PERHAPS IT WAS THE CHOIR’S TOUR TO NEW YORK IN FEBRUARY WHICH WILL JUBILATE BY SIMON JOHNSON, Sinfonia, the professional orchestra in gives organ recitals and directs choral LINGER LONGEST IN THE MINDS OF THE SINGERS. THIS CHOIR TOUR WAS ABOUT ORGANIST OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, residence at Rugby School comprising courses worldwide. In July 2017 he will MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE MUSIC THOUGH, AS ALTO IMOGEN BROOKS TELLS US. COMMISSIONED TO CELEBRATE THE some of the most talented musicians return to America where he will work 450TH ANNIVERSARY OF RUGBY from the Midlands; many of its players with a choir in Indiana and return to NYC SCHOOL IN 2017. are on the music teaching staff at Rugby Pennsylvania for the fifth time as Director The tour began on Monday morning, when we all arrived from May had spent three hours on the plane over the Atlantic School. The Sinfonia is named after the of RSCMAmerica’s King’s College Course. our various homes to Heathrow airport. Although off to a late reassembling this piece for the oboe and organ, from the composer Sir Arthur Edward Drummond He has worked extensively as a record start, we all still had time for a quick lunch before boarding original for a whole orchestra. It was excellently composed Bliss, CH KCVO (1891-1975) who was producer for many of the UK’s leading our Virgin Airbus to JFK. Our first challenge, upon arrival, and great to sing. The performance was finally wrapped up THE CHOIR OF RUGBY SCHOOL educated at Bilton Grange before moving choirs and organists. He has regularly was finding the coach which would take us to Connecticut. It (despite requests for encores) and we trundled back to our Bliss Sinfonia Brass onto Rugby School. In 1953, he was worked on a variety of programmes for was very cold and very windy, so naturally we waited outside. host families’ homes. Katie Potts, oboe appointed Master of the Queen’s Music. the BBC as Music Director, Organist and When we eventually located our white coach, our enthusiasm Day One complete. James Williams, organ Producer and has been advisor to the did not falter (despite being 2.00am English time). We were Richard Tanner, conductor Trumpets David Blackadder, BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers of the dropped off at St Paul’s Church, Norwalk, where we were We were off to New York. We discarded our luggage at the Sam Moffitt & Kaitlin Wild Year competition since 2015. Richard greeted by our lovely host families who took each of us home YMCA (courtesy of our excellent baggage removal team-Rob, James Williams has been a teacher at Horns Mark Smith & tbc studied at the Royal Academy of Music and provided us with delicious home-cooked food and a Rufus, James and Bart). We were then escorted to the General Rugby School since 2009 and Head Trombones Richard Baker, Nick Hudson, and Oxford University. Prior to that he comfortable place to stay. Theological Seminary where we had a quick turn-around of Academic Music since 2013. In Alwyn Green was a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral, before hurrying off to Chelsea Market for lunch and a walk on addition to his academic teaching, he Tuba Ian Foster under the direction of Barry Rose and The next day was spent in intense rehearsals preparing for the Highline! Chelsea market was wonderful, something for accompanies the congregation and Timpani Barnaby Archer where he sang at the wedding of Prince our concert in the evening. We did get some free time for everyone, both material and edible. After finding different spots choir on the organ for services and Percussion Matt Turner Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and lunch and in that time, some of us experienced an American for lunch, we reconvened to head up to the Highline and had concerts throughout the year. Recently, recorded with Paul McCartney and Elton Supermarket (or a consumable Ikea), whilst others searched a gorgeous walk in the sun. In the evening, we gave a concert this has included live broadcasts on BBC During term time, the main focus of John. As well as getting a mention in the out diners, and we were all able to explore the gorgeous town for the American Friends of Rugby School and members of the Radio 4. Previous to working at Rugby, Rugby School Choir is to lead the music biography of a former England Football of Norwalk. A deserved break from improving our jet lagged Seminary community. This time we forced our encores upon James held a number of positions as in chapel services, a role set right at the (soccer!) Captain, Richard conducted the voices. In the evening, we were joined by the lovely choir of St the audience, and sung even better than the previous night. Organist and Director of Music in major heart of life at Rugby School. The choir choir at the opening ceremony of the Paul’s, to rehearse with them our joint pieces. After even more Afterwards we were rewarded with a lovely reception from the churches and has participated in concerts frequently broadcasts for BBC Radio on 2015 Rugby World Cup at Twickenham. singing, some time to work or relax and an excellent dinner, ORs as well as far too much delicious pizza. throughout the UK and Europe, whilst programmes such as The Daily Service we got ready to perform to the people of Norwalk. It was a also working as a research assistant in the and Sunday Worship. It gives regular great concert, After our first night in the YMCA, we had an early start and Music Department at the University of concerts, both outside and inside school, which included went for a day of sight-seeing around New York. After the many Nottingham. James’ research is eclectic; often performing large-scale choral works choreography- _ hours of singing during the previous two days it was a good his most recent book on Funk Music is such as Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Haydn’s ala Mr Sandy, to have a day off and rest our voices. We tackled the subway Amazon.com’s second-best seller about Creation and Mozart’s Requiem with and executed ...we forced our encores and ferried to Staten Island, glimpsing the green lady. We did, the genre. expanded forces, alongside a professional with purpose, Miss accidentally, miss the next immediate ferry back, but it did not orchestra and soloists. In September Potts on her oboe, upon the audience, and affect our day. When we returned, we visited the World Trade Kyrie from the Missa Orbis Factor 2015 the choir featured in the opening and a performance sung even better than the Centre, before going for a walk to the river. A walk where we Lift thine eyes, Felix Mendelssohn (1809- ceremony and at the final match of The of the Benedictus were very careful to take up as little room as possible on the 1847) Rugby World Cup from Twickenham from May’s requiem. previous night ‘sidewalk’ thanks to our thoroughfare team-Emily and Amelia. Hear my prayer, Felix Mendelssohn - Stadium. In February 2017 they toured to I think we all still have nightmares of Amelia’s dulcet tones Natalie Houlston, soloist USA, giving concerts in Connecticut and screaming ‘THOROUGHFARE’ throughout New York City - Cantate Domino, Claudio Monteverdi New York, including a performance of excellent job. We then divided into our buddy groups, mine (1567-1643) Poulenc’s Gloria at Carnegie Hall. Some captained professionally by Dr Coker, and went for lunch. It Civitas sancti tui, William Byrd of the choristers are also members of was the great idea from Rob Arthur and Mr Oakley that our (c. 1539/40 or 1543-1623) the school’s Rock Choir and a cappella two buddy groups should go over the Brooklyn Bridge. Most of Gloria from the Missa Orbis Factor ensembles, and many gain scholarships us had never been to Brooklyn and we had 2 hours before the The Lord is my shepherd (from Requiem), to sing in prestigious choirs when they set meeting time. However, we did, somewhat, over estimate John Rutter (b.1945) leave Rugby. our capabilities of finding how to board the bridge, and the length it would take Sopranos Ischia Gooda, Sophie Lewis, to walk across it. Olivia Scarozza, Shelly Fuxman, Ellie Although there Muston, Amelia Bucknall, Emily Green, were a few, minor, Naomi Cook, Natalie Houlston, Philippa miscommunication 37 36 Hyde, Lizzie Adams issues about timings, THURSDAY Altos Gabriella Commins, Yammi Yip, it was my highlight THE CHOIR TOUR 29 JUNE Holly Gowen, Victoria Green-Armytage, of the trip. The TO NYC group of us wandered over all the way into Brooklyn and then outside the YMCA. Secondly, Grace was punched in the face THURSDAY 29 JUNE took a subway back, only an hour and a half later than the by a protestor (good joke May) and thirdly, a group of us had agreed meeting time. to sprint through Central Park, having just walked 25 blocks, to arrive on time. But apart from those minor hiccups (which MUSIC The next two days was the rehearsal process before our big debut in Carnegie Hall. First, a two-hour singing rehearsal VOCES8 BIG SING starting at 9.30am. This was our first Poulenc rehearsal, and we met the rest of the group singing at Carnegie Hall, including 2.30pm our conductor Erin Freeman. The room was packed with people Arena from all over the US, all smiling and enthusiastic. I was between two lovely ladies from Virginia and we enjoyed learning Erin’s A DAY OF SINGING A brilliantly creative techniques - singing through straws together CAPPELLA, AT WHICH LOCAL and shouting ‘COW’ randomly (don’t ask). She managed to PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN create both an interesting rehearsal and improve our signing. HAVE LEARNT ABOUT By the end of the day, despite starting off sight-reading the SOUNDSCAPES AND BEING Poulenc, (just another challenge Mr Tanner decided to throw PART OF ONE UNIQUE, at us) I think we could all sing it confidently. By the end of MASSED CHOIR OF AMAZING the second day, I noticed May didn’t even need to look at her MUSIC WITH PAUL SMITH music. In between rehearsals we went to see ‘Cirque du Soleil AND VOCES8, CONCLUDES Paramour’ the musical, toured Times Square and went up the _ WITH A CONCERT IN THE Rockefeller. Incredible. PERFORMANCE ARENA. I can say on everyone’s Sunday was the Big Day. The performance in Carnegie Hall. We made good had a dress rehearsal in the morning, and the performance at stories) we behalf, one of the best 1.00pm. Although travelling through the streets of New York in managed to experiences we will ever our concert dress, and having to walk up hundreds of flights of cram in: a trip to stairs in the building, we sang our hearts out. It was, I think I can the Natural History have say on everyone’s behalf, one of the best experiences we will Museum and a ride ever have. The audience was packed and we were cheered. The on the Carousel, performance was followed by a reception, with delicious food, a trip to the MET and then a return to YMCA. Our last full day in New York. and Guggenheim with a bit of shopping, and a space museum experience. All meeting for lunch at Grand Central Station. I Our departure day, Monday, was rather more exciting than think it is safe to say we made the most out of our trip. we expected. First, there was an anti-Trump rally in the street

Paul Smith is an innovative and creative performer, an inspirational educator and an empowering public speaker. He is co-founder of VOCES8, author of The VOCES8 Method and As an educator and public CEO of the VCM Foundation. speaker, Paul has given speeches and created sessions on music and Paul is passionate about the impact singing and the leadership, teamwork, music and creativity, health and arts can have in the widest possible context - from wellbeing, and The VOCES8 Method. In 2014 he gave a TEDx talk entitled academic improvement to social skills and building “How can we use music to help us learn?” more cohesive communities. He uses that passion to design and deliver unique, inclusive and uplifting Paul has been singing for nearly 25 years, first as a boy chorister with performance projects. the choir of Westminster Abbey, and, since 2005 with the group he co-founded with his brother, VOCES8. As a recording artist with Decca The VOCES8 Method, written by Paul is now being Classics, Paul has featured on best-selling, chart-topping albums and won used in thousands of schools in nine countries. The a host of international awards. Method is designed to link specific music-making activities with academic improvement in numeracy, Paul is delighted to be an ambassador for Edition Peters, as well as a literacy and linguistics. Since its inception in 2007 board member of the 21st Century Musician programme at DePauw the VCM Foundation has worked with 300,000 University, Indiana, and a trustee for young people. Working in partnership with the the National Children’s Choir of Diocese of London, Paul has spearheaded the Great Britain creation of a home for the VCM Foundation at the Gresham Centre, a centre of excellence in vocal Photography courtesy 39 music performance, education and outreach in the of Emma Saunders. heart of the City of London. THURSDAY 29 JUNE THURSDAY 29 JUNE MUSIC STUDENT CAST Yaade Joba Irwin SAX TO THE MAX DRAMA Hector Hilleary Hector DRAMA/MUSIC Arnold this is a chance to Andy Davey and Felix Gladstone Headmaster find out more about the Rob Colley ANGRY Millie Hughes Mrs Lintott WEST END TO fascinating story of how Brass West End to Broadway Saxophone and Piano A new play based Edward (Ted) O’Connell Timms BROADWAY, Rugby instruments developed and 11.45am concert on 12 Angry Men William Hawksworth Scripps Students Musical hear both original pieces as Babacar N’Doye Crowther Theatre well as arrangements of works 1.45pm 4.30pm Rishi Pandya Lockwood by Handel, Elgar & Britten. NMR The Collingwood Alexander McAlinden Dakin 11.45am Centre Debating George Forsdyke Rudge The Macready David Blackadder, Head A no-holds barred exploration Chamber William Hardman Posner Theatre of Brass at Rugby since of contemporary saxophone 2015, is widely regarded as music featuring a diverse Twelve men and women are Director Felix Gladstone West End to Broadway is one of the world’s greatest range of instruments and called for jury service. They a medley of show tunes natural trumpet players. He styles. The concert showcases have to decide on the guilt performed by the school’s is Principal Trumpet of the Andy Davey along with or innocence of a young finest musicians and actors. Academy of Ancient Music several of his saxophone boy accused of killing his A wide variety of genres and the Orchestra of the students. father. The verdict must be have been chosen to suit all, Age of Enlightenment. He is unanimous. If they vote guilty, MUSIC with numbers from modern renowned as a soloist having Saxophones Andy Davey, he faces the death penalty. favourites such as Wicked and performed and recorded Georgia Geary, Fraser Ralston Can they send a young boy to MC ZANI WORKSHOP The Last 5 Years and classics many of the great trumpet and Dilan Patel die on the evidence provided? with student beatboxers like Rogers and Hammerstein’s masterpieces with conductors Bliss Sinfonia Brass Quintet finally rid herself of distractions Piano Rob Colley ‘Carousel’. such as Sir Simon Rattle, and write. In three months, Double Bass Bill Coleman CAST 4.30pm New Quad Seasons of Love (Rent) Sir Roger Norrington, Franz Trumpets David Blackadder surely she’d have a novel. Juror 1 Felix Allen Journey to the Past Brüggen, Vladimir Jurowski & Kaitlin Wild Andrew Davey has been Juror 2 Ginny Gough Join us to hear student beatboxers workshopping with (Anastasia) - Naomi Cook and Stephen Cleobury. His Horn Mark Smith And sure enough, other than Head of Woodwind at Rugby Juror 3 Will Salvesen MC Zani in this fun, ‘open mic’ event featuring UK Beatbox Popular (Wicked) - Gabriella recordings of Handel arias Trombone Nick Hudson sheep, penguins, paranoia, since 2012. A saxophone Juror 4 Ingrid Thame Champion, MC Zani. Commings with singers such as Reneé Tuba Ian Foster and the weather, there specialist, he previously taught Juror 5 Anna Sloan Someone to watch over me Fleming, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Trumpet Jamie Marshall aren’t many distractions on Woodwind and Jazz Piano for Juror 6 Will Spruce MC Zani is a veteran on the scene with over 10 years (Someone to watch over me) - and Elin Manahan-Thomas Horn Rob Arthur Bleaker. Nell gets to work on Warwickshire County Music Juror 7 Sadi Ablatifov beatboxing under his belt, having performed on some Alice Jackson have received particular a delightful Dickensian fiction Service. He has held a seat Juror 8 Honour Douglas of the world’s most prestigious stages (Madison Square I’m just a girl who can’t say no critical acclaim. A sought she calls Bleaker House—only in a number of big bands, Juror 9 Eshan Madhvani Garden, Wembley Stadium Glastonbury to name a few) (Oklahoma!) - Elin Gilbert after teacher, David is Natural to discover that total isolation including The State 51 Jazz Juror 10 Max Boorman and supported some highly respected artists including Joanna (Sweeney Todd) - Trumpet Consultant at LITERATURE and 1100 calories a day are Orchestra, The Tongue and Juror 11 Annie Gromyko Ludacris, 50 Cent, Taylor Swift, Sean Kingston, Sean Paul, Rufus Pawesy Birmingham Conservatoire, far from ideal conditions for Groove Big Band, and the Juror 12 Isabel Cai Lupe Fiasco, Dead Prez, GZA, Akon, Musiq Soulchild, Missy I go to sleep (Sunny Tutor in Natural Trumpet at NELL STEVENS literary production. With deft Clive Alsopp Quintessential Elliot, 112, Kelly Rowland and Craig David and many more. Afternoon) - Millie Beere The Royal Northern College AUTHOR ‘BLEAKER humor, the memoir traces Jazz Orchestra. He has Director Victoria When I marry Mr Snow of Music and was formerly HOUSE’ Nell’s island days and slowly performed in the house band Green-Armytage TV credits include appearances on Ellen De Generes Show, (Carousel) - Olivia Scorozza professor of Natural Trumpet lunchtime talk reveals details of the life and for the X-Factor and has The Paul O’ Grady Show, Coke Studio, The Disney Channel, Easy Terms (Blood Brothers) - at the Royal College of Music. people she has left behind in worked in the pits of a number BBC Breakfast, BBC2, Channel Katherine Johns 1.45pm pursuit of her writing. They of theatres. At Rugby he 4, and numerous TV Green Finch and Linnet Bird Fanfare for St Edmundsbury, TRR pop up in her novel, too, and directs the Jazz Orchestra and STUDENT shows across the globe (Sweeney Todd) - Natalie Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) in other fictional pieces that is in charge of golf. including being the Houlston Pastime with Good Company, Join author Nell Stevens dot the book. It seems that DRAMA presenter for “Get Shiksa Goddess (The Last 5 Henry VIII of England (1491- reading from her highly there is nowhere Nell can Fujiko for soprano saxophone, your skills on” on Years) - George Jackson 1547) acclaimed debut novel. run—an island or the pages of Andy Scott (b.1966) HISTORY BOYS Nickelodeon. His Music for His Majesty’s her notebook—to escape the Schwarzer Tanzer for tenor by Alan Bennett work to date has also Sackbutts and Cornets, ‘Bleaker House’ is part memoir, big questions of love, art and saxophone, Nigel Wood taken him to venues Matthew Locke (1621-1677) part travelogue, part short ambition. Movements I and II from 4.30pm across the world MUSIC Water Music Suite, George story collection. It is the Sonata for Alto Saxophone and The Macready Frideric Handel (1685-1759) exploration of the narrow Piano, Phil Woods (1931-2015) Theatre GLORIOUS BRASS, Chanson de Matin, Edward spaces between real life and Song for My Father, Horace DAVID BLACKADDER Elgar (1857-1934) fiction and, in the end, a book Silver (1928-2014) This Award Winning Alan AND BLISS SINFONIA Quintet for Brass, Malcolm about failing to write a novel, Mercy Mercy Mercy, Joe Bennett play was a smash hit BRASS QUINTET Arnold (1921-2006) but finally becoming a writer. Zawinul (1932-2007) that ran for 3 years in the West The Entertainer, Scott Joplin End. It won the Tony award for 1.45pm Twenty-seven-year-old Nell (1868-1917) , arranged for best play in 2006. Memorial Chapel Stevens was determined to saxophone quartet write a novel, but life kept In The Mood, Glenn Miller It’s the 1980s in Sheffield. A The concert is drawn entirely getting in the way. Then came (1904-1944), arranged for group of working class boys from works by English a game-changing opportunity: saxophone quartet from a local state school want composers and highlights she won a fellowship that _ to make it to Oxford and the role of Brass instruments would let her spend three Cambridge. They are bright. in England over the last five months, all expenses paid, “My favourite There is one problem. They centuries. From music by anywhere in the world to need polish. In steps Irwin, a Henry the Eighth to Malcolm research and write a book. debut of 2017... young, promising teacher. As Would she choose a glittering as funny as it is they prepare for the Oxbridge metropolis, a romantic village, ordeal, they soon realise that an exotic paradise? Not exactly. poignant.” it is not a straight path to Nell chose Bleaker Island, a victory. snowy, windswept pile of rock Lena Dunham 41 40 in the Falklands. There, in a THURSDAY guesthouse where she would www.nellstevens.com THURSDAY 29 JUNE be the only guest, she could 29 JUNE MUSIC MUSIC performances at the Mito and since 2005 has raised Festival Italy, Thüringer _ £1 million towards music RUGBY ROCKS VOCES8 Bachwochen Germany, at education in the UK. In 2013 Student Bands with TWILIGHT CONCERT the Paris Philharmonie and “The singing VCM established the Gresham Rockage with special guest Brussels Bozar. They will Centre, a vocal Centre for MC Zani also sing with L’Arpeggiata of VOCES8 is Excellence at Sir Christopher 4.30pm and Christina Pluhar in impeccable in its Wren’s beautiful St Anne & St Collingwood Hall 10.30pm performances of Monteverdi’s Agnes Church in the City of New Quad Orfeo. They will tour the USA quality of tone London, in partnership with In the first half of this year’s twice, with concerts and the Diocese of London. This extended Rugby Rocks gig, Sensational vocal ensemble residencies, and look forward and balance. season VOCES8 continues hear the next generation of Voces8 perform a late to performing for the first They bring a new as resident ensemble at Rugby School’s rock and pop night concert to bring the time in Boston. The group’s Bedford School, Ardingly musicians featuring a huge 2017 Festival on The Close major Christmas tour will be dimension to the College, Bradfield College range of talented young acts to a magical conclusion. to China and Japan (including word ‘ensemble’ and The Grey Coat Hospital. who have spent the day in In the historic setting of performances in Oji Hall and It also leads the Milton Abbey masterclass with Passport Rugby School New Quad, Tokyo Opera City). VOCES8 with meticulous Summer School. to Stockholm lead singer this promises to be a truly maintains its popularity with Chris Barnard. Our line-up of memorable and uplifting end UK audiences and will be timing and VOCES8 receives support up-and-coming young artists to our week of celebrations appearing in London at Kings tuning.” from Arts Council England, the includes: in this the 450th Anniversary Place with Hugo Ticciati and Merchant Taylors’ Company, Roll Over Atlantic year of the founding of the Kian Soltani, at Saint John’s Gramophone Magazine the Worshipful Company Fizzy Conway Written and performed by John Agard, school. Voces8 are joined by Smith Square and at its home, of Plaisterers and Holman Lucy Venters & Annabel 6.00pm acclaimed beatbox artist and the Gresham Centre. Fenwick Willan. The group is Barlow 2008 UK Beatbox champion VOCES8 is an Ambassador for also grateful for the support of Bethan Robinson & Freya MC Zani in this special one-off With an on-going programme Edition Peters with whom it its official sponsor, T.M.Lewin. Harrison concert as well as members of of recordings and live publishes arrangements and Hannah Bruneau One Republic, Santana, Rishabh Nayak - Costume and Columbus, by his accidental the choir of Rugby School. broadcasts, VOCES8 is heard educational material, including “The slickest of the lot...fans of Ella Daniels, Oliver Lushington U2, Dire Straits and more Makeup ‘discovery’ of the so-called regularly on international the ‘VOCES8 Songbook’ and a cappella ought to hear this.” & Freddie Ogilvie will feature as part of the Georgina Hopwood Set New World, gave a kickstart to Voces8 and MC Zani with television and radio, including the ‘VOCES8 Method’. CD Review, BBC Radio 3 Maggie Baring, May-Ling performance. It is a fast- Design globalisation, bridging Europe, Sopranos: Ischia Gooda, MPR, the BBC and ClassicFM. Turner, Caitlin Maguire, Imran paced show and there will be Africa, Asia and the Americas, Sophie Lewis, Olivia Scarozza, VOCES8 is a Decca Classics As the flagship ensemble “Eight beautifully integrated Hoosenally, Nathan Fuentes- something for everyone. Alice Payne Mother/Mary and joining forever the fates Shelly Fuxman, Ellie Muston, Artist and with whom two of the charitable music solo voices… Every number Grant, Sophie Lewis We hope you will come and Daniel Stapleton Dad/Harold of these separate hemispheres Amelia Bucknall, Emily Green, albums, ‘Eventide’ and foundation Voces Cantabiles here has something James Langham, Archie enjoy the music, and celebrate Sarah Francis Lucy/Sister 1 and eco-systems. Natalie Houlston ‘Lux’, have been at the top Music (VCM), VOCES8 has particularly arresting within it, Jackson & Hugo Hunt the end of another busy year Maeve MooneyMckenna Altos: Gabriella Commins, of the Classical Charts on an enviable reputation for its all supported by persuasive Katy Salveson, Alex Brookes, - don’t forget to bring your Jane/ Sister 2 Telescoping the voyages, Yammi Yip, Holly Gowen, their release. In 2016 Decca education work. The ensemble and committed singing.” BBC Thea Edwards, Evie Stuart & dancing shoes. Seb Hazzan Sam/ Brother 1 Agard, brings his irreverential Victoria Green-Armytage Classics release of the music leads an innovative series of Music Magazine Zea Cole Flynn Clay Zac/ Brother 2 wit from page to stage, Tenors: Cosmo Bellamy, Dilan of Ola Gjeilo, which featured music education workshops Choral and Song Choice, A Anthea Pei FEATURING Rowan Clay Benny/ Family fusing elements of calypso, Patel, Rufus Pawsey, Bart for many weeks in the USA reaching 20,000 people Purcell Collection ***** Archie Cade, Paul Tsui, Max Vocals and Rhythm guitar Friend cabaret and the absurd, as he Hobson Billboard charts, included annually around the world Bruneau & Harry Chapman Dr Jonathan Smith Bernadette Reynolds Zombie variously takes on the voices Basses: Max Boorman, Robert performances from the group. with the aim of inspiring For more information, please Paul Tsui, Ollie Thomson & Vocals Fiona Fleming 6/ Zen Master/ Sandra of Columbus, The Atlantic, a Arthur, George Jackson, Their next Decca Classics creativity and excellence visit www.voces8.com George Forsdyke Drums Tim Bentham Gracie Daniels Reporter 1 native shaman and The Mighty Sebastian Hazzan, Michael release is scheduled for the through music. The innovative Brigitte Wear, Shelly Fuxman, Bass Peter Richard Joe Daniels Reporter 2 Mosquito! Fuxma autumn of 2016. education work of VCM has Oona Lowther, Katie Aram Keyboards John Hunter Ethan Malone Zombie 4/ Sing Joyfully, William Byrd (c. received praise from UNESCO and Paul Tsui Lead Guitar Adrian Bradbury Martha/ Policewoman Written in verse with a 1539/40 or 1543-1623) William Lake Zombie 5/ John/ sprinkling of songs and Denn Er Hat Seinen Engeln, Then, in the second half, hang Policeman performed against a Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) around to hear the amazing Ella Daniels Crazy Lady background soundscape Bogoroditse Dyevo, Sergei Rockage play a full set leading STUDENT Caitlin Maguire Darla/ of Atlantic murmurings Rachmaninov (1873-1943) us into the early evening Zombie 1 and symphonic mosquito Ubi Caritas, Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) and our Festival Headline DRAMA May-Ling Turner Zombie 2 buzzing, Agard takes us Te Lucis Ante Terminum (Ferial), show with Laura Mvula and Matthew Morgan Zombie 3 on a fantastical, fanatical Thomas Tallis (c. 1505-1585) Passport to Stockholm in the WE’RE ALL Abraham Mosely Zombie 6 historic voyage that still bears O Waly Waly, trad. arr. Guy Performance Arena. GOING VEGAN relevance to contemporary Turner (b. 1955) issues. Shenendoah, trad arr. Thomas Rockage - the staff rock band 4.30pm Hewitt Jones (b. 1955) will be providing yet another TSR DRAMA/ Directed by award-winning Plus a selection of jazz and trip through vintage rock live literature director, Mark pop classics songs that the members of the WARNING: Adult Humour POETRY C. Hewitt, with specially band grew up with, along with composed music by Thomas The British vocal ensemble one or two surprises thrown in Ever wondered what ROLL OVER Arnold of Stomp’s Lost and VOCES8 is now established for good measure. might happen to a British ATLANTIC Found Orchestra, this is a one as one of the world’s most family caught in a zombie Written and man show like no other. versatile and best-loved Music from Jimi Hendrix, Bad apocalypse? What has performed by singing groups. Touring Company, Elvis, The Beatles, veganism got to do with all John Agard Contains strong language, extensively throughout REM, Pink Floyd, of this? A rare case of British advised 14+ Europe, North America and humour and handling 6.00pm Asia, the ensemble performs of odd and twisted The Macready a repertory from Renaissance scenarios that can’t Theatre polyphony to contemporary be missed. commissions and Roll Over Atlantic is a satirical arrangements. 43 42 Here is the cast list: revisiting of the voyages THURSDAY Ella Daniels - of Christopher Columbus. Highlights of the 2016/17 THURSDAY 29 JUNE Director Whether glorified or vilified, season include European 29 JUNE THURSDAY HEADLINE MUSIC And it’s something of a home-coming, as Laura was brought up in the Midlands before taking a degree in music at the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire. LAURA MVULA LAURA MVULA Recently, she has spent quite a lot of time just down the road in Stratford too, having supported by composed the music for the current, critically acclaimed RSC production of Anthony Passport to Stockholm and Cleopatra. So we are incredibly fortunate to have her here tonight performing songs from her latest Novello Award-winning album The Dreaming Room as well as 8.00pm hits from her first album Sing to The Moon. So hold on to your hats and prepare to be Arena blown away by this Phenomenal Woman.

WE ARE INCREDIBLY EXCITED Innovative British singer songwriter, two time Mercury Prize nominee and two time TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL MOBO award winner, Laura Mvula grew up in Birmingham. Mvula first sang in church SUPERSTAR LAURA MVULA TO THE and later with all female acapella group Black Voices. By 2008 she had formed and FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE TONIGHT. was composing for her own jazz/neo-soul outfit Judyshouse. Mvula has also directed STRAIGHT OFF THE BACK OF SELL- various choirs. She is a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire and holds a degree OUT PERFORMANCES IN PITTSBURGH in composition. AND NEW YORK EARLIER THIS MONTH, WE WELCOME THE MULTI-AWARD- Her debut album, Sing to the Moon was released in 2013 and garnered multiple award WINNING SINGER AND COMPOSER, nominations and critical acclaim. Discussing her follow-up, 2016 album The Dreaming ALONG WITH HER INCREDIBLE BAND, Room, the UK Guardian described how Mvula “pulls the listener along with her through TO RUGBY IN THIS SPECIAL ONE-OFF the most serpentine songs: however, winding their routes, the melodies are almost PERFORMANCE. . always beautiful; however much the musical scenery shifts, it is always striking.”

Mvula’s songs explore identity, personal dilemmas and social issues. About her hit, Phenomenal Woman, inspired by Maya Angelou she told the UK Independent: “I try and depend a lot on the women that I surround myself with, the women that through their own vulnerability and ridiculous strength are still moving mountains and doing extraordinary things every day.”

www.lauramvula.com

PASSPORT TO STOCKHOLM London based 4 piece, Passport to Stockholm, have been pumping fresh air into the lungs of the acoustic genre since forming at the beginning of 2012. Armed with acoustic guitars, cellos, harmonicas, banjoleles, loop pedals, stomp boxes and pretty much anything else they can get their hands on.

This year has already seen them working with producer Gordon Mills Jr (Ed Sheeran, Newton Faulkner), Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Lewis Watson) and Athlete’s Carey Willets. This young band have already notched up shows across a plethora of London hot spots (Camden Barfly, The Hard Rock Café, The Bedford, The Dublin Castle, The Troubadour, Notting Hill Arts Club, 229) and various festivals around the UK, recently making the road to Blissfields final, starring in a mobile advert for HTC One phones and featuring in the latest online campaign for clothing company Jack Wills.

44 45 THANK YOU TO FESTIVAL THURSDAY HEADLINE FRIENDS, SUMMARY LAURA MVULA LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ARTS AND EDUCATION

DR TIM COKER, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR compassion, tolerance and humanity OF THE FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE to our children. We need to tackle new AT RUGBY SCHOOL, ARGUES THAT challenges, such as the prevention of CHILDREN NEED ACCESS TO THE radicalisation or growing concerns about ARTS TO ENSURE THAT WHEN THEY young people’s mental health. We can GROW UP, THEY CAN RESPOND TO THE only begin to address these and other WORLD AS CREATIVE, SENSITIVE AND issues by putting ourselves in others’ COMPASSIONATE HUMAN BEINGS. shoes, by wondering what it’s like from the other side, by imagining. Do you Children from all backgrounds need recall the wonder, as a child, when access to the arts for lots of reasons: you first saw an aeroplane up close economic, political, personal. We all and imagined how something so huge N need to safeguard that access; whether could possibly fly? Or heard Mars from of our biggest challenges is “to listen and it’s in a local library or Art Gallery, in the Holst’s Planets for the first time in a talk to those who remain sceptical about curriculum or simply in ring-fencing time music lesson and imagined how big the the value of the arts” - whether that’s to explore and play. universe really is? We need to ring-fence Government, teachers, parents, public or time to wonder, for children faced with children themselves. We are better when we are exposed a world which is changing rapidly and to art and culture. The arts teach us becoming less playful, less wonderful, E multiple skills, not least sensitivity. They more worrying. Modern education limits _ are also an important place to celebrate opportunities for children to stretch their diversity. When we stare at a painting, imaginations and is turning back towards Connecting with other or lose ourselves in a piece of music, or a Gradgrind-esque system of death-by- get caught up in a TV drama, we sense, rote-learned facts. Many teachers would, people regardless of we feel. And by learning to interpret that head-in-hands, admit that the system social, ethnic or religious feeling, we understand better. too-often forces us to teach to examine first, to inspire second. And that’s not background as well as our P Connecting with other people regardless set to change in the near future, despite of social, ethnic or religious background curriculum reform. Teachers in all own and others’ emotions as well as our own and others’ emotions educational systems are often under huge is not a ‘soft’ skill is not a ‘soft’ skill, it is central to modern pressure to focus on the endpoint, the civilisation. It’s why we don’t go around A*-C statistics, and not on the journey, killing other people. This is one of the not on the whole person. most fundamental elements of human I applaud these initiatives, but with a flourishing, one which is learned through Added to this is an ill-conceived heavy heart. Because it’s sad that in play, by developing imagination and assumption that we will be more this modern, creative age – one where empathy. prosperous as a nation if we replace our Creative Industries are contributing time ‘wasted’ being creative at school £87bn each year to the UK economy – in favour of time spent teaching and we are forced to measure the benefit of O _ testing children’s basic skills in literacy arts in education and society, to justify and numeracy. The Government is not for the place of culture in young people’s We need to ring-fence turning on this, although encouragingly lives within a creaking, Neo-Victorian in the Commons Education Committee’s education system. It is essential that Nick DAY HOUSES time to wonder, for recent report, Neil Carmichael, Chair of Serota’s Durham Commission, along with children in a world which the Committee, draws attention to the reports from the Commons Education For 2020 entry into year 9, damaging impact of the current system Committee and others continue to is changing rapidly and on young people, stating that: provide hard evidence to challenge but all ages welcome “Many of the negative effects of Government educational priorities, becoming less playful, assessment in primary schools are caused reassure head teachers anxious about less wonderful, more by the use of results in the accountability league tables and revise often misguided Saturday, 30 September system rather than the assessment notions of what subjects might best worrying system itself. The resulting high-stakes ‘facilitate’ a child’s successful progress Thursday, 23 November system has led to a narrowing of the through school, to university and beyond. curriculum with a focus on English and None of us have a crystal ball or can When society is faced with a worrying maths at the expense of other subjects say with any certainty what the future rise in hate politics, in social division or like science, humanities and the arts.” will be like, but we can help to ensure 16+ isolationism, we need to find creative that when they grow up, the children we ways to teach the core values of Whilst the argument to include a creative teach will be able to respond to the world This event is aimed subject in the EBacc has, well, run out of around them as creative, sensitive and steam, the debate on the narrowing of compassionate human beings. We would be delighted to see you at our Open Days. at prospective pupils the curriculum more widely rages on. In a very welcome move announced in April Dr Tim Coker, Festival on The Close To book a place, please call the Admissions Office team: applying for entry into our this year, Sir Nicholas Serota revealed Director DAYS that he has commissioned a wide- 01788 556276 for 16+ and day entry Sixth Form in 2018 46 reaching report into the benefits of the A version of this article first appeared on TIM COKER TALKS arts to children. In his inaugural speech as the Independent Schools Council Website ART AND EDUCATION Arts Council Chairman, he stated that one in March 2017 www.isc.co.uk #wholepersonwholepoint www.rugbyschool.co.uk Saturday, 16 September HORTON CRESCENT L IT T L E

C H Town Centre U 2 R Car Parks C H

HILLMORTON ROAD A428 S T 6 5 3

BRUCE WILLIAMS WAY

LAWRENCE SHERIFF STREET 14 12 Caldecott’s Piece 15 13 B A R B Main Entrance Y R O & Box Office A D 4 17

9 CRESCENT N O RT 5 O 1 18 H 19

11 23

10 The Close 21

16

DUNCHURCH ROAD A426

B A R B Y

R 1 The 450 Performance Arena O A D 2 The Macready Theatre/Studio/ 20 Armoury Studio Hillbrow 3 TSR@The Festival on The Close 4 The Chapel 5 The Memorial Chapel 6 NMR @ The Festival on The Close 7 Collingwood Centre/ Debating Chamber 22 8 Pre-Booked Disabled Parking 8 9 TRR @ The Festival on The Close 10 School Shop 11 Festival Hub & 1st Aid Point 7 12 Upper Bench 13 OBS (Old Big School) OAK STREET (No through way for traffic) 14 Old Quad 15 New Quad 28 16 James Pavilion 17 Concessions Stalls 18 Picnic Area 19 Public Toilets 20 Lewis Gallery 21 Design Centre 22 Old Gym 23 Sports Centre PROGRAMME DESIGN AND PRODUCTION BY MERCER DESIGN www.mercerdesign.co.uk

Supporting

THE FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE 2017 www.festivalontheclose.co.uk