The Magazine for the I Spring 2009

Collaborations The Listening Gallery Upbeat reports on a unique venture with the Victoria and Albert museum ...... Operatic Collaborations How RCM students are benefiting from our close connections with leading opera companies ...... Music and Science Can the science of music be divided into four areas? RCM Chairman Professor Lord Winston discusses

What’s inside... Welcome to upbeat... Welcome to the first upbeat of 2009, which as you will see, sports a new look. We’ve listened to your comments and refreshed the magazine by Contents including more pictures and making the text easier to read. As always, we’d love to know what you think of it, so please write to us at [email protected] 4 In the news with any of your comments. Updating you on the recent goings on of the College including the world of performance, It seems appropriate to be refreshing upbeat at the same time as one our composition and research much-loved Concert Hall is also re-opening after transformation into a world-class venue fit for the twenty-first century. At the time of writing, 9 Upcoming events upbeat has been able to sneak in to hear the first orchestral rehearsals, A taster of some of the which have sounded thrilling and whetted the appetite for our special performances, masterclasses summer series of events (p.9). The next issue of upbeat will feature a special and other activities taking place focus on the venue’s extraordinary transformation, including photos of our during the Summer term opening performances of Britten’s War Requiem. 10 The Listening Gallery The theme of this issue is A project with our neighbouring Collaboration – something that is Victoria and Albert Museum of course vital for any musician and for any small institution. Here at the 11 Opera collaborations RCM we think it’s vital to be putting Upbeat looks at the close links our students in touch with a variety between the RCM Benjamin of organisations, so that even before Britten International Opera their studies are over they’re gaining School and the UK’s leading opera companies experience and making contacts in the professional world. Inside, you can read about some of the RCM’s 13 The science of music many collaborations with opera Professor Lord Winston considers companies (p.12) and orchestras the relationship between music and science (p.7); with our neighbours here in South Kensington (pp.10-11); with scientists (p.13); and with our all- 14 Meeting the supporters important supporters (p.14). Upbeat puts the questions to scholarship donor Philip Carne If you have anything you’d like us to feature in the next issue of Upbeat, 16 Student notes send your news and pictures in to Current student success stories [email protected] by 11 May 2009.

NB: Please note that we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and that we 18 Staff notes reserve the right to edit submissions. Including a spotlight on Theatre Co-ordinator David Gorringe

Front cover - Portrait of Louis XIV after Hyacinthe Rigaud, Paris, about 1701, © RMN/Gérard Blot. Features in the exhibition Baroque at the V&A in 2009, accompanied by music sourced and 20 Alumni notes performed by RCM staff and students (see p.10-11). A digest of graduate news Inside front cover - Above and left – John Wilson rehearses and conducts the RCM Symphony Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in November. Inside back cover - images from Resonate, a collaboration between RCM composers and five Ballet 22 Obituaries and births Rambert School graduates, held in the Britten Theatre in October 2008.

3 In the news... CPH at A Portrait of Composing for College Hall Kathleen Long Photographs Kathleen Long (1896-1968) studied piano with Herbert Sharpe at the RCM 1910–16, and was a teacher at the College 1920–64. Much admired for her performances of Mozart, Beethoven and French music (particularly Fauré) she also championed new music – in 1934 she gave the first performance ofPhantasm, Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra by , with the composer the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Pictured is her portrait painted c.1962 (artist Guy Wordsell, 1908–1979) which along with other memorabilia of Kathleen Long has been generously gifted to the Royal College of Music by the legatees of the late Freda Isabel with Camellia on Easter Sunday, 2008 © Colin Pantall For the first time all the materials are together Taylor, Mr and Mrs Graham Hackett and in air-conditioned storage rooms Miss Tessa Sackin, to whom we offer our thanks. The college also shows its TheCentre for Performance History appreciation to Mrs H.M. Wingfield and has now relocated all of its iconographic Angela Hughes, for their assistance. materials (artworks, photographs), performance documentation and related collections to a new, specially refurbished facility at College Hall. For the first time all the material is together in air-conditioned storage rooms, with a reception area for visitors and a reading room. TheCPH Research Centre at Shepherd’s Bush is open to RCM students, staff and members of the public by prior appointment. For details visit: A Portrait of Kathleen Long www.cph.rcm.ac.uk/Gennews.htm

Miss Gee, 2008 © Phoebe Ling Nine composers from the Royal College of Music have composed works to accompany photographs on display at London’s National Portrait Gallery. The photographs all formed part of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2008, which showcased the work of the most talented emerging young photographers, photography students and gifted amateurs alongside that of established professionals. Sixty selected portraits were exhibited between November and February. Under the direction of RCM Head of Composition William Mival, each student responded to a different photograph and the resultant works were premièred by RCM performers An image of the RCM symphony orchestra rehearsal at Cadogan Hall, by Ajay Sood, at a special concert at the National a student on the Prince’s Drawing School “London’s Different Faces” Course Portrait Gallery.

4 seasonal singing, with carols led by Soirée d’Or 2008 Andrew Kennedy and RCM opera school students. All in all, an “oasis of delight in a “One of the most well-attended events in turbulent world”, as one guest put it. the City calendar” (The Sunday Times) The RCM would like to thank all who were involved in helping to achieve this On 10 December 2008, the Royal College remarkable success. We are especially of Music welcomed 400 guests to its grateful for the support and hard work of prestigious Soirée d’Or. This annual gala Ben EalovegaBen the Soirée d’Or Committee throughout concert and dinner is a vital part of the year, led by Chairperson Mrs the RCM’s fundraising activities, and Stephanie Carr. Special thanks also go to despite the current economic climate BP for their extremely generous support. an unprecedented significant amount was raised at this event for the RCM The RCM would also like to thank the Scholarship Fund. following companies and individuals for their sponsorship and donations:

Finsbury British Gas Fujitsu Jane Packer Green & Black’s Hildon Water Aveda Clarins Mrs Julie Mills Mr James James-Crook Pascal Labbé (champagne) The nextSoirée d’Or will take place in December 2009 (date and place to be confirmed). If you would like further information on attending or would like information on supporting the RCM scholarship fund, please contact Joana Tenor and RCM alumnus Andrew Kennedy Witkowski on 020 7591 4331 or email [email protected]. During the dinner, RCM Chairman Professor Lord Winston gave a speech explaining the importance of the RCM’s fundraising work, highlighting how all the proceeds raised during the evening would go directly towards the provision of RCM scholarships in 2009/10, enabling the most talented young musicians from Jiafeng Chen across the world to come and study at the College. The RCM awards over 300 Soirée d’Or 2008 took place in the scholarships every year to students of beautiful Raphael Gallery at the Victoria exceptional talent and relies upon the and Albert Museum, whilst the RCM’s support of individuals, charitable trusts Concert Hall was under renovation. and companies to fund them(see page 14 The evening began with a champagne for a view from a supporter). reception followed by a sumptuous dinner and a musical programme Guests showed further generosity during featuring the exceptional talent of tenor the evening’s auction, led by auctioneer and RCM alumnus Andrew Kennedy, Mr James James-Crook of Lyon & as well as two of the College’s most Turnbull. As usual, the lively atmosphere outstanding current students, Anna continued into the end of the evening Anna Peletsis Peletsis (piano) and Jiafeng Chen (). where all guests participated in some

5 In the news... More room for creativity Leopold Stokowski and the RCM

Brand new suite of seven practice rooms

A Stokowski baton (never used after the 1920s), a tie gift from his personal assistant Jack Baumgarten and a volume of Philadelphia Orchestra concerts

As the College has continued to become more popular and expand every year, the pressure on our resources has of course, increased. So we’re very pleased to announce some major strides towards significantly increasing the number of practice and teaching rooms.

On 1 November (ahead of schedule), we opened a brand new suite of seven practice rooms. Making use of the space which used to house the Recent acquisitions of new releases and opera wardrobe, these new state- old correspondence signed by Stokowski of-the-art rooms received a variety of acoustic treatments to the walls, Leopold Stokowski studied at the ceilings and floors, and carry specially RCM before an acclaimed career as a commissioned acoustically sealed conductor. Amongst his many admirers doors. Unsurprisingly, the rooms are was a Danish enthusiast, Preben already proving highly popular with Opperby, who gathered together a vast students. collection of Stokowski recordings and memorabilia. These he bequeathed to In addition, we have recently taken out the RCM, and they are currently being a lease on a second site in Kensington, catalogued to provide an online guide to just ten minutes walk away from the collection. This work has been made the current premises. Some of our possible by a grant from the Opperby administrative staff have been moving Stokowski Trust which also provides there over the past few months, freeing funding for a singing scholarship each up several additional teaching and year and for additions to the collection. practice spaces. The collection will be launched on 7 May this year with an exhibition of items from Beyond all of this, a number of other the collection and a concert featuring initiatives are planned for 2009 Stokowski’s Symphony no 1 by the RCM and beyond, so watch this space RCM Kensington Square Sinfonietta (7.30pm) – visit for details… www.rcm.ac.uk/events for details.

6 Dame Fanny Restore a Score Waterman The RCM Library houses over 300,000 individual items and is a world-renowned resource with an exceptional collection of printed and manuscript volumes dating from the 16th Century to the present day.

In 2005, the RCM launched the Restore a Score programme to ensure that through regular repair and restoration these items are safeguarded for use by future in South generations of young musicians. To date over 130 individual works have Kensington been restored thanks to generous TheRoyal College of Music has donations totalling £37,500. been participating in one of 2009’s As a result of age, handling and most important cultural events. general use, many volumes and City of Dreams: Vienna 1900- recordings are still in urgent need of 1935 is a major project led by the conservation. and their Principal Conductor and Artistic Dame Fanny Waterman There are three different ways you Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen. Taking can help: In a rare London public appearance, place from February to October, the • pay the full cost of conservation RCM alumna Dame Fanny Waterman, festival explores Viennese life during for an item in the RCM Library co-founder and Chair of the Leeds the period of Mahler, Schoenber collections and Berg, as well as Freud and Klimt. International Piano Competition (LIPC), It encompasses a series of major completed a two-day residency at the • make a donation towards the orchestral concerts in 18 cities across Royal College of Music. Dame Fanny held conservation cost of an item across the UK and Europe, as well as informal classes for students on Monday chamber concerts, exhibitions, talks 26 January, and then delivered a lecture • make a general donation towards and study days. and open masterclass the following day. the Restore a Score fund Every year, the RCM holds a reception The RCM is a major partner in the Friends attending the event included in the Library which gives both donors project. From March to October, RCM Director Colin Lawson (a former to the programme and interested we have been presenting a number student of Dame Fanny’s) and LIPC members of the public the chance to of chamber concerts that will patrons Dame Janet Baker and Lady view some of the Library’s previously complement the orchestral series. Solti, as well as RCM Head of Keyboard conserved works and some of our The concerts have provided the Vanessa Latarche and RCM Tutors Dmitri significant historical items. This year’s opportunity to explore the work of Alexeev and Leon McCawley, all of whom reception takes place on Thursday other Viennese composers such as competed in ‘The Leeds’ early in their 19 March at 7pm in the RCM’s Korngold, Zemlinsky and Webern, careers. Donaldson Room. Our Chief Librarian alongside other more popular forms Dame Fanny Waterman said: “The of music such as waltzes and cabaret will be on hand to answer any Royal College of Music is very dear to songs. In May, we also host a study questions and we will be providing me. In 1941 I won the Mathilde Verne day exploring the art and design of light refreshments throughout the scholarship to study at the RCM. The the period. To see a list of all RCM evening with a short recital by RCM teachers here were then, and still are, events in the festival visit www.rcm. students between 7.30-7.50pm. remarkable people.” Colin Lawson ac.uk/vienna We will be adding also stated: “The RCM was thrilled to If you are interested in supporting more events in coming months, so welcome celebrated alumna Dame Fanny the Restore a Score scheme and/ keep coming back to see what’s new. Waterman FRCM for an inspirational visit To explore the Vienna festival in its or if you would like to attend of classes and cultural insight. At the end entirety, the Philharmonia Orchestra the Restore a Score reception, of the visit – which happened to take have created a wonderful online please contact Joana Witkowski, place on Mozart’s birthday – we were virtual tabletop that transports you to delighted to present her with a facsimile Membership and Events Vienna’s famous Grand Café. of the autograph score of Mozart’s Piano Coordinator, on 020 7591 4331 or www.philharmonia.co.uk/city_of_ Concerto K491, one of the treasures of email [email protected] dreams/ the RCM library.”

7 In the news... RVW, 50 years on National Pipe Re-stringing of Organ Register the Museum’s The online NPOR atwww.npor.org.uk is a national resource of importance to Keene spinet organists, organ builders, musicologists As the heart of a or and others interested in researching spinet, the correct stringing and pitch organ specifications and histories. It is of such instruments is of supreme the most widely searched importance. A great deal of research database in the world, delivering up to into historical stringing practice has 40,000 organ specifications, pictures been undertaken by Malcolm Rose, and audio files per month. Now the Grant O’Brien and others and their opportunity for a new alliance with expertise has recently been sought the Royal College of Music has arisen in connection with the spinet made as we will provide a permanent home by Stephen Keene in London in the for the National Pipe Organ Register early 1680s, now held in the Museum servers at the RCM. The College has been of Instruments. The instrument is in developing similar research resources for remarkably fine condition and the a number of years through the Centre restringing work was undertaken for Performance History (CPH) and has by the harpsichord builder and wire good experience of both the technical manufacturer Malcolm Rose. The and operational aspects of running instrument is now tuned to a slightly these services, so is able to offer to the higher pitch than previously (at British Institute of Organ Studies a stable The Easter 1959 issue of the RCM A392 Hz) and the overall result is an long-term partner for the NPOR project. Magazine (which later became instrument of which the Museum is While it is initially intended to move Upbeat) featured a set of tributes justly proud. It is particularly suitable the NPOR as it currently stands to the to RCM alumnus and teacher Ralph for the music of (1659– RCM, future plans are to attract funding Vaughan Williams, who had died 95) and John Blow (1648/9–1708), for a complete redevelopment of the the previous year. This extraordinary the tercentenary of whose death has web interface and further integration of historic document includes recently been celebrated in a museum graphics and sound samples. contributions from people who came workshop led by Robert Woolley. in contact with RVW throughout his life – not only a host of well-known musical personalities (including Sir Sir James Galway , Imogen Holst, , Elizabeth Maconchy and at the RCM Sir Steuart Wilson) but also family members (such as Francis Cornford Internationally renowned flautist and Ursula Vaughan Williams), school Sir James Galway, one of the most friends and army colleagues, and even highly acclaimed, popular and his grateful cook! Their combined well-respected classical musicians insights paint a truly fascinating, working today visited the college well-rounded picture of one of British for a masterclass in December with music’s most enduring and endearing RCM students during a brief UK visit personalities. in between tours to Israel, France, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and the US. Exactly fifty years on, with assistance Sir James studied at the RCM himself, from The Vaughan Williams and has since been a regular visitor. He Charitable Trust, the RCM is delighted is well known for his encouragement to be making this collector’s item of young performers and his available on sale in a special limited dedication to education – as well as edition. Printed in a pristine facsimile giving a number of masterclasses at edition with a new foreword by his annual flute course in Switzerland, current RCM Director Professor Colin he co-formed the Music Education Lawson, the book is available for Consortium (which seeks to promote sale from the RCM for £5 including music education in the UK), and postage. To purchase a copy, visit is president of the international www.boxoffice.rcm.ac.uk or call Flutewise organisation, which donates 020 7591 4314. flutes to needy students. The Keene spinet is in remarkably fine condition

8 Events round-up Where can you see composer Krzysztof Penderecki (29 April) and cellist Natalie Clein (20 May). Bernard Haitink, Emma Our contemporary programme kicks off Kirkby, Murray Perahia on 20 April with the next instalment in our acclaimed From the Soundhouse and a man with a concert series, including classics by donkey’s head this Xenakis and Stockhausen, while on 29 April you can see our Film Music summer? Right here at the Showcase in the Britten Theatre, where brand new collaborations between RCM, of course – read on award-winning RCM students and film to find outmore… directors are performed live to picture. Other events this summer give individual The RCM’s spring and summer season is faculties the chance to shine – on dominated by a series of events in our 30 April the RCM Wind Orchestra newly transformed Concert Hall (more perform an attractive programme on that in the next issue…). The highlight of Mendelssohn, Holst and Rimsky- Natalie Clein (20 May and 21 June) Photograph: Ray Burmiston Ray Photograph: is undoubtedly the visit of Bernard Korsakov; the piano faculty presents the Haitink, who will conduct the RCM new Yonty Solomon Piano Series in culminates in the Concert Hall in July. Symphony Orchestra in performances the week of 4 May; on Friday 23 June the If you love singing, do come along on of Mahler’s mighty 9th Symphony on College will resound to two colourful Sunday 26 April for RCM Sparks Spring Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June. Our programmes of Brass Music; while Sing!, where people of all ages and other major orchestral event is an on Friday 8 May a grand Percussion abilities have the chance to learn some RCM Sinfonietta concert with Robin Showcase features modern classics by new songs alongside familiar favourites. O’Neill on 7 May, which includes a rare the likes of Varèse and Ligeti. There will be an ongoing programme of chance to hear the intriguing early first activities for young people and adults symphony by RCM alumnus Leopold The string faculty are taking us out taking place throughout July and August Stokowski (see page 6). and about for their big events: to the – please check the next issue of Upbeat on 21 June for a string for details. Composers celebrating big anniversaries showcase, when brilliant student quartet in 2009 are not forgotten, as on 12 the Esher Quartet join forces with The RCM will be playing a big part in the May we present a concert dedicated to Natalie Clein for a programme of classics Exhibition Road Music Day on 21 June, Bohuslav Martinů, while on 27 May we and new commissions, then to Cadogan when the whole road is closed to traffic, are delighted to welcome Emma Kirkby Hall on 5 July for the ever-popular String and we join our neighbours including and Florilegium for a programme of Player of the Year, which promises to be the , the V&A Museum, Purcell and Handel. as hotly contested as ever. the Science Museum, Imperial College and the Natural History Museum for a This summer we are also thrilled to be We’re staying at Cadogan Hall for our celebration of music in every genre. welcoming some of the biggest names second annual series of Rising Stars (Visit www.exhibitionroad.com for in classical music for a series of open chamber concerts. No-one who heard details closer to the time…). masterclasses, open to the general public. last year’s amazing performances will Don’t miss the chance to see the likes want to miss this year’s events on 10 Last but certainly not least, we’re of pianist Murray Perahia (30 April), June, 23 June and 7 July, where you can particularly thrilled to be presenting hear classics of the chamber repertoire Britten’s magical Midsummer Night’s by the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Dream as our summer opera production Tchaikovsky and Ravel. in the Britten Theatre from 29 June to 4 July. If you came to our last production Back home, on 22 April we open our in 2001, you’ll have seen the likes of doors for the annual RCM Open Day, Andrew Kennedy, Jonathan Lemalu and which gives students and their families Robert Murray just before their huge the chance to experience a day in the life international careers took off. This year’s of a vibrant, active conservatoire. The cast have already been winning some of day winds up with a performance from the biggest singing competitions around, the brilliant RCM Big Band in the Britten and seem destined to follow in their Theatre. footsteps – catch them while you can.

The summer term is particularly busy For more information on all of these for RCM Sparks, who are running their and much more, visit www.rcm.ac.uk/ usual blend of outreach and educational events, or please sign up at projects, including their groundbreaking www.rcm.ac.uk/subscribe to receive Bernard Haitink (19 and 20 June) Musicians of the Future project, which our monthly email listings bulletin.

9 The Listening Gallery

How does a relatively small organisation like the RCM pull off a project spanning two continents and nearly 1,000 years? The answer is co-operation, co-operation, co-operation! The Listening Gallery, one of the most ambitious and far-reaching projects ever undertaken by the College, draws together several of the RCM’s departments with some heavyweight external partners.

The Listening Galleryis a project where the RCM provides music to accompany objects on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum, our near neighbours in South Kensington. This project is being developed and run by Research Associate Giulia Nuti, Principal Investigator and Knowledge Transfer Fellow Aaron Williamon, and Co-principal Investigator Ashley Solomon. Marta Goncalves, Erik Dippenaar and Ilektra Miliadou recording music for The Listening Gallery in the RCM Studios

into the history of the artefacts on to undertake extensive legwork and display, and scoured the world to find employ all her powers of persuasion music that corresponds directly with (while visiting obscure churches in each object. For example, while looking Florence, on more than one occasion at a print commemorating the 1719 she has found herself agreeing to play Dresden wedding of Prince Friedrich the organ on Sundays in exchange Augustus to Maria Josepha, visitors for access to previously unexplored to the Baroque exhibition will be able music archives!). Her efforts have been to listen to a recording of the actual rewarded by some intriguing discoveries music performed at the wedding. Also regarding, among other things, the on display will be a 1685 violin that musical traditions of Franciscan nuns – was played by Italian virtuoso Matteis; it had been assumed that their vow of this will be accompanied by some of silence extended to singing, but Giulia Matteis’s own music, performed from an has been helping to contribute to the original edition that resides in the RCM picture that is now emerging of a rich library by an RCM musician on their own vocal musical tradition. Research Associate Giulia Nuti instrument dating from the same period.

Initially, the music will be heard as part One particularly intriguing set of objects of the V&A’s 2009 blockbuster exhibition on display later in the year will be a set Baroque 1620 –1800: Style in the Age of of dinner knives, each inscribed with a Magnificence, which runs from April to different individual vocal line for a short July this year, and will tour to a number piece – the idea was that you could sing of North American cities in 2010. The around the dinner table by reading your second, much larger phase of the project own cutlery. Over the centuries, the will see the creation of a significant knives have become dispersed around amount of music for the V&A’s newly the world, ending up as far apart as refurbished permanent Medieval and France, Germany and even the US! When Renaissance galleries. they are reunited in London later in the year, the lines will be transcribed and So far so familiar – after all, it’s fairly sung by RCM singers, enabling the entire common to find music in art galleries piece to be heard once more for the first and museums. But as Giulia explains, a time in several centuries. number of factors make this stand out as a unique collaboration. Needless to say, it is highly unusual for music to be written directly on the First is the originality, depth and high objects themselves. Where this isn’t quality of the research. Giulia and the the case, in order to pinpoint the most V&A curators have burrowed deep The Floridus Canonics of 1663 (held in the RCM appropriate music, Giulia has often had Library), including music by Orazio Benevoli

10 The second highly original feature of All of these students come under the music would have been heard in Rome The Listening Galleryis the range of aegis of the RCM’s Department of in the 1660s, Giulia was surprised to ways in which the music will be heard. Historical Performance, headed up by discover that a significant 1663 edition In four of the Baroque galleries there Ashley Solomon. He has been heavily of music by the composer Benevoli, will be “background” music playing on a involved at every stage of planning and Kapellmeister of St Peters, was held right loop, while in the permanent Medieval running the project, and has integrated here in Prince Consort Road! The music and Renaissance galleries there will be elements of the research into his was transcribed and recorded by RCM listening stations with headphones. teaching programme, so, for example, a students, and will be heard in the “Rome But in addition to this, a brand new workshop on medieval chant later in the Room” in the V&A’s Baroque exhibition. development pioneered by The year will tie in with a recording for the V&A’s Medieval Gallery. The cutting-edge One of the RCM’s other significant Listening Gallery is a dedicated website collections is of course the RCM full of music relating to all the galleries. research therefore feeds directly into the RCM programme of study. Museum of Instruments, and some Ahead of their trip to the V&A, visitors of these instruments are being used will be able to visit the website and As well as co-managing the project for the recording sessions. In January, download the relevant music to their and liaising with the AHRC, Aaron Harpsichord Professor Terry Charlston iPods. When they arrive at the exhibition, Williamon – Head of the RCM’s devised and led a recording session signs will indicate exactly when they Centre for Performance Science in the museum itself that focused on should listen to each track. After (CPS) – has led the research into new pieces from the RCM’s important early their visit, they will be able to return technologies, and into working out the manuscript MS2093 (which includes to the website for more background best delivery systems for the music. significant early English music by information that can’t be displayed in the New opportunities inevitably bring new Dowland, Locke, Bull and others), all galleries themselves. problems, but the CPS’s new research performed on the RCM’s magnificent has been able to work with the V&A on Keene spinet (see p8). Of course a project like this doesn’t come providing new solutions. cheap, and it couldn’t have happened The final element of the project was without the other major partner in Backing up the project team have been provided by the RCM Studios. Under the project, the Arts and Humanities several RCM professors, experts in their the watchful eye of Giulia, they have Research Council (AHRC). They field, who have contributed a great deal been in charge of recording, editing and provided a major two-year grant through of to their own particular areas of the mastering all the music, and delivering it their Knowledge Transfer Fund, enabling project. Medieval expert William Lyons to the V&A. the collaboration between the RCM and and lute player Jakob Lindberg have the V&A to become a very thorough one. been the project’s official advisors, and It’s a source of great pride for the Giulia they have worked alongside external and the RCM that all of the complex As well as these significant external advisor Clifford Bartlett, who has a stages of the project –planning, research, collaborations, the project draws particular expertise when it comes to performance, recording and delivery – together several departments within the historical editions. have all been able to take place under RCM itself. It was RCM’s ability to be a one roof. Has all the work paid off? Why “one stop shop” and deliver the entire When looking for these editions, not head to the V&A this spring, and although she has been scouring the project from start to finish – something check that out for yourself. entire globe, Giulia has been astounded which perhaps no other institution in the by how often the paper trail has led The V&A’s exhibitionBaroque 1620 world could do – that was particularly her back to the enormous collection of –1800: Style in the Age of Magnificence attractive for the AHRC and the V&A. manuscripts and early editions in the runs from 4 April to 19 July 2009 at the Most important of all, of course, the RCM Library. When sitting in an Italian V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London. project has involved a large number library trying to work out precisely what www.listeninggallery.rcm.ac.uk of RCM students. Along with Mills Williams Junior Fellow Erik Dippenaar, the students are performing on the many original recordings that are being made for the project, and at a number of live concerts within the galleries themselves. Beyond that, they have also had a hand in researching and selecting the repertoire – for example, following on from the theme of last year’s hugely successful RCM International Festival, student performers have selected dance music composed at Versailles by Couperin, Marais and others to accompany the many exhibits centred around the court of Louis XIV (including the painting you can see on Harpsichord professor Terry Charlston (right) leads a recording session on the Keene spinet, the front cover). held in the RCM Museum of Instruments

11 Opera Collaborations... With a Little Help from our Friends Upbeat explores some of the RCM opera school many ongoing collaborations… In recent years, the Royal College of Music’s International Opera School (BBIOS) has had the opportunity to perform in numerous joint projects with companies as diverse as the Musèe d’Orsay, the Opera House Halle, Clonter Opera, the Mayfield Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and the Montepulciano Festival. Collaborations ranging from Nathan Vale, Christopher Ainslie and Ruby Hughes in the 2007 production of Handel’s Poro, more permanent associations to short- a collaboration between the London Handel Festival and the Royal College of Music term appearances at festivals have RCM singers continue to enjoy marking the 250th anniversary of the enabled RCM students, both singers unparalleled success in international and instrumentalists, to reach a wider death of George Friedrich Handel, and competitions and in the major opera public outside of London as well as promising to benefit not only College internationally. houses both at home and abroad, and singers but also orchestral players and the Opera School holds the reputation period instrumentalists. One of the most longstanding as one of the leading institutions for collaborations has been the partnership the training of opera singers in Europe. During the autumn of 2009, ETO and between the BBIOS and the London The professional level of BBIOS opera the RCM will stage a number of Handel’s Handel Society. This was established productions, the excellence of the most interesting dramatic works. The in the early 1990s and forms a working singing and importantly, the consistently opening of this Handelfest will take place relationship unique within the UK high standard of instrumental playing in the Britten Theatre during October higher education system; no other achieved by RCM Opera Orchestras, with performances of Ariodante, Alcina, British music college performs complete played a crucial part in English National Tolomeo, Flavio, and Teseo, before a operas on an annual basis with a Opera’s decision to approach the RCM national tour. Recent RCM alumni will professional company. These yearly as first choice to develop an orchestral perform the majority of the roles and operatic events, regarded as one of the link between student instrumentalists existing College students will also sing a highlights of the London Handel Festival, and the orchestra of ENO. variety of cover roles. are cast exclusively from Vocal Faculty singers. Students take part in fully ENO Evolve was devised by Music At the time of the Festival, the staged productions, accompanied by a Director Edward Gardner to nurture the relationship between Florilegium and professional period instrument orchestra, talented young musicians of tomorrow, the RCM will be in its second year directed by Lawrence Cummings, one of and was launched in October 2008 with and a special Handelfest Gala concert, today’s leading Handel exponents. rehearsals for the new production of featuring RCM singers and players Musorgsky’s Boris Godunov. Students together with Florilegium, promises to Handel’s music has become central at the RCM are assigned mentors from be an additional highlight of the festival. to the Opera School’s training and the ENO orchestra, and as well as RCM Baroque instrumentalists will have his vocal style can be regarded as a working alongside them in rehearsals, the opportunity to play in the London kind of ‘aerobics’ for the voice. Singing the students receive lessons on operatic performances, taking part in a larger repertoire and one masterclass per any Handel demands agility and clear scale Baroque event not always feasible section each year. According to Simon articulation, considerable breath at the RCM, as well as in chamber Channing, Head of Performance at the control, and above all a true legato line. concerts in other venues around the Of course, finding ways to meet the RCM: “Our students will gain invaluable country. It is hoped that this ambitious dramatic challenges of the da capo aria experience working at the highest level program of Handel’s music will not only is in itself a marvellous test of a singers in an internationally renowned opera attract an entirely new audience into the acting and stage ability. Singers learn company, learning first-hand the many College, but that every RCM student will to develop the flexibility and lyricism skills needed to make a successful career to make his vocal mastery speak to in music.” have the chance to listen to experts on audiences, and to bring a dramatic Handel and his music, to attend chamber liveliness and musicality to their In another new collaboration, English recitals and see a broad range of Handel’s performances. Touring Opera sought the RCM as a unique contribution to opera. Visit partner for an ambitious Handelfest, www.rcm.ac.uk/events

12 The science of music

The RCM is strongly involved in all the uncertainty that the Count has research into the collaboration between got; that everyone else has got at that Music and Science and how the two stage: What’s in the letter? Why is it complement each other. In the interview on the floor? That Fugue and March is below continued from the last issue of a wonderful example of how you can Upbeat, RCM Chairman Professor Lord use form to completely jerk the mind Winston suggests that there are four into a different state, and it’s good to main areas to focus on when studying investigate how that happens. this powerful relationship: Anything we can do to make these areas understood by a wider public will be of enormous value. I think the science of music can be divided If you would like to know more about the research activity taking place at the into four areas. I’ve been RCM please visit the research section of the RCM website at www.rcm.ac.uk thinking about this a Independent research sites can also be lot and I think they’re found at www.cps.rcm.ac.uk www.cph.rcm.ac.uk and all really interesting and www.musiceducationrcm.ac.uk We also hold a number of stimulating totally different, and I’d lectures and seminars open to the public like to see that explored RCM Chairman Professor Lord Winston Temple Jason Photograph: details of which can be found online at www.rcm.ac.uk/events at the College at some And then of course you come onto a new science, really, which I suppose point at an international has only really started to develop in Music and science the last six years, which is the science symposium of some kind. of emotion. This has come into its own now online with functional magnetic resonance First of course there is the science imaging and magnetometry and other A new web resource has been of performance – the notion of brain-scanning techniques, which are launched by the CPS that facilitates the physiology of performance, the beginning to pinpoint what is actually understanding and discourse endocrinology, the sorts of hormones happening in the brain when you have between those whose work lies at that are changing your performance; a musical experience. The person who the crossroads of music and science. the way adrenaline and endorphins first published on this is a woman called It offers comprehensive lists of and testosterone, brain transmitters are Blood, who published a paper in 2002 in conferences, societies, journals and affected by what you’re doing, and how the journal on listening to chords research groups worldwide. As well that affects what you play. This is an area Science as browsing the site, you can now that Aaron Williamon and the Centre that were ‘pleasant’ and ‘unpleasant’, register and add your own content at of Performance Science are going into and looking at the different response www.science.rcm.ac.uk in some detail, and they’re coming up that the cortex gives. I think that is really with some very interesting results, which interesting, because it brings music very are translating into practical advice for much into the realm of neurophysiology students. and neuroscience, and I think it gives Optimising us lots of insights into our responses to Then there’s a totally different area music and why they may vary at different students’ health of science within music, which is the times, for example. It also connects obvious area of the whole science of music up with the other emotions, and and performance acoustics. How an instrument makes the our responses to other kinds of stimuli. Last November, over 50 RCM sound it makes; how your body, if it does students participated in a CPS study at all, influences that acoustic; how the The fourth area of science is of course of cardiovascular fitness and physical sound of a concert hall will vary; why mathematical; it’s musical theory – and mental health. Results from the one hall doesn’t sound right but another the relationships between notes in research will be available soon and one sounds absolutely incredible; how the octave; what is a fugue, how that will consider, for example, the extent an instrumentalist plays in an ensemble relates to the exposition of a piece; to which cardiovascular fitness, social without being deafened. They’re really how it practically changes your state behaviours and trait anxiety are linked interesting issues, particularly for of mind. There are so many wonderful to musicians’ injuries and ill health. the College at the moment with the examples, such as the Fugue at the end www.health.rcm.ac.uk transformation of the Concert Hall. of Act 3 of Figaro, which conjures up

13 Meeting the supporters

education was free - had it not been so, I could never have studied at Cambridge, which was such a life-enhancing experience. These days, everyone has huge debts, so there’s an even greater need to help talented students. Of course, I recognize that many of them will not achieve their ambitions, because they are entering such a competitive world and there are so many talented people out there. But at least it gives them a chance to succeed. Frankly, as a non-musician I am in awe of their talents; it’s humbling yet exhilarating to see how good they are. People say “isn’t it noble what you are doing?” and well, it may be so, but it’s also intensely rewarding. My wife and Scholarship Donor Philip Carne I have the most wonderful time seeing these young people grow and flourish. In the first of a series of interviews with help students in the performing arts. They are like an extended family to us. supporters of the RCM, Scholarship Through our trust we now support Donor Philip Carne talks to Upbeat annually more than 20 students of music And it’s not just financial help you about the enjoyment he gets from and drama across various institutions in give, I gather? his new “extended family” of RCM London. My involvement is very personal - getting Scholars… to know them individually, providing not How does the scholarship work? just financial support, but moral support What is your musical background? The RCM, which is the largest beneficiary too - giving advice when asked, going to My musical background is zero. I went of our trust, each year suggests five or six concerts, telling them that we believe to a small grammar school on the postgraduate students whom we might in them, which can be very important, Welsh borders, which didn’t have a support. This year in addition to the two particularly if they are far from home music programme, so I never had the original beneficiaries who are now doing and family. opportunity to learn an instrument. postgraduate study, there is a superb But in my formative years I would listen Chinese pianist, a wonderful cellist from Are there any other benefits for you? to the radio a lot and music became a Belarus and a talented clarinettist and Well it’s a wonderful opportunity to great passion, which has stayed with me tenor from Wales. enhance my own musical education and all my life. knowledge. I have grown to appreciate Do you keep in touch after graduation? early and through our How did you come to the Royal College Yes, it’s rather nice when they keep in sponsorship of harpsichord and recorder of Music? touch with us. They often email me and students and my knowledge of the I retired to London ten years ago after tell me about their future performances, chamber music repertoire has expanded more than 30 years overseas and we which we try to attend. There are enormously. Not only do I attend bought a flat here in South Kensington. so many ways we can continue to concerts at College, but I look out for When I discovered that the RCM was a help them as they struggle with their recitals by RCM students at churches and ten minute walk from our flat, I came to careers. For example, we are funding concert halls throughout London. some concerts and immediately loved it. a concert at the Purcell Room for a The RCM is like a spiritual home and It’s a wonderful time of life to indulge my young Malaysian violinist, we have I look forward to many more years of passion for music. covered costs of recording sessions and continued involvement with its talented bought instruments for others; we even How did you come to give an RCM students and its extensive musical helped someone with an emergency programmes. Scholarship? medical problem. It’s all about “making a At someone’s final recital here at the difference” to their lives. The RCM would like to thank all those RCM, I found myself sitting next to donors who are contributing to the [RCM Director of Communications] Why choose to help people with their College’s Scholarship Fund. This is just Sue Sturrock. We got chatting and she education, specifically? one of the many ways to support the told me of a couple of foreign students There has always been a reverence College and to ensure that RCM can in financial difficulty, so I said I’d help for education in Wales and I am of continue to nurture talent for future out. I then followed up these young that generation when that was how generations. If you would like to find out people and went to their concerts and people from ordinary backgrounds more please contact our Development found it so rewarding that my wife and could progress in life. I was fortunate to Department on 020 7591 4320 or visit I eventually decided to set up a trust to grow up after the war when university www.rcm.ac.uk

14 Discover a world of great music Welcome to new Friends Become an RCM Friend We are delighted to welcome the following people who have joined the RCM Friends recently: Mr B Barker Mrs J M Beattie Mr J Beech Mr K Blackmun Mrs J Bolger Mrs F Bradford Mrs M Byrne Mrs H B Campbell White Mr R Chadder Dr G Clouter Dr S Fox Mr C Hampshire Mr Hartwell B.A (Hons), ARCM, ARCO, ALCM Mr J Heyworth Dunn Mr R Holden Mr S Innes Mr P Law Mr M Massey Mr J Milford Mr C Myhill Ms C Symons Mrs A Von Hofmannsthal Mrs M Warr-king

You can become an RCM Friend by calling 020 7591 4331 or emailing [email protected] – we ask for a minimum donation of £30 a year. Benefits include: priority booking for selected concerts and opera performances, free copies of the Events Guide and Upbeat, regular email updates, invitations to Friends events and pre–concert suppers. Your support is vital in helping us to continue to inspire musicians of the future. Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude Ms Fiona Fieldwick Mrs Emma Rose for recent donations from the following: Fishmongers’ Company The Schilizzi Foundation Sir Timothy Ackroyd (Ackroyd Trust) The Amaryllis Fleming Foundation Mrs Victoria Sharp Mr Stephen Allcock The Foyle Foundation South Square Trust Mr Mark Bolland Garfield Weston Foundation Mrs Alice B Tunkel (deceased) BP Mrs Marion Hardy (deceased) The Wall Trust Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust Kirby Laing Foundation John Wates Charitable Trust Mr & Mrs Roger Carr Professor Colin Lawson FRCM M S Weir Charitable Trust Lord Catto (Thomas Sivewright Catto Mr Thom Napper (Pro Musica Ltd) The Wolfson Foundation Charitable Settlement) NOSWAD Charity The Wyseliot Charitable Trust Mr John Cheng Mr & Mrs Ian Odgers Mrs Anne Clayton Opperby Stokowski Collection Trust There are numerous ways in which Mrs Fiona Collins Mr Christopher Parish & Mrs Samantha you can support the RCM. If you Drapers’ Company Axtell (B B B Violin Trust) are interested in finding out about current projects or fundraising Gilbert & Eileen Edgar Foundation Mr Geoff Richards activities, please contact the Mrs Lesley Exley Mr & Mrs Hamish Ritchie Development Team on 020 7591 4320

15 Student notes String successes… Composition Jooyeon Sir (violin) has been awarded successes… the Jellinek Award in the Guildford Symphony Orchestra Una Clark Young Gavin Higgins was nominated in the Artists’ Concert Competition, Second Wind or Brass Band category of the Prize in the final of Windsor Festival British Composer Awards for his work International String Competition and an A Forest Symphony… Chistopher Chong MBF Music Education Award of £1500… has won the Exposures Film Festival composition competition… Xiaotian Shi …Mathieu van Bellen (violin) has won (RCM JD)’s Flute Quartet Within the Pure the RPS Emily Anderson Prize and has World was short-listed at the Sibelius performed the Mendelssohn Concerto in Student Composer of the Year Classical/ E minor with the Southbank Sinfonia. Contemporary 17-18 category… Ryosuke Karaki has had a piece commissioned by Barry Wordsworth (Music Director Piano of the Royal Ballet) and was awarded a prize in the13th Tokyo International prizewinners… Competition for Chamber Music Konstantin Lapshin was awarded Third Composition with a violin duo entitled Prize at the 2nd International Piano Five Dialogues… Moritz Schmittat Competition in Novosibirsk. The prize was shortlisted for the Soundtrack includes the opportunity to perform at Cologne Competition 2008 and the Tchaikovsky Hall and Rachmaninov Hall Volkswagen Score Competition, his score (Moscow), Ekaterinburg and Novosibirsk will be recorded with the German Film (Siberia), Paris (Salle de Cortot) and Lyon Orchestra, Babelsberg… Svalbard: (France)… Denise Lutgens has won The Final Journey of a Polar Bear by Ben MacDougall (flute) andJeanine First Prize in the Jan van Groenendaal Maria Marchant Competition in the Netherlands… Thorpe (violin) was released onto the iTunes Music Store in December and Maria Marchant gained First Prize in the made it to number three during the Sutton Concerto Competition… Christmas week. at just 13 years of age Asagi Nakata (RCM JD) won Third Prize in the final of the James Mottram International Piano Competition (Category A - for students up to the age of 18)… Kumi Matsuo won Third Prize at the 22nd Cidade de Ferrol International Piano Competition in Galicia, Spain… Anna Peletsis won the Audience Prize in the Jaques Samuel Intercollegiate Piano Competition… Lynn Kang and Alexey Chernov both received runners-up awards and Michael Ierace and James Lill received the Managing Director’s award… Stephen Meakins won the Accompanist’s prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Competition for Young Singers… Poom Prommachart won Second Prize and the Silver Medal at the Moray Piano Konstantin Lapshin Competition in Scotland. Kumi Matsuo

16 Congratulations In the press… Out and about … also to… Jooyeon Sir in Strad Magazine Ashley Marshfield has performed for on winning Second Prize at the a live broadcast of Choral Evensong on The Mercury 4tet -Vlad Maistorovici, Windsor Festival International String BBC Radio 3 as of King’s Antoine Francoise, Harry Cameron- Competition… Opera Now magazine College, London… Kumi Matsuo has Penny and Corentin Chassard includes a Who’s hot? feature: performed Ravel’s Concerto for Left (Alumnus) - who won the First Prize Robert Thicknesse“As usual it was Hand at Cadogan Hall with the RCM in the NonClassical Label competition: RCM singers who impressed me most: Sinfonietta Orchestra… Ryosuke Battle of the Bands… Nicole Panizza, Ruby Hughes, a poised singer with a Karaki has arranged performances shortlisted for an International Fulbright lovely soulful tone and great legato, and of his works at the National Gallery… Student Award. Madeleine Pierard, formerly a mezzo Konstantin Lapshin has played and now a soprano who has a great Rachmaninov’s Concerto no 3 with future in castrato roles.” Also high praise the RCM Sinfonietta at Cadogan Hall and for the RCM 2008 production of The will perform at Drapper’s Hall (London) Cunning Little Vixen: James Oldfield, in March, at Chipping Campden “a terrific baritone full of depth and Festival in May and at Bridgewater humanity”. Hall in Manchester in their 2009-2010 season… Jooyeon Sir has performed Fantasie with Guildford Singer Successes Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the Sevenoaks Natasha Day was awarded the prize for Symphony Orchestra, Lark Ascending ‘most promising young singer’ in the by Vaughan Williams with Brandenburg Emmy Destinn competition in … Sinfonia and Luton Symphony Orchestra Lukasz Jakobczyk has been awarded a and at the Bishopsgate Institute Great place on the Jette Parker Young Artist Hall, London… Xiaotian Shi (RCM Programme at the ROH… Sarah-Jane JD) has performed with the Leon Trio Brandon has been signed by prestigious in the National Festival of Music for international artists’ agency Askonas Youth in Birmingham… The Centre for Holt… Fiona MacKenzie was awarded Performance Science’s Judith Klienman Second Prize in the Kathleen Ferrier and Student Services Manager Lynette Competition for Young Singers. Easterbrook have presented an outreach lecture/workshop to 80 West Sussex Music Service teachers The physical Nicole Panizza and mental well-being of the pupil organized by Laura Ritchie…Nicole Panizza has presented a lecture at the Research Colloquia Series: Faculty of Music (University of Cambridge) and lecture, masterclass and recital as part of the Annual General Meeting of the Accompanists Guild of South Australia on ‘Reading in the dark’ Emily Dickinson and the art of musical interpretation… Maria Marchant (piano) has been invited to perform Rachmaninov’s The Mercury 4tet Paganini Rhapsody in Cadagon Hall during the 2009/10 season.

Sarah-Jane Brandon

17 Staff notes Spotlight on David Gorringe After nearly 30 years at the RCM, closed in 1984 with the commencement Theatre Co-ordinator David Gorringe of the new Theatre project and David retired this year. Mike Mitchenall gave threw himself into working with the a speech at David Gorringe’s farewell designers and architects of the Britten gathering, summarized below: Theatre which opened in 1986. As he retires 28 years later, the reputation “The nameDavid Gorringe, within enjoyed by the Theatre today as a the College, and probably elsewhere, performing space is very largely due conjures up an immediate feeling of to the special efforts of David and his confidence, trust and well being. The colleagues in the Opera Department. incredibly fastidious and professional way David has taken very personal I have worked with David for many care of the Theatre is in every sense years. Over the past 15 years or so, the ‘legendary’ in that he has ensured that management and organisation required the College’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ has to meet the safety and legislative been properly managed, not only in requirements for public buildings has terms of the stage, but particularly changed dramatically. David has had to in latter years when he has also had adapt procedures and be able to work responsibility for the ‘front of house’. with external regulatory authorities to ensure that the RCM Britten Theatre David came to the College in 1980 and has maintained and enhanced its had planned only to stay and see the reputation. This he has done in all new Theatre built. He started work respects incredibly well and he has left a in the old Parry Theatre, which was legacy for which the College will always under the Concert Hall where the RCM be grateful.” David Gorringe (left) with Andrew Page, who Studios now are. The Parry Theatre worked together at the RCM for nearly 30 years

Farewell also to… New release and Dr Neil Mackie CBE FRCM, Head of recordings… the Vocal Faculty at the Royal College of Music between 1994 and 2006, Cellist Tânia Lisboa, Research Fellow has left the RCM. In addition to his at the Centre for Performance Science, international singing career, during has performed at the Wigmore Hall in which he performed with many of the a concert celebrating the release of her world’s leading conductors, Neil made latest CD The Brazilian (Meridian an outstanding contribution to the label). Alongside pianist Cristina development of the College’s vocal Capparelli, she presented an exciting faculty and opera department over programme combining familiar classics many years. Across a distinguished with premières of South-American career of over twenty years as an RCM repertoire. The CD features lesser known Tânia Lisboa professor, he has taught numerous Brazilian composers from the 19th Madeleine Mitchell, Professor of Violin singing students who have gone on Century and pays homage to Camargo and Graduate Pathway Leader, has to be major prize winners and build Guarnieri, including his complete works recorded her second CD for Naxos - The significant professional careers. for cello and piano… Violin Music of Howard Blake OBE which …Area leader for Composition for Screen includes 3 world première recordings Vasco Hexel’s Sonatina Lyrico for clarinet - the Violin Sonata, Jazz Dances and and piano is featured on the Clarinet Penillion. She has served on the jury of Classics release Expressions (CC0059), the International Tansman Interpreters’ Vasco Hexel’s Sonatina with Leslie Craven (clarinet) and Rachel Competition in Poland, given a recital in Lyrico for Attwell (piano)… Keyboard Professor London with Piano Professor Andrew clarinet and ’s recent Mozart disc Ball in works by Dvôrák, Franck piano is Geoffrey Govier featured on Duo Sonatas -Duo Amadè with Visiting and Frank Bridge and has also performed the Clarinet Professor Catherine Mackintosh (violin) the Brahms Violin Concerto in the Caird Classics release received the Editor’s choice in the January Hall, Dundee with her former RCM Expressions issue of Gramophone magazine… student Robert Dick conducting…

18 …Florilegium’s latest CD release contains concerti by Bach and Telemann Representing the In the Far East… as well as Bach’s Cantata BWV 209 with Head of Keyboard Vanessa Latarche soprano Lucy Crowe - selected as “CD RCM… has given a lecture on Bach’s Well- of the Week” by The Sunday Times Tempered Clavier at National Taiwan where Hugh Canning wrote “Few can Normal University in Taipei, followed match Florilegium’s interpretative flair by a masterclass on Bach’s works. She and technical accomplishment in this also gave a lecture and class at Aletheia repertoire.” University in Taipei on Beethoven Sonatas.

Recognition and RCM Director Colin Lawson has Awards… performed with RCM Alumnus Ayako Kondo at Munetsugu Hall (Nagoya) Visiting Vocal Professor Michael in a programme entitled Mozart and Chance has been appointed CBE in his Contemporaries. The performance the New Year’s Honours list…in the featured a copy of a five-keyed Viennese British Composer Awards, Composition clarinet from about 1790 and a replica of Professor Michael Zev Gordon has Anton Walter’s fortepiano made in 1784. won the Choral category award for This Night. Other nominees included Academic Professor Jonathan Pitkin for Con Spirito, Prince Consort Professor of Composition Colin Matthews for Alphabicycle Order and RCM Research Ashley Solomon Fellow in Composition Mark-Anthony Turnage for Ceres. Throughout 2009 RCM Ensemble in Association Florilegium (Directed by Ashley Solomon, Head of Historical Performance) will be performing a series of concerts in Wigmore Hall’s Haydn bicentenary celebrations (in June and October 2009). These concerts will consist of two symphonies arranged Pictured from left to right are Wei-Chi by Solomon for six players, as well as Lin (Piano Faculty Professor), Vanessa string quartets and flute trios… Deputy Latarche, Yi-Fang (Piano Faculty Librarian Peter Horton has attended Professor), and Professor En Wang the annual conference of the North (Chairwoman of the Dept of Music). American Victorian Studies Association Vanessa also gave a class at SNU, Seoul at Yale where he read a paper on Samuel National University in Korea. Sebastian Wesley and William Sterndale Bennett - ‘They earn money from morning till night’: the economics of ‘serious’ music in mid 19th-century England… Vocal Studies Professor Patricia Rozario has performed in a recital at Wigmore Hall Michael Zev Gordon alongside Pianist .

RCM Director Colin Lawson performs with RCM Alumnus Ayako Kondo at Munetsugu Hall (Nagoya)

Vanessa Latarche with a student in Taiwan

19 Alumni notes

New appointments… Husband and wife partnership Sarah Catherine Saumarez will take up Poole (soprano) and David Heyes the Principal Cello position with the (double bass) have busy schedules as Orquestre Filharmonica de Santiago this teachers and performers. Sarah was March, Benjamin Bergmann has been recently appointed Head of Singing at appointed as Professor of Violin at the Bryanston School in , while David Hochschule für Musik Mainz/Johannes has been a guest professor at Beijing Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. Our Conservatoire where he gave a series singers are also in demand, with baritone of masterclasses. Both Sarah and David Dawid Kimberg gaining a place on the head to Beijing and Harbin in 2009 for a Jette Parker Young Artist Programme series of duo recitals. at the and mezzo soprano Stephanie Lewis taking up her Liverpool loves… place on the Young Artist Programme composer, Ken Hesketh, who has at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna in recently been awarded an honorary November. Baritone Andrew Ashwin is Professorship at Liverpool University. now a member of the Deutsche Oper The award comes as a result of his Berlin, singing roles such as Morales two year residency as Composer in and Papageno. In June he will perform the House for the Royal Liverpool the title role in Owen Wingrave at Wien Philharmonic Orchestra. www. Kammeroper. See www.andrewashwin. royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/ com Finally, alumnus Garry Clarke composers/inthehouse Alumna founder and director of Chicago’s Elizabeth Winters (née West) has also Baroque Band has see the ensemble achieved success in the city as winner flourish since its birth in 2006. In of the 2008 Liverpool Capital of Culture the past year, it has been appointed New Composer Competition. Last year, performers of her works included the Resident Ensemble of 98.7 WFMT Radio, Ken Hesketh Ensemble-in-Residence at the Music BBC Philharmonic, BBC Singers and Ensemble 10/10, with her music being Institute of Chicago and Artistic Partner More award-winning alumni… of the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller broadcast on Radio 3. Go to include the conductor Simon Halsey Memorial Chapel. In June 2009 the band www.elizabethwinters.com who recently won a Grammy for Best will make its Ravinia Festival debut. For Congratulations to… Choral Performance for his role as choir more information about the Baroque Conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, who director for a recording of the Bernstein Band, visit www.baroqueband.org has been awarded a CBE, and pianist Mass (Harmonia Mundi). Composers Howard Shelley, appointed OBE in the Luke Bedford and Rolf Hind were both New Years Honours List. nominated in the Orchestral category of the British Composer Awards, with Luke Bedford winning the award for his orchestral work Breathe. Composer Paulo Boggio has also achieved competition success after winning first prize in the Seinäjoki Composition Competition for his work The Angel of Loneliness. Sounds of the RCM… If you’re looking to expand your listening library, look no further than the prolific recording output of RCM alumni. If you’re in the mood for romance, try the recent recording by pianist Katya Benjamin Bergmann Apekisheva, winner of the Rising Star Award in International Piano Magazine, whose ‘Grieg – Piano Music’ (Quartz), Roger Birnstingl FRCM and his was a Gramophone Magazine Editor’s mother Ursula Carr who both Choice. Mark Bebbington (piano) has attended the RCM, have together completed final sessions for SOMM provided a fascinating account of label of a three volume survey of Frank their lives at the College. Please visit Bridge’s solo piano works. Volume 1 is www.rcm.ac.uk/pastmemories a BBC Music Magazine Instrumental for details. Conductor Owain Arwel Hughes Choice, receiving two five star reviews;

20 Volume 2 was released in November 08. Go to www.markbebbington.co.uk. Film buffs will enjoy the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s recording of alumnus Andrew Pearce’s work, Cinema Symphony, conducted by Maestro Jose Serebrier, which can be purchased from www.moviescoremedia.com May 2009 will see the latest release in the series of Organ Fireworks recordings, Organ Fireworks XIII by Christopher Herrick with the Hyperion label. For more details go to www.christopherherrick. co.uk For lovers of the voice, soprano Elizabeth Watts’ critically acclaimed debut recording of Schubert lieder with Roger Vignoles, available on the Sony BMG label, has received four star reviews in both the Times and the Independent. Finally, Alberti Brass, Me, Myself and I, featuring alumnus Michael Majeran featuring trumpeters Paul Sharp and Simon Munday and Adam Walters on French horn, announce the release of alumnus Michael Majeran, have had a Gareth Twigg on Contrabassoon for the their album Angel – celebrating the Music very full diary with over 100 concerts in RLPO, Emily Cockbill on Cor Anglais of Astor Piazzolla, with arrangements by the past two years alongside mainstream for the National Orchestra of Wales, John Hutchinson. The album can be performers such as Manu Chao, Bobby Jonathan Parkin as trial Second Clarinet purchased from www.theaudioconcept. McFerrin and the Beastie Boys. Most of the Northern Sinfonia, William com/AlbertiBrass recently, they performed in front of the Stafford as trial Principal Clarinet of the Dalai Lama at Wrocław Centennial Hall LSO and Steve Hudson on Principal in Poland for an audience of 7000. For Oboe of the . more information go to www.memyselfandi.pl Pianist and RCM alumni, staff and students came composer Irita Kutchmy informs Upbeat out in force to help celebrate the 21st that her musical for children on The Lion, anniversary of Nicolas Chisholm’s reign the Witch and the Wardrobe published as Headmaster of The Yehudi Menuhin by Josef Weinberger saw two professional School. They included violinistsSara performances in 2008 in Germany and in Deborah Struntz, Lisa Öberg and Anna Norway. Harpham, composer John Cooney, pianist Julian Dyson and RCM Professor Dates for your diary… of Cello Thomas Carroll, alongside Following a successful recital in current students Frances Emery and November for the Anglo-Japanese Laura Snowden. Society of Wessex at St Dunstan-in-the- West, London, pianist Yoko Nakamura It has been an active autumn for will perform two more recitals for the our alumni… Society at St-Dunstan in June and St Soprano Merrin Lazyan performed James’s Church Piccadilly in July 2009. the roll of Mina in the world première Pianist Christina Lawrie will make her of Skellig by Tod Machover with the debut with the Royal Scottish National Northern Sinfonia at the Sage Gateshead Orchestra in May 09, when she will in November… The Bacchus Quartet play the Grieg Concerto in the Caird featuring alumni Emma Blanco (violin), Hall, Dundee. The gala concert will Katie Neaves (violin), Louise Hawker also feature tenor Alfie Boe as well as (viola) and Léonie Adams (cello) gave the National Youth Choir of Scotland. a live performance on Radio 3’s ‘In Proceeds from the concert will go to the Tune’ followed by three concerts in new Tayside charity “Caring for Kids”… concert venue Kings Place as part of the Gplus Ensemble. To see the Bacchus Alumni of the RCM Woodwind Faculty Quartet in performance, visit are making waves in the orchestral www.leonieadams.com Fresh acapella world. Recent and ongoing trials include group, Me, Myself and I, featuring Susana Dias as Principal Bassoon of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Pianist, Christina Lawrie Majeran

21 Obituaries and births Births Obituaries Lucy Hartley (violin) and her partner Richard Van Allan CBE passed away on Martin Ward are thrilled to announce 04 December. A bass-baritone famous the birth of their son, Reuben Daniel for the role of Leporello in Mozart’s Don Ward, born on 05 July 2008 weighing Giovanni and the title role in Massenet’s 8lbs. Lucy is currently a member of Don Quixote amongst others, Richard the First in the BBC Concert was director of the National Opera Orchestra. Studio from 1986 to 2001. He combined his busy schedule with being a well- Dan Brinsdon (bassoon) and his wife respected Visiting Professor at the RCM. Liz would like to announce the birth of Natalie Maia on 23 May 2008 weighing The RCM Junior Department was 7lb 2oz. especially saddened to hear of the death of Pamela Spofforth MBE,Professor of Mark-Anthony Turnage (composition) Violin at the Junior Department from and wife Gabriella Swallow (cello) are 1986 to 1992 and founder of Pro Corda, delighted to announce the birth of their the National School for Young Chamber son, Milo Bennett on 10 October 2008 Music Players. Pamela is remembered Richard Van Allan weighing 7lbs 9oz. as an inspiring and dedicated teacher who had a genuine affection for her Syd Britton, Clerk of Works for the students, many of whom, as a result of refurbishment of the Blomfield Building her passionate work with Pro Corda are at the RCM in 2000/2001 passed away active in the profession today. unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Hitchin in December. Sid was known Margaret Moncrieff FRCMsadly passed as a good friend of the College and was away on 12 November. Margaret was revered by his colleagues. Professor of Cello at both the College and the RCM Junior Department and Pioneering oboist, Professor and alumnus former Head of Chamber Music at the Natalie Caine passed away in December. Junior Department as well as being a Natalie entered the Royal College of distinguished author under the nom Music in 1929 to study piano and de plume of Helen McLelland and her composition. On hearing Sylvia Spencer, married name of Margaret Moncrieff- an oboe student of Leon Goossens, Kelly. She will be remembered with Natalie asked Goossens to teach her the great affection as a doyenne of the cello oboe. Among her fellow students were teaching world and a very fine musician. Evelyn Rothwell, Joy Boughton, Cecil James and Benjamin Britten. In 1936 Alumnus John Jenkins Hon RCM passed Milo Bennett, son of Mark-Anthony Turnage Britten asked Natalie and the pianist away in October after a short illness. (composition) and wife Gabriella Swallow (cello) Adolphe Hallis, to give the première of John had been Principal Tuba of the his Temporal Suite for oboe and piano Philharmonia Orchestra from 1969 to in the Wigmore Hall. Fritz Busch invited 2006 and a Professor of Tuba at the her to play in the first Glyndebourne RCM from 1973 to 1992. John is Festival Opera season and she was the remembered with exceptional fondness first lady Cor Anglais player in the LSO. in the brass world as an inspirational She appeared regularly in London’s major and respected tuba player and an concert halls and the National Gallery enthusiastic, friendly man. concerts. Natalie married Cecil James in 1938. She is survived by their three daughters.

The RCM was saddened to hear of the untimely death of Dr Meredith McFarlane before Christmas. Meredith We are always interested to hear news was awarded her Doctorate at the from current and past RCM students College in July 2003 and had been a and staff. Please email the details to us lecturer in the Graduate School on at [email protected] by 11 May 2009 the College’s academic staff since attaching any images. Please note we September 2003. cannot guarantee all items will be included for publication.

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