1847 The Glasgow Athenaeum is founded, with an inaugural address given by Charles Dickens 1848 Ralph Waldo Emerson delivers lecture at the Glasgow Athenaeum 1888 The Glasgow Athenaeum splits, with the music teaching eventually becoming what is 1892 now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the The appointment of the first RCS rest becoming the University of Strathclyde professor - Emma Ritter-Bondy - the first female professor of a UK higher education institution 1930 Paul Hindemith attends UK premiere of Wir Bauen Eine Stadt here 1944 The institution name becomes the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
2 1950 The School of Drama begins teaching 1962 The opening of a full broadcast television studio on campus – the first British drama school to have such a facility 1964 From the Principal
The Junior Academy begins With almost 50% of the student body travelling to Glasgow from 3 teaching young musicians his has been a historic year for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In the year outwith Scotland to study at the Royal Conservatoire, we look 1987 to create prospects and partnerships across the country and The institution moves from its original we celebrated our 170th anniversary, the the world. Fruitful partnerships continue to grow and develop, campus on Buchanan Street to a new, T including with Celtic Connections, the Citizens Theatre, the purpose-built facility at 100 Renfrew internationally-respected QS World Rankings Edinburgh International Festival and BBC Scotland. Our partnership 1994 Street where it still is today recognised the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with Dumfries House has had its first full year of delivering The first Honorary Doctorate is awarded as one of the world’s top three performing music and dance lessons for children in Ayrshire as part of our to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the drive to widen access to the arts across Scotland (read more about Queen Mother at Clarence House to arts institutions. this on page 20). mark her Golden Jubilee as Patron 1998 As Principal of the Royal Conservatoire, I am proud to preside over This year also saw the launch of a new partnership with the The opening of the Alexander an institution that has been pioneering education in the performing iconic Scottish destination, Gleneagles, and this has already Gibson Opera School arts since 1847. As the national conservatoire for Scotland, we created memorable performances, as well as a special Gleneagles constantly challenge both artistic and geographical boundaries, Scholarship. Academic partnerships with Muhlenberg College looking outwards to the ever-changing global creative industries (Pennsylvania, USA) and Rostov State Rachmaninov Conservatoire 2003 and nurturing performing and production artists to be prepared (Rostov-on-Don, Russia) were established in 2017 and will afford HRH The Prince of Wales becomes for this world. Students come here to study dance, drama, music, ample international opportunities for students for years to come. Patron of the Royal Conservatoire 2011 production and film – the only institution in Europe to offer the full The opening of the Wallace Studios breadth of performing arts disciplines. It is fitting then, that as we We have come a long way since Charles Dickens hosted the inaugural at Speirs Locks, expanding the Royal reflect on our 170-year history, we are acknowledged as a world- soiree here in 1847, where our predecessors were committed to Conservatoire’s facilities to include leading institution by our academic peers. “providing mental cultivation, moral improvement and delightful a suite of professional dance studios, recreation to all classes.” design workshops, industry-standard At the heart of our ethos is a desire and commitment to embrace our paint and prop-making rooms, and a role as a national and international arts institution. Each year we send As we move forward, through this anniversary year, we are driven costume and wardrobe department. a new crop of graduates into the global workplace, confident they have by what makes the Royal Conservatoire truly distinctive – our 2015 had the right education and experiences to succeed. As the No.1 higher embracement of inclusivity and diversity, our commitment to Graduate James McAvoy donates £125,000 education institution in Scotland for graduate employment (HESA, breaking down barriers, whether they be artistic, geographical or to scholarships for young people living in 14/15) we take pleasure in celebrating our graduates’ achievements – physical, and to advancing our role as a world leader in performing Scotland to access pre-Higher Education wherever opportunity takes them around the world. arts education. Here’s to the next 170 years. courses at the Royal Conservatoire 2017 The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is Professor Jeffrey Sharkey recognised as one of the world’s top 3 performing arts education institutions by QS World Rankings In June, graduate Catriona Morison triumphed in the grand final of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, making her the first British Isles winner in its history.
Edinburgh Festival Edinburgh Festival July is always joyous Fringe shows Fringe when our final year
Atlantic
1 / students graduate,
surrounded by
family and friends. year
This year, nearly 300 graduating students were joined by three world-renowned figures in music and dance who received honorary degrees – composer and musician Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin; Darcey Bussell CBE former principal ballerina with The Royal Ballet and judge on BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing, and Dame Evelyn Glennie, the world’s first full-time solo percussionist and inspirational teacher. and Chairman Nick Kuenssberg and Chairman Nick Kuenssberg The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was a
2 / Morgan and Hannah Charleston open the open the Charleston and Hannah 2 / Morgan five-star success for our Musical Theatre Creative Campus with Principal Jeffrey Sharkey Campus with PrincipalCreative Sharkey Jeffrey Masters students who performed to critical 2017 has been a year of celebration at acclaim in August. Students staged Into the 4 Woods and two platform shows, Atlantic: the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A Scottish Story and Atlantic: America &
The Great War, delivered in partnership Linda Robertson looks back at some of with RCS graduates Noisemaker and
A vintage the American Music Theatre Project at the highlights of a landmark year. Northwestern University. Noisemaker also won a prestigious Herald Angel award for Atlantic: A Scottish Story. 5 In September, RCS was selected to host one of the world’s first specialist Confucius Classrooms. Hanban, China’s national hen the curtain rose “An inspiring environment is crucial to the March was a momentous month which cultural organisation committed to providing student experience and this purpose-built began with the opening of our new language and cultural teaching resources and models the new RCS tartan RCS models the new on 2017, it signalled the space gives our students and lifelong learners Archives and Collections facility*. Days services worldwide, recognised Scotland’s Wstart of a very special a place to grow and develop as performers,” later, students and staff were thrilled when 3 / Acting Guthrie graduate Kevin national conservatoire as a hub for creating year for Scotland’s national says Principal Jeffrey Sharkey. RCS was named one of the world’s top three opportunities for experiencing and sharing performing arts education institutions in Chinese language, arts and culture. conservatoire. Following the fizz The Creative Campus project was financed the prestigious QS World Rankings. of the festive season, January through a fundraising campaign with support Also in September, music students from trusts, foundations and individuals “Being ranked in the world top three for entertained members of the Royal Family began not with the blues but including The Robertson Trust, Garfield performing arts education was a proud at Dumfries House in Ayrshire to mark ten with a sense of anticipation and Weston Foundation, The Hugh Fraser moment for us all and of great credit to a years since HRH The Prince Charles, Duke Foundation, The Sackler Trust, PF Charitable terrific student and staff community that of Rothesay, saved the estate for the nation. excitement... for it’s not every Trust, Wolfson Foundation and W A Cargill embraces the best of both excellence and year you turn 170. Charitable Trust. One of the rehearsal rooms creativity that thrives here in Glasgow and October saw five final-year ballet students is dedicated to the memory of Brian Jamieson Scotland,” says Professor Sharkey. tour Scotland with Scottish Ballet in their who, with his late wife Linda, generously Stravinsky season. They also performed From its beginnings as the Glasgow supported opera scholarships for students. In the same month, and to mark International at London’s iconic Royal Opera House in Athenaeum in 1847 to the institution it is Women’s Day, we shared the inspirational Covent Garden.** today, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland In January we also launched a new tartan, story of our first professor, Emma Ritter- has long been at the heart of the country’s created to mark our milestone year, which Bondy, the first female professor of a UK As we move in to 2018, we have another cultural landscape. was unveiled by actor and graduate, higher education institution. sparkling year to look forward to. One thing Kevin Guthrie. is certain, life never stands still at the Royal In January, we opened the doors to our Glittering galas to celebrate our 170th Conservatoire of Scotland. Creative Campus, a contemporary learning In February, we announced plans to widen anniversary also began in March with a and teaching complex within the Renfrew access to excellence in performing arts magnificent evening of music in Glasgow’s Street building. Designed to enrich the education across Scotland with the launch City Halls for the Royal Conservatoire of *Read more about the Archives and student experience, the purpose-built, two- of our latest arts hub. Fraserburgh, in the Scotland and Gleneagles Gala Concert which Special Collections on page 26 level rehearsal space has increased practice north east of Scotland, will be the home of was followed by Chess. Die Fledermaus, the room provision by 50%. the second RCS fair access hub, following much-loved operetta, completed our trio of **Read more about the Scottish Ballet 4 / Students perform at Dumfries House (Viktoria Sarkadi, Sarkadi, (Viktoria 4 / Students Dumfries at perform House
Dumfries House in Ayrshire. galas in May. BalazsAidan Moodie, Duncan Renczes, and Josie Gongbo Jiang tour on page 24 “Laura, my youngest daughter, was a member of the Junior Conservatoire orchestra, she was the lead oboist,” says Nick. A special Vital parts to play Nick has extensive experience of arts leadership and higher education. He was Chair of Glasgow School of Art for nine years and was a trustee of the Scottish International Piano Competition, Citizens place that Theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre. As a business leader, he has held senior roles in in the future of the UK, Europe and South America across a range of industrial sectors. He has also held an executive role at Coats Viyella, as needs your well as a host of non-executive director roles in organisations including Scottish Power and the Scottish Environment performing arts Protection Agency. support “I have had a fairly kaleidoscopic career. I was a corporate workaholic for 30 years and I’ve been working for myself for 20 years both in the private and third sectors. in Scotland I set up a small charitable foundation and have been able to support a number of charities, which include culture.”
Nick believes there Financial support is crucial in providing the very best student is satisfaction in
6 experience. Nick Kuenssberg, Chair of the Royal Conservatoire, being a donor, explains to Linda Robertson the importance of supporting the giving something next generation of artists and creative citizens. back to ensure that the contribution the
ick Kuenssberg is surveying the “The fact that I want to be interviewed out “We are fortunate to have a large number of Royal Conservatoire scene around him. The Royal here, instead of being tucked away in an supporters – which we hope will grow – who makes to the 7 NConservatoire’s bustling café office, shows that I enjoy the buzz and the provide regular scholarships,” says Nick. bar is thronged with students and the excitement that is always around this place.” “If people can start giving in a small way, it performing arts can volume level is, as always, set to high. will build up over time.” We believe that students There are many ways you can Nick smiles as he talks about the special Nick is approaching his first anniversary as be maintained. energy of this particular spot, which is Chair after taking over from Lord Vallance He says there are many ways to support of the greatest potential support us and become part at the heart of RCS life. of Tummel in December 2016. While he students. It could be donating a small sum should be nurtured and of the RCS family. Every gift was always aware of the work of the Royal every month, dedicating a seat in one of Conservatoire – he admits that the role has the performance venues or leaving a legacy “A huge amount has been achieved up developed whatever their makes a direct contribution been something of a revelation. which makes a lasting impact. to now – we have the development of the circumstances. RCS is a to the work we do and the Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks and this special place, offering students we support. “It is not what I had expected. I thought I’d “We hope that those who have been through year we finished the phenomenal Creative been invited in to be more of a corporate, these hallowed portals and who develop Campus project. a distinctive education governance figure. Having been here for a career based on what they have learned in the performing and • Donate to the just under a year, I realise that there’s and experienced here, can give back – even “We’ve been extraordinarily fortunate that production arts. Our much more happening. I’ve found the just a few pounds a month. It means that our predecessors selected John Wallace Scholarship Fund atmosphere exhilarating. when they are ultimately successful, which who, with his iconoclastic approach, did goal is to enable young they will be, they may be able to increase fantastic things as Principal. And now we people from every part “Hopefully I can contribute to the thinking that sum. If their hard work really pays have Jeffrey Sharkey, with his international of Scotland and from • Join the Company and the strategic direction of the institution, off, maybe they’ll be able to start thinking outlook, who is equally iconoclastic in of Donors and I’ve taken a close interest in our capital about the potential for scholarships, which terms of pedagogy. He has an ability to across the world to study programme and in our fundraising.” are absolutely crucial to us in being able to draw in people from around the world here and unleash their bring the best students here.” and is increasingly recognised as a cultural potential to contribute to Financial support, Nick explains, is essential promoter and visionary.” • Leave a legacy in helping to deliver a world-class performing The conversation turns to whether he has the cultural life of arts education institution. The ethos at RCS any artistic leanings himself. “I’m very keen So what does Nick hope the future will Scotland and beyond. • Dedicate a seat is that students of real potential should be on theatre and love opera but I’m afraid bring for RCS? Every investment in an nurtured and developed, whatever their the musical genes really passed me by. My personal circumstances. Every investment, family ask me not to sing,” he laughs. Family “We want to uphold our reputation for RCS scholarship, however however modest, brings this life-changing is wife Sally and their three children, David, being one of the world’s best performing modest, brings this Find out more: experience within reach, whether it’s a finance director, Joanna who is the British arts education institutions and continue life changing experience through a tuition-fee scholarship, support to High Commissioner to Mozambique and to attract the best students from across the rcs.ac.uk/supportus purchase instruments or creating improved Laura, the BBC’s political editor. world to come here to learn at Scotland’s within reach of another facilities for students. national conservatoire.” individual. or call 0141 270 8264 9
Claire Claire
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Scott Gilmour and Into the Woods and The RCS alumni team of The RCS . Die Fledermaus Studies and Vocal Opera MMus/MA of a fabulous the end We toasted star with a five season of opera production of performances from the School of Music, Music, the School of performances from our set by and a magnificent created Production students. This fun-filled, feel-good operetta was a perfect send students.Masters our graduating for off Great War McKenzie as Noisemaker) also picked up known on their work for Angela Herald Award Atlantic: A Scottish Story. Into the Woods / Into the Woods Atlantic MA Musical Theatre The academic year finished on a high at star with five Fringe the Edinburgh Festival for reviews shows, as the two RCS platform Scottish Story Davey Davey Tommy
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, the RCS Jazz Orchestra performed Orchestra performed Jazz , the RCS RCS Jazz Orchestra plays Miles Ahead featuring Jurd Laura Conducted Head of Jazz, by Smith with soloist This Hall. Stevenson was the hottest ticket the Box at with queues in May, in town and the returns. Laura for Office, desperate delivered and orchestra did not disappoint concert left energy high that hour-long an more. cheering for the audience Scavengers in British Sign Performance BA Language and English degree Performance is the only The BA in Europe. performers D/deaf for course students their first gave In November, of a reworking public performance, Anderson’s the Chandler Studio Theatre.
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Stasi Schaeffer Mary Brennan continues to challenge personal and challenge personal and to continues boundaries. creative Into the New Contemporary BA Practice Performance regarded as one of the most Widely important contemporary for festivals the Into the annual performance, in January. place took festival New Described and stunning” by as “epic critic Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda Dearest Dear Scott, MA Classical Contemporary and Text Sharkey and Principal Jeffrey Principal, RCS students, with Masters staff, and collaborated graduate director centred around piece of work beautiful truly Scott and Zelda letters betweenthe love F. was spellbound Fitzgerald. The audience in the perfect drama and by mix of music capturing of the Fitzgeralds’ jazz the first flush was charting that to the tragedy age romance in their incredible unfold lives. to
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decided to revive another 80s another 80s decided revive to Chess Modern Graduation Ballet Performance Ballet Modern BA before In their final performance ballet students graduation, our and passion their skills, showcased dedication dance in the annual sheer to a Always Graduation Performance. the dancers worked the year, of highlight with students Ballet Divertimento, from alongside create work new to Montreal classicalchoreographed repertoire by Artistic Director and CEO of Scottish Ballet, Benny Andersson Benny and lyrics by popularity as its characters’ was as huge pads, and thrilled in the audiences shoulder Theatre and Edinburgh Athenaeum New poured star reviews Theatre. Five Festival in and the cast welcome were delighted to Dickson Barbara in the original production, Svetlana the show. to Chess Musical Theatre BA eighties style Artistic back in fashion, With DirectorMusicalof Theatre Panton classic, The Garry Garry .
, with children and adults , with children and adults was the Royal Conservatoire’s Conservatoire’s was the Royal Sir James MacMillan Sir James
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Bringing the chill to the festive season, the festive Bringing the chill to Snow Queen answer to Theatre. Athenaeum the New packing out very special concert, conducted by Walker Gleneagles Gala Concert featuringSchool graduates of Music Penelope MacDougall, Jamie Valentine Cousland and Kate the partnership betweenCelebrating two institutions, thisScottish great glittering place in the Citygala concert took Halls graduates joining students with three RCS a for the School of Music across from The Snow Queen Acting BA
highlights Performance Performance
past academic year. Here are some of the the highlights from programme was programme remember. one to Conservatoire made its sure performance anniversary anniversary the Royal year, In its 170th In its 170th 8 From comedy and tragedy to romance and revenge, opera takes audiences on journeys they will never forget. Mark Good meets three Under the women who are achieving great success across the globe; all of whom graduated from the Alexander Gibson Opera School. spotlight Women in Opera
pera wouldn’t be opera without a diva. That celebrated performed at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden from 2013 until female singer, a captivating performer of outstanding 2015 and in August, she made her BBC Proms debut. talent and allure. The Royal Conservatoire has a 10 O reputation for nurturing exceptional vocal students and in All three graduates retain close relationships with their alma mater, Karen Cargill, Catriona Morison and Anush Hovhannisyan, and in particular the individuals who have helped guide them at the institution boasts a trio of women who are winning and every turn. Ahead of their performances at BBC Cardiff Singer of wowing audiences across the world. the World, Catriona and Anush, along with fellow finalist Dominic Barberi, returned to the Royal Conservatoire for a series of One of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, Karen intensive lessons and coaching with Vocal Studies staff, an example Cargill (MMus Advanced Opera 2001) continues to earn plaudits of the connections which remain long after opera students have for her performances all over the world. Engagements during the embarked on their globetrotting careers. 11 2016/2017 season included Waltraute in Götterdämmerung in her debut with the Canadian Opera Company, a return to Scottish Catriona says: “It was wonderful to come back to the Royal Opera as Judith in Bluebeard’s Castle, her debut for Glyndebourne Conservatoire. It gave me an idea about the stamina I would Festival Opera plus return invitations to the Royal Opera, Covent require and the time I would need between pieces, all crucial Garden and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. aspects of the performance.”
August saw Karen grace the concert platform at the BBC Proms as Anush continues: “The support we received in the build up to BBC the Wood-Dove in Schoenberg’s Gurre-Lieder, earning sparkling Cardiff wouldn’t happen elsewhere. It sums up my time studying at reviews, with one critic writing “a wealth of colours from cavernous RCS, which was just wonderful. I was able to get to know myself and chest-voice to bright high notes, and a commitment to match. explore my potential. I was given the time to define myself. Cargill’s was the true vocal triumph of the evening.” “My teacher was Patricia Hay and I am still in touch with her. When The past few months have also yielded great accomplishments for I’m in Scotland, I go to see her and she continues to offer help and fellow mezzo-soprano, Catriona Morison (MMus Opera 2013), with advice. Pat has always been there and that is a privilege for me.” the undoubted highlight her triumph at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in June. Winning the grand final of the event, Karen is also unequivocal in her admiration for her ‘former’ teacher, which took place in St David’s Hall, Cardiff, saw Catriona shine in Pat, with whom she retains close ties: “Patricia gave me the tools front of an illustrious jury which included director of Welsh National and taught me about the temperament needed to be a singer. She Opera David Pountney, mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry, soprano told me how to carry myself and made sure I was aware of the Sumi Jo, baritone Wolfgang Holzmair and conductor Anu Tali. challenges in the industry.” It was, she said, an experience which will live long in the memory. Karen’s intensive schedule means she has become incredibly “It was quite overwhelming; I was not expecting it. There was so familiar with the inside of an aeroplane. Fun though it is, she limits much emotion with it being a high-pressure experience, perhaps opera productions to two a year so she is never away from her even more so because I’m British and have grown up watching the family for too long. competition on television.” She continues: “Lately I have been travelling a tremendous amount A fellow finalist in the prestigious competition was Catriona’s friend but my husband (Nick Žekulin) and I try to make sure we don’t and classmate, Anush Hovhannisyan (MMus Opera 2013). The go longer than three weeks without seeing each other. If I can get soprano has also enjoyed considerable success. She is a former home for just a couple of days, I’ll do it. It’s important for me to winner of first and public prizes with Deutsche Grammophon, be there for my son.” Royal Danish Opera, special prizes at the 2016 Stella Maris Competition and the 2014 Concours Suisse Ernst Haefliger Swiss International Competition. As a Jette Parker Young Artist she Cont. p12 12 are lots ofvariablestoare lots thinkabout.” one’s you As state. mental grow, muscles arechangingsothere and withhormones connection It hasadirect sooften. changes overstated. Keepingontopkey, ofitis says Anush: voice “The The dangersofover-reaching be orstraining thevoicecannot Training to notaquick becomeanopera singeris process. areanecessity.” that thearts People understand about theapproach herewhichreallywithme. resonates to thearts something andachorus.Thereis withanorchestra,soloists each much place in Germany. taking opera is Most towns have a theatre, “My Erasmus wasapivotal trip experience. justhow Irealised thecountryhasto offer.herself ineverything Royal andshe thoroughly Conservatoire is enjoying immersing atin Berlin ofherundergraduatethe thethird year degree during forseeds living inGermany werefirstsown anErasmus during stay a memberoftheensembleat OperWuppertal inGermany. The pursuing herown is Morison Catriona international adventure, Philip White Introducing Catriona Morison Hovhannisyan
P can’t do. WhenIspeak now, to students Itellthemnotto ask permission asinger,gentle. As you have to cometo termswithwhat you and can somethingyouthat is can’t speed up. You have to give ittimeandbe “It’s amarathon, notasprint,” she says. “Your body developing and is aslongittakes. something whichtakes topreparing embark theprocess onprofessional is careers, For delivers Karen, whooften withstudents masterclasses Street Scene: Street After: Day The Savitri in collaboration withScottishOpera: Angel Fiery The more andbookyour tickets. performed at RCS. see Please now, withexciting collaborations andwork never before Philip’s firstprogramme onsaleat ofopera theBox is Office bejustifiablySchool –aschoolofwhichScotlandcan proud.” relish, toonthetaskinAlexander taking Gibson Opera opera singersoftomorrow aremany, butIlook forward,with oftraining challenges young“The singersoftoday to bethe Alexander GibsonOpera School. forward looking the institution,Philip is theto leading ofMusic.Opera Head aformer whereheis As of student at theOpéra deLyon inFrance andfrom Grange Park professional life.That says itall.” my experiences at the Royal and use them in my Conservatoire intheUK.Ihave arethebest the teachers beenable upon to call awarm,supportive conservatoire is environment“The andfor me, thebuildingblocksonwhichtoyoung basetheircareers. artists timethere-itgives andI’mgladIdid.hadanincredible Conservatoire conservatoire. adds:“Ispent Catriona ofmy years lifeat theRoyal ontheir timeatlook backwithfondScotland’s memories national lookto thetrio thenextAs careers, they chapteroftheirflourishing from anyone whenthey sing–justtellthestory they want to tell.” Anush Anush joined us in September fromjoined role his as Chorus Master Opera at theRoyal ofScotlandand Conservatoire hilip Whitehasbeenappointedasthenew of Head and Der Kaiser von Atlantis: von Kaiser Der
19–25 May 2018
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tour of produced the30thanniversary Theatre producer Neilrecently Class of2001 BA DramaticStudies, Alumnus Neil Laidlaw acting class, starring class,starring acting performance from thegraduating production, watching theendofyear thefirsttimehesawHe recalls the back fondly studies. onhis rcs.ac.uk/review morefromRead Neilat what Idotoday.” it gave me,Iwouldn’t bedoing received there andthe direction institution, theencouragement I He adds:“Ifitwasn’t for this what you do.” can netto allowsafety you to discover themselves. You to need have a feelsafeto expresswhere students to foster anenvironmentarts, particularly thoseinthecreative facilities, all highereducation mater: “Ithinkit’s for important clear,is alma inhis pride his asis Neil’s admiration for Scotland anditwillsell.” itto theatrein take every but Ican know about anything theshow Scotland,peopledon’tOutside as ever. “It expectations. defies reviews, proving aspopular itis and Fast forward to thepresentday favourite ofmineever since.” to theshow andithasbeena That was my firstexposurecrying. front ofmewerelaughing and and theweeGlasgow in ladies over Ilooked “It wasjustbrilliant. The Steamie The The Steamie The hashadexcellent Dawn Steele The Steamie Steamie The and looks
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Spotlight On Spotlight 13 2017 14 15 Graduation
Graduation is a day everyone at the Royal Conservatoire looks forward to. It is a day to celebrate the achievements and successes of our students, acknowledging the hard work, commitment and outright brilliance they have demonstrated throughout their studies.
On 4 July 2017, 264 graduands came to RCS with their families, walking across the Stevenson Hall one last time before they became fully-fledged graduates.
On the day, we were delighted to award Honorary Doctorates to Darcey Bussell CBE, Dame Evelyn Glennie and Professor Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin for their services and dedication in the fields of dance, music and education.
See more images and video of the day at rcs.ac.uk/graduation
17 Alumnus interview Daniel Ciobanu
young, hipster crowd to some of the concerts without the fear of some of the concerts to the fear without of hipster crowd young, the plan.” and tuxedos – that’s bowties by being invaded further Lithuania Georgia, performances taking to him With this for be no end in sight dynamic to there appears and Japan, performer. young Februaryin back Daniel welcoming RCS be the will open We to in information more for rcs.ac.uk/boxoffice See PianoFestival. year. the new grandfather – an organist – transmitted the ‘keyboard virus’. Lessons virus’. Lessons grandfather – an organist – transmitted the ‘keyboard to Daniel won a scholarship before with various teachers followed College Melville in Edinburgh, undertake a year Stewart’s of study at RCS. to being drawn later during a Masters, by degreeA Bachelorof Music was followed Shorr, Aaron which time Daniel studied under Head of Keyboard, graduating in 2016. before musical base, me with a strong time in Scotland has provided “My ensuring I am capable of constructing career different my in many than solely rather on making music was The main focus ways. – this on technique libertyfocusing was of musical expression hear so-called to not unusual important really it’s because It’s key. ears emotions and our from dissolve impeccablethat performances been absorbed. have as they as quickly strengthen inner me to my Conservatoire allowed “The Royal musical lots learning of already-established from by musician figures in the building.” learn yet more study in the pursue has seen him desire to Daniel’s University of the Arts. degree of a Masters Berlin form at Other includepriorities the coming months preparing the first for over Held in of which he isNeamt Piano Festival, Artistic Director. is virtuosi, open to teachers the festival and hometown, Daniel’s Daniel convention, follow to one ages.all of Never amateurs keen will offer more than a standard festival. believes the event the usual than following bit rather the scene a “I’m trying refresh to we can attract a even recipes classical for concerts. Hopefully,
Pictures from an exhilarating Romanian performer. Romanian exhilarating Daniel Ciobanu’s mission is simple: take his Daniel Ciobanu’s audiences to making of music brand vibrant as and invigorating inspiring old and new, Good chats with the Mark he goes.
and Prokofiev’s Sonata No 7. Daniel also performed the Daniel also performed the 7. Sonata No and Prokofiev’s the Romanian pianist is well acquaintedthe Romanian with aniel Ciobanu is take-off. preparing for aniel Ciobanu virtuoso, the life of an international Living
around the world, was wonderful.” the world, around Competition musical was the latest success The Arthur Rubinstein triumph Daniel, who started the age of nine after for at his playing Conservatoire graduate will cherish. “I entered the competition Conservatoire graduate will cherish. “I entered the competition the the incredible benefit from exposure I could with the hope that The opportunity during rounds. the different competition provides ears as possible, reaching so many as widely music my share to Schumann Quartet op 47, Mozart’s Concerto in A major k488 and Concerto k488 and in A major Mozart’s QuartetSchumann op 47, Piano Concerto 3 in C major. No the Prokofiev but one which the Royal been a gruelling experience have may It The demanding contest saw Daniel performing in solo and chamber in solo and chamber Daniel performing The demanding contest saw recital Repertoire included Mussorgsky’s rounds. Exhibition “This artist,complete the for looking was competition a only not the lifelong pilgrimage of practice crushed about hours pianist. It’s combinedunder the ivories, with the crucial aspect of the life and absorbed.” accumulated experiences “I really can’t say that it’s the technical practice of the last month the technical practice of the last month it’s that say can’t “I really years,” the past few lessons over my even or Tel Aviv, to going before he says. Tel Aviv’s Museum of the Arts. The 25-year-old was delighted his of the Arts. was delighted his Museum The 25-year-old Tel Aviv’s describing paid off, of hisit as the culmination work hard entire date. musical life to Second place in the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein Piano Piano Rubinstein Second place in the prestigious Arthur Mayer Daniel presented and Moshe Competition with the Sara saw He also won the Audience Prize Medal Competition in May. Silver a series performances in of thrillingPrize recent following airport departure and it is lounges here he finds a reflectwhirlwind to has been a moment on what start career. his professional burgeoning to D 16 @ABRSM Spellbinding singing from BBC Young Folk Award winner @JosieDuncanSong with Hamish RCS Macleod. #SHINE #becauseofmusic around
the world @Kay_McAllister The journey to Spoleto begins! @EddSoper Ballet Divertimento @Elliotbaxter0 @BAactorsRCS #rcsontour Returning from their trip to Scotland, students at the college level of the professional program are pleased to have performed with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland during their annual show in the “Lullaby for the Heroes” of choreographer Hélène Blackburn. Bravo to all of you! @KaitlinReynell New York New York... Great to be in the Big Apple for our Drama showcase and with our Trad Musicians playing an impromptu gig in Times Square! #RCSNYC #RCS170#WorldTop
5% of RCS students in 2016/17 came from North America
18 Students from more than 52 countries across the world matriculated at RCS in 2016/17, including South Korea, Australia, Singapore and Japan. St Magnus Festival, Orkney @jamesslimings Loving my time @stmagnus with #RCSVoices first concert tonight with some of my favourite pieces of choral music of all time. 19
@KarenCargill Congratulations to all who gave their various talents to @edfests this year & to @RCStweets for providing such brilliant training.
RCS Junior Conservatoire Our students have been ‘Russian’ around Moscow all day! @RCStweets After some sight-seeing, we’re now on to rehearsals Production graduate Thomas Velluet-Draper is working and concerts. on one of the world’s largest water-based shows in Macau! #RCSAlumni
@Classic FM A beautiful concert at @Dumfries_House with fantastic musicians from @RCStweets - we hope you enjoyed the live broadcast on Classic FM. @NicolaSturgeon Many congratulations to Scotland’s very own @RCStweets @cmorisonmezzo - Catriona Morison wins BBC RCS Brass Cardiff Singer of the World On the steps of central Gozo. A fabulous concert was Congratulations to @CPPGlasgow grad given tonight by this remarkable group of musicians. @TheGaryMcNair on your #fringefirst award for Well done Con Brass 16/17 #letterstomorrissey @traversetheatre #rcsedfest 20 F Good discovers.Good Mark as productionand arts, across performing the artists even more emerging nurture so it can across country the reach its extending is institution creative potential. Now the theirof young people to fulfil The JuniorConservatoire next generation: Inspiring the encouraged thousands thousands encouraged has Conservatoire Junior or the more years, 50 than across theperforming arts.” andproduction to develop their skillsthe opportunity itself, givingConservatoire young people mirror thoseoftheRoyalOur departments young peoplefulfil theircreative potential. toplace likenootherwhenitcomes helping Juniorgenuinely is Conservatoire “The a unparalleled phenomenon. Production andFilm) of Junior (Drama, Dance, Conservatoire says development.It is, Headtheir artistic allweekroundyoung asthey pursue artists In truth,‘Juniors’ now emerging welcomes gather foryoung theJunior Conservatoire. artists assomeofthecountry’sactivities brightest atreasuretrovethe weekendbrings ofcultural of Scotland, where the onset of Conservatoire on aMonday Not morning. sointheRoyal resumes the rough andtumbleofnormality slow before inmany intermission abrief places; T he endoftheworking weekwould signalago- Jenn Adams , an for whichareto thesuccesses come. willhaveConservatoire laid thefoundations their formative experiences at theJunior of theirwidercultural lives, Jennbelieves simply part incorporate itasanimportant to professionalthem studythearts level or Whether ayoung person’s path sees career programme at RCS in2017. who continued into onadegree firstyear 24students including and out ofthearts, continue to embark upon exciting paths in at theJuniorstudies today Conservatoire Youngsters approaching the endoftheir in theirlives aschildren. acknowledge therole theinstitutionplayed and percussionist and percussionist Potter Harry editor BBC political and actors include Conservatoire High profile alumnioftheJunior David Tennant composer , writer , writer Colin Currie Colin Laura Kuenssberg Patrick Doyle Jack Lowden Jackie Kay ; all
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technology andmanagement.technology andproduction and design, production arts have across to access a range ofsubjects looking to world pursue thebackstage artists musical theatre while talented orcontemporary performance practice to develop skillsopportunity inacting, meanwhile, offersaspiring creativesthe ballet to contemporarywork.Drama, Dancers explore from modern everything traditionaljazz, music orcomposition. skills across soloandensembleplaying, hone theirand dance.Musicians can programmesConservatoire inmusic from theageofseven onthePre-Junior to getinvolved theopportunity There is our society.” young peoplein open-minded into intelligent, growstudents Conservatoire which helpJunior sow theseeds early years“These meet deadlines.” tothe self-discipline work hard and a large group ofpeopleto developing and having theconfidenceto address from to learning communicate effectively young peoplesomany transferable skills somewhere likeJuniors that itteaches is aboutof therewarding factors studying Oneperforming and production arts. to go inthe onandenjoy careers leading be andnaturally, many will usethoseskills encouraged to they becomethebest can are students theirstudies, “During
please see please andtheFraserburghConservatoire hub, arts To find out more about the Junior education. arts access people aspossibleacross Scotlandcan institution seeks to ensure as many young hub asthe arts access fair Conservatoire identified asthehomeofasecond Royal House. Meanwhile, Fraserburgh hasbeen performers to theprogramme at Dumfries Plans areafoot to welcomeanewof intake theircreative potential.”maximise they must to begiven theopportunity ofthefutureandChildren areour artists where there’s marginalisation. social centres, particularly tolocal is create years Conservatoire’s strategyover thenext five of music of theRoyal Part making. theaccessibility hasbadly affected services onfundingofcouncilsays: pressures “The Innovation at the Royal Conservatoire, Andrew Comrie enjoy to access theperforming arts. ensure asmany young peopleaspossible to ofefforts andballetshoes,tights allpart whiledancersreceiveinstruments leotards, from RCS staff.Musiciansareprovided with childrenfreetuition local offering ballet, andmodern instruments string teaching Houseat Dumfries initially focusedon in2016,Launched theRoyal Conservatoire outreach programme. andperformance-centredan educational HouseDumfries inAyrshire, establishing embarked uponacollaboration with in mindthat theRoyal Conservatoire It waswiththat location. or geographical involved, oftheirbackground regardless topeople havebecome theopportunity ensuringyoung is importance but ofequal mayThe studyopportunities beextensive study filmmaking at undergraduate level. young peopledevelopto theskills necessary the only kindinScotland,helping course ofits The Junior filmprogrammeis Conservatoire rcs.ac.uk/jr , Director ofAcademic, Director rcs.ac.uk/research moreaboutRead Emily’s work at Music Ensemble. in piecefor theStAndrewsNew St Andrewswhichwillculminate Vincent Janik at of theUniversity with Professor vocalisations seal on research interdisciplinary Emily’s include latestprojects of theirspecies.” songs from surrounding members to andneed theirlearners learn Songbirds arevocalare learned. of thingsthat animalsdo that however, lots thereareactually bythat animals do is instinct, andeverything something learned, wedois think that everything “There’s to ahuman tendency music.considered be some animalsongscan question ofwhetherphilosophical University, Emily explored the at Princeton In herPhDdissertation human music,” she says. songs andtheirrelationship to inbirdI’m interested andanimal always ofwhat Idoand beenapart “As acomposer, has research and thenatural world. great passions,composingtwo RCS. allows This herto explore Athenaeum Fellow Research at composerwasthefirstbased Scotland- The Canadian-born, human music andanimalsongs. study oftherelationship between to zoomusicolgy,her career the Dr Emily Doolittle has devoted Research Fellow Athenaeum Dr EmilyDoolittle
Spotlight On Spotlight 21 22 Ellie Laird S institutions including Princeton, andYale. Stanford,Harvard institutions including whereshe officersfrom fairs, metadmissions morethan30career toursof eventsincluding oftheworld-renowned and campuses The adventure saw Ellieandher fellow travellers enjoy amultitude as“unforgettable”. she atrip describes included there that she wasmadeaware oftheUSprogramme, which oftheirbackground.training, regardless Itherstudies was during to ensure that everyone andpotentialto withtalent hasaccess through theRoyal Conservatoire’s Transitions initiative, whichaims The 17-year-old herplaceat secured theJunior Conservatoire Sutton Trust’s USprogramme. esteemed fromapplicants allover down theUKwerewhittled to 150 inthe and Yale universities hersummer during holiday 1,000 after programme,Junior spent Acting Conservatoire aweek at Harvard ontheRoyal whostudies Teenager EllieLaird, Conservatoire’s out. finds conservatoire, Mark Good as to her teachers thanks at Scotland’sall national world’sthe most universities famous it’s –and herself at home some in been making ofhas Laird. The Junior Conservatoire actress Conservatoire Junior The Laird. teenager,South Lanarkshire Ellie uccess just around corner the is for available at Information ontheaward-winning Transitions programme is through theprocess.” whotoldConservatoire herabout theprogramme her andguided able to samplelife intheUSA. She’s grateful toat theJunior thestaff Mum says: Alison “Iamabsolutely delightedfor Elliethat she was amazing.”to is doandhave that clarity howhas mademerealise much To Ilove acting. know what Iwant butthecourse here becominganarchitect “I hadbeenconsidering up awholenew lifeto me.” really want to doandithasopened has shown dowhat I meIcan “Going to theJunior Conservatoire so many new people. my lifesomuch, from thevoiceandmovement coachingto meeting Ellie says: “Ilove studyingat theJunior It Conservatoire. hasaffected back.looked the Junior inAugust Conservatoire –and she lastyear hasnever drama organisationsbefore gainingaplaceat variouslocal joined bugat theageofeight followingacting aworkshop at school.She for Ellie,whofirstcaught a promisingstep inwhat career the is just 15 representatives from Scotland. TheUSA marks trip thelatest 1,000 hopefulswerecutdown whichincluded to thefinalshortlist, go through rounds andinterviewsasaround ofessaytests writing, an arduous process for theHamilton Grammar pupil,who hadto to the prestigious institutions wasWinning visit the opportunity earns dream ticketto dream earns Harvard Junior actress Conservatoire rcs.ac.uk/transitions Impact Max M for tolerating and risk,” complexity says themto andassist develop acapacity range oftheperforming arts experience.learning Weexpose themto possible thewidest Royal“The atruly andunique rich offersstudents Conservatoire withintheperforming for arts.and opportunities theirpractice likeMax,2011. Graduates, areworking globally, new work creating reform whichtook ofthecurriculum placein part was acrucial into encouraged andembedded is RCSEntrepreneurialism life,and of which he co-founderfestival, is conductor. and New Italy’s Generationdelivering first opera summer, venture this held most significant his all-round advocate The 24-year old of arts. the graduate aself-confessed is entrepreneur and at morefromRead Max andthework ofNew Generation online experience.” afascinating belong andthat is Wefeellikeweall something. ofcreating when weareallpart somethingwonderful abouthad beendone.Thereis music making I got itfeltlikeallthehard work oftheproject, to part the rehearsal “New WhenGeneration was my but I was also conducting. creation here.” thecase certainly magic happens and that pulling in the same direction, wasis together andeveryone you“When calibre performers bring ofthis for themselves, thecause,” whogave everything artists says Max. thanksto“Our andthat triumph is the firstfestival wasanartistic my have projects developed.” support throughout, helpingas hasbeensuchConservatoire a and anentrepreneur. TheRoyal “I have always beenamusician inextricably linked. examination ofMax’s endeavours, they are clear itis artistic paths mayAt seemdivergent. first glance, thetwo Upon closer theEuropean beingnamed VisionaryScholar. after Distinction where Max received andManagement anMScinBusiness with for allround excellence. followed Studies at Strathclyde University, of Music with Honours, degree Prize winning the Peter Morrison Max from graduated theRoyal in2015 Conservatoire withaBachelor everyone to wine,dineandsoakupthebeautiful surroundings.” anextended wescheduled to interval allowexperience; infact, withahamperandenjoysit outside themusic. It’s such asocial a productthat justdoesn’t exist inItaly,” says Max. “Audiences could withNew Generation weoffered “What wasakinto Glyndebourne, Was though,opera inMaxto therejustahinttaking ofrisk, theItalians? cusp ofgreatness. d’amore L’elisir to exhilaration enjoy thefull-scale ofafully-fledged production - todesigned give new andexisting theopportunity opera fans Gardens inFlorenceSeptember, ofthePalazzo Corsini was The New Generation festival, whichtook placeamidthedelightful Knowledge Exchange Manager. rcs.ac.uk/review impresario – the Royal Conservatoire Conservatoire Royal the – impresario conductor, founder, festival flourishing of Tenor, labels. Fane many aman is ax , by Gaetano Donizetti - performed by artists onthe , by Donizetti-performedby Gaetano artists Deborah Keogh
, RCS RCS , 23 24 T Livingstone “It wasanamazingexperience for our dancers,” says HampsonChristopher worked closely with the company and CEO/Artistic Director, daily for wherethey almostamonth at ScottishBallet, Before theStravinsky tour, theentire thirdclassrehearsed year influence andlegacy. landmark festival at theRoyal Opera House celebrating MacMillan’s to audiences all over of a Scotland, the production was part Dunfermline-born choreographer,25th anniversary ofthedeath ofthevisionary production of Bryony Robertson Five – students programme, delivered whichis inpartnershipwithScottishBallet. oftheRoyalfinal year ofScotland’s Conservatoire BA Modern Ballet It wasanexhilarating experience whoareintheir for thestudents, House inLondon’s Covent Garden. ballet’s oftheRoyal whenthey lights gracedthestage leading Opera move,followedIn anotherthrilling of thestudents infootsteps Glasgow,visiting Aberdeen Edinburgh, andInverness. Ballet’s Stravinsky whichtoured season October, Scotlandduring Final-year were invited to ballet students perform in Scottish come truefor RCS dancestudents. on oneoftheworld’s wasadream mosticonicstages, and performing theworkchoreographer ofalegendary ouring withoneoftheUK’s balletcompanies, leading world the professional make amove into where students The dancedegree , Head ofModern, Head at Ballet RCS. The Fairy’s Kiss (Le Baiser de la fée) la de Baiser (Le Kiss Fairy’s The Zara Brent Zara Sir KennethMacMillan and . Anna Williams , Jaimee-lee Camkin –performedinanew . As well asperforming. As , Jake Davies to mark the Kerry , into the professional world. and contemporarytechnique, andgaininvaluableclassical insight The programme at buildarobust RCS at aimed helping students is amazing experience to that –theconnection feelinginside.” you dance,it’s giving yourself over to themoodandmusic. It’s an I knew itwassomethingIwanted to experience andexplore. When Kathryn’ssister danceshow. It waslikean emotionalexplosion and love themoment his “It ofdancewasignited: wasatHe recalls my and thelinkwithScottishBallet.” knowledgeableThe incredibly werealsoadefinitepull teachers contemporary sothat’s meto what attracted theprogramme here. “For many you companies, have to inbothballetand bewellversed Kingston, to Jamaica Glasgow. third-year student technique, drewincorporates and classical bothcontemporary oftheBAThe structure Modern programme, Ballet which throughout their studies. and internationally-acclaimed andchoreographers, teachers atof thecurriculum RCS. work Ballet, withScottish Students akey element is Creating professional for opportunities students – it’s somethingthat they willnever forget.” with anational company at oneoftheworld’s venues mostfamous to perform aMacMillan piece whogettheopportunity students exciting event at theRoyal Opera House. Therearen’t many dance “It wasanhonour tooftheStravinsky bepart andsuch season an phenomenal, andinvaluable, insight. industry inprofessional wereimmersed lifewhichgave“They thema Keenan Fletcher from hometown his of meaning ofsuccess.”meaning thetruefor me,is as aperson.That, youit makes richer an everyday basis, by what you doon “If you arefulfilled BalletlecturerModern Fabrice Maufrais Royal of ScotlandBA Conservatoire ModernKeenan Fletcherrehearses student Ballet alongside Scottish Ballet Principal dancer Constance Devernay. dancerConstance Principal alongside ScottishBallet to differentandcompanies,” choreographers says lecturer “It’s for dancersto important beversatile andto beable to adapt at at Find out moreabout theBA Modern programme Ballet wonderful thing,” says Fabrice. “To dosomething asajob that you aretruly passionate about a is professional journeys at theRoyal Conservatoire. It willbethesamefor thenext generation ofdancersontheir something inside.Iknew Ihad to doit.” USA, France, he says, and Japan. “It Canada was Ballet, was a‘calling’: inMelbourne, Australia inthe teacher guest Arts aregular andis atteacher theRoyal ofthe Schooland theVictorian Ballet College Fabrice’s him all over has taken the world career – he’s been a guest forms andopportunities.” process at anearly age.It’s about openingtheireyesto otherart across theRoyal andit’s Conservatoire, that to start important also work incollaborationStudents with musicians andactors be exposed to different techniques, especially for auditions. taught andweallhave to need our own Students personalinput. allagreeonthebasictechnique“We andhow it’s meant to be passion. I’minagreat team.” says Fabrice. “I love and being able working to withthe students share my roles at andprincipal ScottishBallet.performed soloist Amovethe Nantes Opera Ballet. to Scotlandfollowed wherehe before joining inParis OperaSchoolanddanced at Ballet theParis Maufrais rcs.ac.uk/ballet who joined theRoyal whojoined in2013. Conservatoire Hetrained
Fabrice
25 26 T than a million items, including one of thethan a million items, including of international more acclaimthat boasts anarchiveof Scotland has amassed theRoyalIn justsixyears, Conservatoire toinstruments coronation compositions. from flamboyant andrare costumes stage spaceindustrial-chic witheverything filled springs to mind? It probably isn’t an Think ofanarchive andwhat instantly intheUK. performing arts role of Scotland and its Conservatoire in narrative thefascinating oftheRoyalcharts in Glasgow ahiddengem,placethat lies On the sixth floor of an old whisky bond with LindaRobertson. andtreasures tales its shares Logan Harris- larger custodian home,Stuart its the Renfrew to anew, Streetcampus move afterits archive from re-opens Royal the ofScotland.As Conservatoire insight into the heritage of theinsight into the heritage that provides anextraordinary he RCS archive resource a rich is Preserving thehistoryofperformingarts to thePast A Portal
the world.” inof thefinest one is collection instruments“The rolling from tongue. his insightful effortlessly asides, andeloquently to life,amyriad anddates, ofnames company to consider. everything Hebrings There’s riches. its alsoStuart’s engaging oftime to exploreplenty andabsorb A word ofadvice, though, give yourself new audiences.” and for makingthingsrelevant to Harris-Logan alive,” says Archives Officer and keepingpeople and memories “Archives are all about stories preserving musical instruments. world’s of collections mostsignificant . “They’re herefor inspiration. “They’re
Stuart
Bullock, also take pride ofplace. pride alsotake Bullock, George VIby Ernest aformer principal, coronations ofQueenElizabethIIandKing Handwritten compositionsfor the Cody, AKA Bill. Buffalo by Bram William Stoker andColonel which was attended Irving Sir Henry actor an 1892 supper inGlasgow inhonour ofthe Sibelius and Sondheim and the menu from byThere areletterspenned composers letters andeven alockofhair. intimatecorrespondence, including love from and instruments everything contain shelves opento revealrows ofboxes that Inside,rolling at SpeirsLocks. Studios astone’s –is canal throw from theWallace overlooks Glasgow’s Forth andClyde The archive –which at TheWhiskyBond world, webelieve.” serpent with14 keys –theonly oneinthe quirkyas wellsomevery stuff–arare have“We mostly brass andwoodwind
of any stripe.” and one of the first scholar performers thenameintrumpetresearchfor usasheis the DrEdward Tarr archive: “It’s ahuge coup of global interest include collections Special intheVictorian era.”equality in 1847 –quite aremarkable statement of from andstaff daywomen students one body, theGlasgow Athenaeum, accepted anddiversity.equality Ourpredecessor whatwe mean say about whenwetalk female professor intheUK:“It shows that Bondy whomhediscoveredwasthefirst EmmaRitter- cites side,Stuart On thestaff in themselves.” poemswhicharebeautiful workstwo Sorabji hairandwrote sent himalockofhis butSorabjimarried wasinlove withhim. because Chisholmwas one-sided are very really love letters,although they“They’re Sorabji,Shapurji inthe1930s. andcomposer,with thepianist Kaikhosru the correspondencein there, including ahuge historybecause thereis social really telling is music. collection His on to beamajor figureincontemporary for pianoandcomposition wentprizes whowon wasastudent Chisholm “Erik out? stands With somany items,what significant Ralph Waldoincluding Emersonin1848. soiree. It’s by joined ofnote, othernames at theGlasgow Athenaeum’s opening who delivered theinaugural address book –autographed by Charles Dickens inthearchiveof astar –thestrangers’ something is One bookinparticular that spanslife’s his work. panto ofthearchive –arepart damedress sequin and aneye-popping tailcoat pink adornmannequins –afabulous redLogan Jimmy Scottish entertainer legendary whichwereoncewornbyCostumes withasmidgeofglee. Stuart, butwe’vegotcollections... them,” says really ought“They to beintheRoyal
or call or call [email protected] appointment contact please throughout theyear. To make an The RCS Archive opento is visitors about now every andthen.” privilege andsomethingIpinch myself the country. To beinvolved ahuge inthat is kindin institutionofits thefinest is This the Royal extraordinary. is Conservatoire “To inabigmachinelike smallcog beavery building archives oncomposersandartists. throughout my inballetandstarted career Gaelic. I worked in librariesin Scots andapostgraduatedegreeand Classics inEnglishLiteratureundergraduate degree “I trained inballetbutIalsodidan role?scenes dancer, for a behind-the- swap life on stage atrainedballetSo what madeStuart, and history.” know you’re really touching someone’s life “It’s areally lovely thingto do, because you research. popularfor genealogy is output –thearchive opento is thepublicand and Knowledge Exchange to support their works closelyintheResearch withcolleagues upon thearchive’s also –Stuart resources While it’scall who mostlyandstudents staff ofit.” bepart can have butit’s dynamic andliving, andpeople we ofeverything needs the conservation auction,” lookingafter “We’re says Stuart. bought SirMalcolm Arnold’s trumpetat items arealways recently “We beingadded: The archive awork is inprogress andnew It tellsahugelyhistory.” social important by Gardner Harry whowas deaf.conducted wonderful Linn Choir archive whichwas Wehave engagement. of community the through It’s our students. interms alsovital we’reputtingouttalent into theworld work, it’s alsosupporting thecreative role: “It doesn’t just support our research says,The archive, Stuart plays acrucial +44 (0)141 270 8299.
duo partner Pabloduo partner Lafuente BBC Radio2Young Folk Award with (BMus Traditional Music) Josie Duncan Marsaili’s sound work on Reaper Aurora’s on ProductionDesign Awards Student Society’s for AwardsCraft at theRoyal Television (BA FilmandTelevision) Digital Stewart-Skinner and Marsaili Jamie McAlpine (BA Production) Aurora Gibson Jazzwise asOnetoand featured Watch by Peter WhittinghamJazz Award (BMus Jazz) Fergus McCreadie Musician oftheYear BBC ScotlandYoung Traditional (BMus Jazz) Charlie Stewart from 2016-17. award-winnersof student justasmallselectionHere is students Award-winning andJamie’s work camera and magazine
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27 27 Spotlight On
From inspiring the next generation to overseeing the smooth running of Dumfries House, the beautiful stately home saved and restored by HRH The Prince Charles, Kenneth Dunsmuir has enjoyed a diverse, creative career. He speaks to Mark Good about the impact of his studies at Scotland’s national conservatoire on his professional life.
enneth Dunsmuir’s career “The tasks I carry out change on a day-to- John Logan has been underpinned day basis. There are so many transferable Head of Brass by studying for a diploma skills from studying the arts and they help K ensure I have the tools to succeed. For that, in music education at the Royal I’m eternally grateful.” Being Head of Brass at the Royal Conservatoire brings so much joy. I Conservatoire of Scotland, Kenneth’s studies within the School of Music have the opportunity to work with graduating in 1980. He studied required him to pursue singing and an wonderful staff, all of whom enjoy orchestral study, which was double bass. It glittering careers as performers
28 piano with Margaret Evans, whom was, Kenneth says, an intense period. “The and educators, as we work to Kenneth recalls was “amazing course was rigorous because you had to be ensure our students have the tools but a strong disciplinarian”. strong in everything. It provided remarkable necessary to enjoy a successful training and wasn’t easy but I am constantly career in the performing arts. aware of how much I benefited from it.” Now executive director at Dumfries I place great importance on House, Kenneth ensures the 18th century Among the highlights of Kenneth’s studies outreach work. That means Palladian mansion, set in a 2,000 acre are vast Christmas collaborations in City getting the message out there all 29 Ayrshire estate runs smoothly. He played Halls with the orchestra, choir, soloists and over the world, telling our story in a key role in developing the partnership drama students. Monday lunchtime recitals the best possible way – by making between Dumfries House and the Royal provided an opportunity to test one’s skills in music. It also involves welcoming Kenneth Conservatoire, which sees the Junior the Stevenson Hall – “they were frightening, our future professionals into the Conservatoire teach music and dance to but really exhilarating. All the students (and Royal Conservatoire. young people living in the area. The work members of the public) would listen, so it forms part of efforts by both institutions taught you respect and empathy. Taking part Seeing our wonderful teachers to ensure children enjoy access to the in those concerts made such a difference.” and facilities and hearing performing arts, regardless of their the standards we strive for at background or geographical location. Other memories include learning from Scotland’s national conservatoire long-serving staff member, John Langdon, helps whet the appetite of the next As Kenneth attests, becoming immersed and “hanging out the window” of the Royal generation of brass playing talent. Dunsmuir in the arts from an early age helps develop Conservatoire’s former home on Buchanan skills that are crucial in the years to come. Street, watching as the new underground Brassorama was a perfect example. station was built. We welcomed 300 pupils from schools across Scotland to let them Kenneth later gained a postgraduate sample life at RCS. Music from “I am, at heart, a teaching certificate, embarking on a teaching West Side Story was performed, career which began in Ayrshire, taking him with big screens to help tell the musician. Although to the Shetland Isles before returning to the story behind the music. mainland, where he served as headteacher of I now work in a Wellington School in Ayr for 20 years. Music Pupils were also treated to our was never far away, whether conducting or students performing everything different sphere, so teaming up with singers to perform lieder. from the Trumpet Olympics to the Post Horn Gallop by German many of the roles I The partnership Kenneth has helped to cornet virtuoso Herman Koenig. create with RCS has also established a new carry out every day performance programme for audiences to These talented young adults are attend concerts within the beautiful setting the future of the performing use skills developed of Dumfries House, bringing his two worlds arts and it was a privilege to together once more. give them an insight into the during my time as a diverse, multidisciplinary artistic For more information on Dumfries House hub that is the Royal Conservatoire music student.” please visit www.dumfries-house.org.uk of Scotland. 30 N Holly Mathieson but Holly wouldn’t changeit for amoment. Scottish Symphony Orchestra.It allmadefor afrantic 12 months – Donald Runnicles, of the sheBBC assisted then the Chief Conductor Her fellowship alsosaw herwork extensively Note withRed and departments.Ballet within RCS, working including withtheOpera andModern from andall the orchestras and ensemblesTrust. Shelearned Garry Holly’s fellowship wasfully-funded by theLeverhulme fellow Summer School.Uprooting at Dartington from London, Walker, Garry of Conducting, Director Artistic while a conducting fromwho firstheard about theinstitution’s theopportunity Studying at RCS –andinScotlandwasanew venture for Holly, former Leverhulme Fellow. Conducting formilestone in a flourishing career the Royal Conservatoire’s band,thelatestOrchestra. ItwasherdebutwiththeLondon home, afteraperformance withtheRoyal Philharmonic returning to Glasgow, whereshe andhusband Jon now call where achanceto breathe oftenappears aluxury. Holly was Leading from thefront hectic schedule of a successful international ofasuccessful conductor, schedule hectic forheaded our interview, intow. suitcase the befits So hadHollyo sooner Mathieson touched down andshe was two shining examples.two name for themselves around theworld. Mark meets Good have ofthedepartment Graduates beenmakingquite the atdepartment theRoyal thriving. is Conservatoire Under Walker, theleadership ofGarry theConducting
Read moreaboutRead theLeverhulme Scholarship at the breathingspace to things.Thatmeperfectly.” suits try down There’s to earth. avibrant andyou creative community have Holly adds:“Glasgow city. anincredible is It’s friendly real, and justashort stroll– reside from Scotland’s national conservatoire. she times, andJon –alsoaconductor Inbetween Scottish Ballet. work Symphony, withtheLondon Orchestra,and BBCConcert On top ofherwork withtheRSNO, include futureengagements programmes.education to thepodiumfor much oftheorchestra’s outreachand of the Royal Scottish National her taking Orchestra, which sees working allover Conductor theworld. In 2016, Assistant she became Since completingherfellowship, Holly hasenjoyed abusycareer outyet encouraging,getthebest ofme.” andhelped Ihaveteachers ever personality, had.Hehastheright demanding andthat waspartlythankstojust right, Garry. oneofthebest Heis environment ofgoodwill. TheRoyal got Conservatoire thebalance extraordinary. It waslikebeingthrown inat thedeependbut inan werespells whenIwasdoingsomuch,“There itwasjust rcs.ac.uk/leverhulme
S and contemporary. at ease navigatinghis diverse repertoire,fromto romantic classical BenGernon and Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla,Pascal, Kerem demonstrated international jury. Following ofMaxime ofthe likes inthe footsteps Salzburg Festival Young Award Conductors an impressing after inAugust, and latestsuccesscame whenhewontheNestlé His music making.” extremely high.You have to keeppushing yourself to match their a greattimeworking withthem.Thelevel at whichthey work is astounding. is They arewonderfulmusicians andIhad LSO “The and knew hebelonged. thecreativeupon Symphony mightoftheLondon Orchestra foundations werelaid. It wasinGlasgow, UniversityoftheArts. Zurich though, wherethe at theHochschulewith studies fürMusikWeimar, Franz Liszt, and Hefollowed(piano) andDrAlasdairMitchell(conducting). that in2014Kerem graduated studyingwithProfessor after Aaron Shorr that mebecomethemusician hashelped Iamtoday.” theeducation inthesymphony is ballet thentake This orchestra. When Iwasthere,able to watch apieceoftheatre,enjoy a Royal“The notjustatraditional music is Conservatoire ‘college’. time at theRoyal studyingpianoandconducting. Conservatoire skill for aconductor, his during one which Kerembelieves he honed Having at inthebloodstream any abundleofscores avital onetimeis Kerem Hasan Competition, theRoyalCompetition, graduateout Conservatoire gazed DonatellaFlickConducting inthe2016 Afinalist dream. KeremHasan onthepodium, waslivingtanding the rcs.ac.uk/review More from KeremandHolly available is to online at read an orchestraappreciates.” Kerem says. “You have to bethemusician that you what are,that is about“It infront is andcommitted beinghonest oftheorchestra,” pros,seasoned hehave does approach? to changehis Inaword –no. a youngAs making a foray conductor into the pit or podium with work onVerdi’s 2017. inFebruary Conductor Kerem’s firstprojecttherewillseehim by Welshrealised National Opera, who appointed himAssociate Kerem hasdevelopedalove for theopera pitwhichhasbeen It upsomany opened doors.” studywasamassiveprincipal draw. to pursue ajointthe opportunity –andsobusy.incredible For me, “My timeinGlasgow was undoubtedly Ihave teachers oneofthebest ever had.” That’s because ithelpsdevelop an all-round vital musician. Aaron is from to art literature. everything on thepianobutwealsodiscussed because Ofcourse, itwasall-encompassing. therewasalotoffocus Aaron’s students. conducting really with me teaching resonated “Alasdair wasalways ready to to offerwords ofwisdom ushungry The Force of Destiny. of Force The
31 The power of partnership
Linda Robertson learns how two new partners are investing in the next generation of performance and production artists at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 32 33
celebration of shared values Our partnership with Gleneagles celebrates Corney & Barrow, one of the country’s most powers the partnerships and showcases performing artists trained established wine merchants, unveiled a A between the Royal Conservatoire in Scotland through a prestigious sponsorship sparkling new partnership to celebrate of Scotland and two iconic and and performance programme. The Gleneagles performing arts education at the Royal internationally-acclaimed brands. Scholarship was established to support an Conservatoire of Scotland. exceptional performance student at the Royal In the last 12 months, the Royal Conservatoire Conservatoire of Scotland. Corney & Barrow supported a range of has joined forces with Gleneagles, a world- events throughout 2017 including gala leading luxury destination, and Corney & “The partnership between Gleneagles and performances of the hit Broadway and West Barrow, one of the country’s most historic the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland enables End musical Chess and opera production independent wine merchants, who both us to support and enrich the educational Die Fledermaus. share our passion, vision and commitment journey of all the students at Scotland’s to the performing arts. national conservatoire,” says Bernard Established in 1780, the renowned company Murphy, Gleneagles’ Managing Director. has Royal Warrants dating back to George Both relationships follow the royal partnership V in 1912, when they were first introduced, formed between Dumfries House and the “Both organisations believe in developing and is currently the supplier to HM Queen Royal Conservatoire in June 2016, a ground- outstanding talent and delivering Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince of Wales. breaking initiative which has created a new excellence in the guest and student Still privately owned, Corney & Barrow has arts education programme to give young experience and are proud to have a rich grown internationally into every sector people the opportunity to access high quality, Scottish heritage as well as an international, of the market with offices in London, specialist dance and music tuition. innovative and forward-thinking approach Edinburgh, Singapore and Hong Kong. to customer and audience engagement.” “We’re delighted to be working in “Our partnership with the Royal partnership with both Gleneagles and Gleneagles also supports the work of the Conservatoire of Scotland is a fantastic Corney & Barrow – we share great heritage in Royal Conservatoire through the sponsorship opportunity to bring together the finer Scotland and value excellence, innovation of a range of gala performances at high- things in life,” says Bryce Fraser, Managing and individuality in our respective fields,” profile locations including Gleneagles’ own Director of Corney & Barrow in Scotland says Principal Jeffrey Sharkey. “These are famous ballroom and Glasgow’s City Halls. and North of England. meaningful relationships with organisations that are aligned with our principles, “This partnership is a reflection of those shared “Great performances deserve equally who share our belief that the arts can values and will enable Gleneagles to make a welcoming hospitality and our wines connect people and create rewarding and genuine difference to students’ educational enhance the already marvellous experience life-changing moments.” opportunities and experiences,” adds Bernard. that Royal Conservatoire attendees enjoy.” 34
Mark Good Writer Page 8–9: Page Gleneagles and Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda©Royal Dearest Scott, andDear Gleneagles ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 27: Page Pages 14–15: Pages All images unless otherwise stated ©Royal stated otherwise unless All images ofScotland/ Conservatoire Snow Queen,ScavengersandInto theNew ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire and took students sixweekstoand took label complete,withthefinely students handpainted by detailed scenicartists. from propexpanded programme. washandcarved and Design polystyrene The scene-stealing Production Arts byontheBA showstoppingThis setcreated students ofthespectacular bottle waspart 15ft-highBollinger Charlie ©Royal andFergus Stewart McCreadie ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 13: Page Pages 29,29 and 30: and 29,29 Pages ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 3: Page Pages 6–7: Pages Page 23: Page Page 33: Page Page 17: Page Page 11: Page PetreDobson ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Karen Cargill:©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 12: Page Third image©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Anush Hovhannisyan © ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Design - Design ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 5: Page The ReviewTeam Catriona Morison © Morison Catriona Neil Laidlaw © NeilLaidlaw Pages 18–19: Pages Pages 20-21: Pages ©Royal ofScotland/ Conservatoire Page 31: Page Firstimage© Fourtwentyseven Linda Robertson Fourth image© © Students’ own Students’ images Writer © Tristan FewingsTristan Douglas Robertson Martin Shields Claire McKenzie Claudia ScheervanErp Robert Koloyan Julie Howden andRobert McFadzean Iain Brown (0427.co.uk) Robert McFadzean KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas KK Dundas
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