The Magazine for the Royal College of MusicI Autumn 2015

Hitting the Right Note Inside the ’s new percussion suite...

What’s inside... Welcome to upbeat...

The Royal College of Music welcomed new and returning staff and students this term after a summer break which saw a number of exciting developments. Contents

The Durrington Room on the fourth floor of the South Building has been 4 In the news renovated into a new purpose-built percussion suite – see page ten to find out more from Head of Percussion David Hockings. The state-of-the-art Amadeus The latest news from the RCM, practice pods that were in the courtyard have been moved to the third floor Ziff including the recent visit of the Suite and the remaining practice rooms have been refurbished. First Lady of China, a tribute to former RCM Director Sir David Meanwhile, improvements to the Blomfield Building include the creation of a new Willcocks and the launch of the performance space on the ground floor. The Corelli Room encompasses the old Royal College of Music’s Creative G15 and G16 rooms and will hold chamber concerts, lectures and classes. Careers Centre...

This issue, we also look at how young musicians at the RCM are supported 10 Percussive Progress through scholarships. Turn to page 12 for an interview with Martin James Head of Percussion David Bartlett and his supporter Terry Hitchcock to find out more about this valuable Hockings describes the exciting programme. development of a brand new The Royal College of Music is delighted to announce that the RCM Symphony percussion suite in the South Orchestra will return to the in 2016. Conducted by Diego Building Masson, the all-Stravinsky programme on Sunday 26 June forms part of the ’s Myths and Rituals series. Save the date as tickets will be 12 Supporting Young Musicians on sale soon. Upbeat meets with pianist Martin James Bartlett and his scholarship Do you have any news you want to share with staff, students and supporters of the supporter Terry Hitchcock to RCM? We’re always keen to hear from students and staff, both past and present, so find out more about how young please send your news and pictures to [email protected] by Monday 11 January. musicians are supported at the Royal College of Music

14 Meeting the Director Meet Lily Harriss, the RCM’s new Director of Development

16 Student notes… Current student success stories

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

20 Alumni notes… Updates from RCM graduates

22 Obituaries and marriages On Sunday 20 September, 170 alumni from 1956-65 attended a reunion in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall. You can see more photos online at www.rcm.ac.uk/alumni

Upbeat online Front cover – The Royal College of Music’s new percussion suite Upbeat is available online at Inside front cover – Images from the Royal College of Music International Opera School’s summer production of Britten’s Albert Herring www.rcm.ac.uk/upbeat Please help us to reduce our carbon Inside back cover – A selection of images of Royal College of Music students and alumni performing at the 2015 BBC Proms footprint and receive Upbeat by email. All photography © Chris Christodoulou Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll send you an email notification NB: Please note that we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and that we reserve the right to edit submissions when Upbeat is published.

3 In the news... Sir (1919–2015) Music in Hospitals Photo © CW+ www.cwplus.org.uk Photo

Royal College of Music have taken part in a successful project to bring music to older patients on hospital wards in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Results from the Royal College of Music’s ‘Memory Lane’ project at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, devised in collaboration with CW+ (the hospital charity) and Concordia Foundation, have shown that 100% of patients Former Royal College of Music became the musical director of The have been relaxed by the sessions. The Director, much-loved choral conductor, Bach Choir in , a post he held published findings also revealed that for 38 years. He was the editor of Carols composer and organist Sir David 95% of patients and 100% of staff found for Choirs, the collections which to this Willcocks died on 17 September. Sir the musical activities to be a positive day make his name synonymous with David made an enormous contribution distraction from and improvement to British choral music at Christmas. to British cultural life and current RCM the hospital environment. Director Professor Colin Lawson said: David Willcocks succeeded Sir Keith ‘Sir David Willcocks presided over a The scheme is a response to significant Falkner as Director of the Royal College golden period in the RCM’s history. The research that shows how music can of Music in April 1974, holding the post College benefited enormously from the improve visual awareness, attention, for ten years. During this time he saw leadership of a musician of such talent mood and verbal memory in patients. the College through difficult financial and flair. His influence is still keenly RCM alumna and pianist times and led the Centenary Appeal Maria felt within the RCM and we are deeply has been involved for the to develop the courtyard, starting the Marchant last three years and visits Chelsea and saddened at the news of his passing.’ programme to build the new opera Westminster Hospital on a weekly basis theatre – even if this development Sir David studied at Westminster to play a range of musical favourites. Abbey, Clifton College, Bristol, and did take away the space where he was organ scholar at King’s College, would play cricket with students and Its success has led to the development of Cambridge. He interrupted his studies colleagues on warm summer days. a year-long training programme which at Cambridge during World War II He was appointed CBE in 1971, created sees six pianists from the RCM and to serve in the Duke of Cornwall’s a Knight Bachelor in 1977 and awarded Concordia Foundation undertake a range Light Infantry for six years and won a Fellowship of the RCM in 1971. In of workshops and regular performances the Military Cross for outstanding addition, he held over 50 honorary on the wards. RCM pianists Kheng service. After completing his studies degrees. Hoe, Sohyun Park and Theresa Yu at Cambridge, he became organist and Concordia Foundation pianist and of Salisbury Cathedral, later moving A memorial concert for Sir David former RCM Junior Fellow Jocelyn to Worcester Cathedral from 1950 Willcocks will be held at 3.00pm on Freeman have taken part in the scheme to 1957, during which time he was Sunday 22 November at King’s College since September 2014. Chapel, Cambridge. The St Cecilia’s Day also Principal Conductor of the Three ‘Memory Lane’ is generously supported Choirs Festival. concert will be given by the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Dasha Shenkman OBE. He succeeded his mentor, Boris Ord, by Stephen Cleobury. See www. as Director of Music at King’s College, davidwillcocksmemorial.com for more Cambridge, and, in 1960, he also information.

4 Before departing, the First Lady RCM Involved in First Lady of was presented with a facsimile of the original manuscript of Mozart’s Ambitious Seven China Visits Royal Concerto in C minor K 491 in the RCM’s collections, and a copy of Seeds Project College of Music Director’s Choice. In return, the First Lady presented the Royal College of The Royal College of Music, as part of The Royal College of Music opened its Music with a Sheng – a traditional the Tri-borough Music Hub, has been doors to the First Lady of the People’s Chinese wind instrument. involved in an event featuring 1,200 Republic of China, Madame Peng young musicians at the Royal Albert Liyuan on Thursday 22 October. The RCM has developed partnerships Hall. TheSeven Seeds concert on 23 with conservatoires across China and a June featured a new piece written by A renowned singer of Chinese folk strong connection with world-famous 350 children with writer Hazel Gould music, the First Lady enjoyed a tour pianist, , who received and award-winning composer and RCM of the College and performances from an Honorary Doctorate in 2011. In alumnus John Barber. RCM musicians including Gemma addition, Professor Vanessa Latarche, Lois Summerfield (Kathleen Ferrier Head of Keyboard at the RCM, is Along with the Award 2015) and pianist Martin James Vice Chairman of Lang Lang Music and Aurora Orchestra, the RCM is a Bartlett (BBC Young Musician 2014). World – his school for gifted pianists Strategic Partner of the Tri-borough They were joined by notable alumni in Shenzhen. Music Hub, which oversees the delivery including award-winning accompanist of music education in the three West Ian Tindale and Chinese soprano You can see more photos from the London boroughs: Kensington and He Wu, who is now at the National visit online at www.rcm.ac.uk/ Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham Opera Studio. firstladyofchina and the City of Westminster. The RCM’s contribution is provided by its ground- breaking Learning and Participation programme RCM Sparks. Seven Seeds was commissioned by the Tri-borough Music Hub and is generously supported by the John Lyons Charity, The Mercers’ Company and The Golsoncott Foundation.

Royal College of Music alumnus Sir has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by RCM Chairman, Professor Lord Winston. The presentation took place at the first of two ceremonies in the Britten Theatre on the RCM’s annual graduation day on 10 July 2015. Hear his acceptance speech online at www.youtube.com/RCMLondon.

5 In the news...

The results indicate that listening Singing is Good to a concert leads to a decrease in stress hormones and negative mood for You states, while simultaneously increasing positive mood states. Meanwhile, Researchers from the Royal College performers experienced reduced levels of Music have shown that listening to of stress hormones in a low-stress and performing music has a positive rehearsal environment, with results also biological effect on mood and stress showing that the overall act of singing, levels. whether in rehearsal or performance, A study carried out by the RCM’s had an inherently relaxing effect. Centre for Performance Science at Following the study at Union Chapel public events at Cheltenham Music Aaron Williamon, Professor of Festival in July and London’s Union Performance Science, said: ‘This is the Chapel in March saw researchers first time participation in a cultural work with choral conductor and event has been shown to have composer Eric Whitacre and a group significant psychobiological effects ... of singers and audience members to The implications are hugely exciting, explore the benefits and stresses of particularly when taking into account choir singing. Performers and audience previous research by the CPS which members submitted saliva samples, links reduction in stress hormone wore ECG monitors and completed a activity with increases in immune questionnaire, allowing CPS researchers function.’ to measure their heart rate and stress- related hormones.

RCM Creative Careers Centre The Royal College of Music is delighted to announce the launch of its pioneering Creative Careers Centre, formerly known as the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre. Since its foundation in 1999 the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre has gone from strength to strength, always maintaining its original mission of supporting musicians in bridging the gap between student and professional life. The department’s careers services, offered to both students and graduates of up to five years, are globally recognised. Diana Roberts, Creative Careers Centre Manager, comments ‘Moving forward, we have exciting plans to build even more new and innovative career development partnerships, expand the centre’s online provision for career support and offer further entrepreneurial support for musicians wishing to start up their own businesses.’ The Royal College of Music remains grateful to Paul Woodhouse, whose legacy has enabled a specialist department to support thousands of musicians forge a pathway in their Left to right: Diana Roberts, Creative Careers Centre Manager; Emily Longmore, Creative Careers Centre Assistant; chosen vocations. Georgina Colebrook, Professional Engagements Coordinator

6 Compositional Successes Professional Success for RCM Graduates Data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows that students from the Royal College of Music are more likely to find employment than those of any other UK conservatoire. Lisa Illean Dani Howard Christopher Schlechte-Bond The data, published on 2 July, shows that, out of RCM alumni who graduated in 2014, 100% of those who Current composers and recent graduates Hunter has also, along with alumna Lisa responded to the survey reported that from the RCM’s Composition Faculty Illean, been selected for the London have been enjoying international success Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young they had moved into employment in recent months. Composers Programme. The programme or further study six months after offers the opportunity to workshop graduating. This great result places the Alumni Hunter Coblentz, Dani a new piece and be mentored by the RCM at the very top of HESA’s league Howard and Michael Taplin have won LPO’s Composer in Residence, Magnus table, which included not just UK the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Lindberg. conservatoires, but all UK universities. Society Composition Prize for Young Composers, each winning a professional Further success has been achieved RCM Director Professor Colin commented: ‘This fantastic commission over the coming year. by RCM composer Nick Morrish Lawson result reinforces the RCM’s position Rarity who has been selected The International Antonín Dvořák for Sound and Music’s highly as a world leader when it comes to Composition Competition saw further competitive Portfolio composer-in- preparing students for the workplace.’ success for Hunter and Dani. Hunter was residence opportunity, in partnership awarded the Second Prize in the Senior with Mu:Arts and Royal Holloway Category and special prizes for best University. free composition and best orchestral Director’s Choice work, while Dani came third in the Finally, we congratulate RCM Junior Category and also won the prize composers Christopher Schlechte- The Royal College of Music for best free composition among Junior Bond and Tom Barnes who have been has released a new publication participants. awarded scholarships from the British showcasing some of the exceptional Academy of Film and Television Arts. items in the RCM collections. Director’s Choice is an 80-page guide to the rich collections of historic Excellent Results in particular, with 92% of students instruments, manuscripts and reporting they were satisfied with the portraits held in the RCM Museum of in National ‘teaching of the course’, the highest Music and Library. Items are revealed figure across all UK conservatoires. through engaging descriptions and Student Survey images with highlights including the Anne Boleyn Songbook and c1480 The Royal College of Music has clavicytherium as well as many of achieved outstanding results in the outstanding portraits in the the 2015 National Student Survey, collections. published by the Higher Education Funding Council for . The guide can be purchased online at www.rcm.ac.uk/shop. The results of the survey show that the RCM has achieved the joint-highest percentage of students satisfied with the ‘overall quality of the course’ across all UK conservatoires, and the highest of London conservatoires. The excellence of RCM professors Left to right: Diana Roberts, Creative Careers Centre Manager; Emily Longmore, Creative Careers Centre Assistant; Georgina Colebrook, Professional Engagements Coordinator and teaching staff was highlighted

7 In the news...

Honour at any time and the current list RCM Junior Department, and Managing Queen’s Birthday includes soprano Dame Janet Baker and Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra composers Sir and David Whelton, who was awarded an Honours Sir . HonRCM in 2013. The RCM’s ongoing relationship with the Philharmonia A number of individuals associated with RCM Research Fellow in Composition the Royal College of Music have had has seen high profile collaborations Mark-Anthony Turnage – composer at the Royal Festival Hall, including their achievements recognised in the of operas Greek and Anna Nicole – was 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. a performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of awarded a CBE for Services to Music. So Spring as part of the Orchestra’s festival Conductor and alumnus Sir Neville too was RCM alumnus Simon Halsey, : City of Light. Marriner was given the exceptional who was also recently awarded the recognition of being made a Queen’s Medal for Music. We send our warmest congratulations to all those honoured. Companion of Honour for Services to Honours were also given to clarinettist Music. There are only 65 Companions of Michael Collins, who studied at the

THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Challenge Opens: Friday 4 December 2015 at 12pm We’re aiming to raise £180,000 to support the studies of talented young musicians. Make a donation to the RCM Scholarships Fund as part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge and your contribution could be doubled! Donations of £5 to £5,000 could be matched by The Big Give, but with limited matching funds released from 12.00pm, you have to be quick! There is no better time to support our gifted young musicians.

Please visit www.thebiggive.org.uk and search for ‘Royal College of Music’ to donate. Contact the Scholarships team for more information on 020 7591 4861 or [email protected]

8 Welcoming New Arrivals

(Ian Evans Lombe Junior Fellowship) and Students Nathaniel Mander (Linda Hill Junior Fellowship in Harpsichord/Continuo). We are delighted to warmly welcome a total of 342 new students from 62 You can find out more about Junior different countries for a new academic Fellowships at www.rcm.ac.uk/ year at the Royal College of Music. juniorfellows. If you’re interested in applying for a Junior Fellowship for This year we have once again awarded 2016/17, applications are now open until more than £2 million in scholarships to 29 January 2016. RCM students, meaning that 50% of our students are now able to benefit from some form of financial help towards their tuition. We are extremely grateful to all Dr Christina Guillaumier of our generous scholarship donors for making this possible.

Photo © Thomas Bartel © Thomas Photo Musical Studies from the University of Eugene Marshall has been re-elected London, MSc from the University of as President of the recently renamed Oxford and a PhD from the University Students’ Union. Eugene and his team of St Andrews. She was also awarded will represent and support the student an Athenaeum Award to complete a body and provide a full programme of Visiting Research Fellowship (2011) at social events and activities throughout Princeton University. Dr Jennie Henley the year. has been appointed as the RCM’s first Area Leader for Music Education. She will take overall responsibility for all RCM music education courses and lead the development of a new Masters degree in Music Education. Emma Hewett joins the team in the role of Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager. She will support the delivery of all research Olivier Stankiewicz projects. The RCM Junior Department welcomes six new members of staff this year: Professors and Staff Emma Covill (piano), string teachers Esther King Smith and Ruth Palmer, The Royal College of Music is delighted woodwind orchestral tutor Douglas to welcome Olivier Stankiewicz as Mitchell, and chamber music coaches professor in the Woodwind Faculty. Jianing Kong and Andrew Zolinsky. Olivier has recently been appointed Principal Oboe of the London Eugene Marshall Symphony Orchestra. Prior to joining New Director of the LSO, he performed with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Development Toulouse’s Orchestre National du New Junior Capitole (ONCT), where he was Principal The Royal College of Music is delighted Oboe (2011–15). Olivier said: ‘I am to welcome Lily Harriss who joins as Fellows incredibly happy to join the teaching Director of Development. Lily has over staff at the RCM. I have always wanted 20 years’ experience in fundraising, The RCM welcomes new Junior to share what I have learnt from my own both in the UK and internationally. Fellows for the 2015/16 academic teachers and use my experience to help She established the Development and year: (Mills Magdalena Loth-Hill others express themselves.’ Communications Team of ‘Picture our Williams Junior Fellowship), Hin-Yat Future: The Campaign for Dulwich Tsang (Constant & Kit Lambert Junior Three new members of staff have joined Picture Gallery’. Her previous roles Fellowship), Aleksandar Djermanovic the RCM Research and Programmes include Director of Development at (Anthony Saltmarsh Junior Fellowship), department this term. Dr Christina English Heritage, Director of University Imma Setiadi (Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Guillaumier has joined the Royal College Fundraising at King’s College London and Junior Fellowship), Eleanor Kornas of Music as Head of Undergraduate King’s Health Partners, Strategic Counsel (Adami Award for Piano Accompanists Programmes. Christina was previously for LIFT (London International Festival of Junior Fellowship) and Satoko Doi- Head of Creative and Contextual Theatre) and Director of Development, Luck (Junior Fellowship in Harpsichord/ Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Corporations and Foundations at Continuo). We also welcome back for a Scotland. Trained as a pianist, Christina Queen’s University in Canada. Find second year Chad Vindin (Lord and Lady is a musicologist, teacher and writer out more in our interview with Lily on Lurgan Junior Fellowship), Elliot Launn on music, with an MMus in Advanced page 14.

9 Percussive Progress The Royal College of Music continues to improve its facilities ‘To have access to this amount of technology is so beneficial. We have the in order to provide world-leading opportunities for its staff ability to play along to music in every and students. One such recent improvement has been the room now.’ Alun McNeil-Watson development of a new percussion suite on the top floor of the ‘The new percussion suite is just fantastic; the facilities, technology and South Building. sheer amount of space mean that we can all work to our full potential, thank you RCM!’ Kizzy Brooks Head of Percussion David Hockings introduces the brand new The move to the suite will keep the bespoke percussion suite... Percussion Faculty of the Royal College of Music at the forefront of the UK The building work began on 13 July, Large ensembles can record in the Main conservatoires as well as the majority immediately after our annual Festival Room using The Studio as the control of those in Europe. Our professors of Percussion. More than 700 people room via a video link. It‘s even possible will have the latest equipment and attended our most successful festival to to link directly to the main RCM Studios technology available to them, helping date, with highlights including Djembe to enable full multi-track recordings. them to support the next generation lessons, a session from the percussion The percussion suite also benefits from of professional percussionists and and timpani sections of the London two storage rooms where all the faculty’s timpanists. These facilities will also be Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary smaller instruments and stands can be fully utilised in conjunction with our drummer Jo Jo Mayer, who flew in to neatly stored in a variety of drawers, programme of world-class masterclasses perform a tribute concert to Buddy shelves and pigeon holes and our full as it will enable instant high definition Rich with our very own Big Band. This range of cymbals can be seen and recording and allow an archive library fantastic event is just one of the many selected at a glance. to be built, a resource that future Percussion Faculty events that will students can use as yet another valuable be facilitated and improved by the RCM percussionists are already feeling teaching aid. new suite. the benefits: Building work was completed on 12 ‘I can’t believe how spoilt we are with the new facilities, being able to record September in time for the arrival of Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/percussion/ students for the new Autumn Term. yourself in the new fully fitted percussion studio is an opportunity not to be keyfeatures to see more photos of Every wall on the top floor of the South the new percussion suite. Building was knocked down and we missed.’ Thomas Hollister effectively had the opportunity to design the suite from scratch. We have a total of seven rooms, all soundproofed, and all with touchscreen computers and Hi-fi. Noise-controlling whisper walls have been erected in a variety of eye-catching colours and new air-conditioning has been installed in order to create a healthier and more comfortable working environment. The suite contains five rooms dedicated to specific musical purposes: a timpani room with our second set of calf-headed ringers installed; vibraphone room; orchestral room; marimba room; and ‘The Studio’. There is a further multi- percussion room for recital practice and ensembles and the Main Room, which will be used for masterclasses and larger rehearsals. The Studio is well-appointed with all the recording equipment and software necessary for professional recordings, with a drum kit, Latin instruments, vibes and keyboard all set up ready to be played. The Main Room is equipped with all of the above as well, in addition to a projector and automated screen. Students can practice in the dedicated marimba room

10 Head of Percussion David Hockings with students in the new percussion suite

The new rooms provide comfortable teaching spaces Brand new storage for percussion equipment

Students in one of the refurbished practice rooms

11 Supporting Young Musicians

RCM pianist Martin James Bartlett and his supporter Terry Hitchcock

The Royal College of Music In addition to his studies at the RCM and The Junior Department is every a number of concert appearances, he was Saturday, during term-time, it’s is proud of its strong involved in the BBC’s Children in Need quite a big commitment. What kept commitment to the provision recording of , performed you motivated? of scholarships and more Gershwin’s at the BBC MJB: Well my mum used to wake me Proms in August and was included in the up and say ‘Get in the car, we’re going to than 50% of students Evening Standard’s list of London’s most the College!’ But it was something I really currently benefit from some influential people in classical music. loved doing because it’s such a wonderful place to learn, make new friends and to form of financial help. Many Upbeat talks to Martin and Terry to be totally immersed with people who are discover more about the relationship scholarships are supported passionate about music. To come from between scholar and supporter… a primary school with little music and by generous individuals, such then have every Saturday full of music, Martin, what inspired you to take it’s incredible! as Terry Hitchcock, whose up the piano? scholarship supports the Martin James Bartlett: I wouldn’t Did your family support you studies of pianist Martin say I was inspired to take up the piano, through those years? but my mum thought it would be a MJB: Very much so, yes. They’ve always James Bartlett. very good idea. She knew it would been so supportive and even now they be wonderful for my academic and come to as many concerts as they can Martin shot to fame after winning BBC emotional development to study music. and help out in any way possible. Young Musician 2014, the third RCM From then on everything went very well Junior Department student to win the and I auditioned here when I was seven title in as many competitions. years old for the Junior Department.

12 You’ve got quite a lot of concert passed it when I was 56. That led on to engagements coming up, haven’t my visiting all the London conservatoires you? and going to piano masterclasses. I’ve gone to a number and I found the Royal MJB: Yes! I have about 45 or 50 College of Music the best for me of the planned in the next year and a London conservatoires because I think half. It’s very exciting but also quite it combines very well down-to-earth daunting too because I have to balance friendliness and it’s a very vibrant place my college work, recital work and but on the other hand you’ve also got all concertos, but I have enjoyed every the history and the talent. opportunity. At that time, there was a Piano Circle You performed at at the so I thought that was fun and decided Royal Albert Hall this year, what I would get involved. My particular was that like? interest has been charities in east London MJB: It was wonderful, especially because and Essex [as] I was born in Stratford, so the atmosphere at the Proms is unlike I said [to the RCM] if by any chance you any other music festival. You have all the have anybody who’s a student from east quirky traits and traditions of the Proms, London or Essex you could contact me. such as people shouting out ‘heave ho’ when they lift up the piano lid. It was MJB: Thank goodness I was from Essex! just wonderful to work with the Royal TH: Now obviously it was an Philharmonic and Eric Whitacre who extraordinary bonus that it turned out was so very considerate. With Eric it was to be Martin because not everybody something that was totally fresh. has the opportunity to sponsor the BBC Many previous winners of BBC Young Musician of the Year. I thought that was an added privilege. Young Musician have gone straight She works incredibly hard and her into professional careers without And what does this scholarship knowledge and work ethics never falter. going to a conservatoire. Why did mean to you, Martin? you decide to study at the Royal MJB: Well, first of all, it means I can TH: One thing I would like to say on College of Music? study here, which is totally invaluable that front is something that I find very MJB: I wanted to have the balance of because I know that, with the financial good about this college, is how friendly the professors are. When I go to various having a degree from one of the best means of my family, it wouldn’t be events, Vanessa and [Deputy Head of institutions in the world and also a possible. It means that I get to experience Keyboard] Ian Jones and Stephen Johns performing career. I was inspired by this wonderful place and also be able to the Artistic Director are all very outgoing the people who went straight on to focus on my concerts. and pleasant and they’re also interested a performing career but I wanted to in anything I have to say. experience the benefits of both. And Terry mentioned piano also, I’d been here for ten years already, masterclasses, is that one of the MJB: I think what’s important as I couldn’t exactly leave because it was reasons you like the RCM? well is that everybody here is very home really. MJB: They have a wonderful, diverse approachable. Classical music has set of masterclasses. It is so beneficial the tendency to be snobby and Terry, do you follow Martin’s career to attend string masterclasses and I’ve experienced that many times. If you quite closely as his supporter? singing masterclasses [etc], especially for want to inspire a younger generation you Terry Hitchcock: Yes, I think I do, but pianists as you can learn so much from first have to get rid of that barrier and on the other hand I think you’ve got to other instrumentalists. Anyone can sign this place does that incredibly well. be careful about being intrusive. Martin’s up and are given the equal opportunity TH: I couldn’t agree more. great and when I see him we have a nice to be able to have a masterclass with a chat. Over the years to come I shall be world-class musician, which is one of thrilled to go and see Martin, hopefully, the reasons why I really wanted to come if I live long enough, for decades to here. The friendly atmosphere is also come, and think I had some kind of equally important. involvement. You study with Head of Keyboard How did you come to be involved Professor Vanessa Latarche, what with the Royal College of Music impact does being able to work with For more information on supporting supporting a scholarship? her have on you? a scholarship at the Royal College of Music, see www.rcm.ac.uk/support TH: I have an interest in the piano, MJB: She’s an inspiration to me. She has or contact Fiona Rose, Development so I thought that would be a good so many wonderful students and we Manager (Scholarships & Academic retirement hobby. I took it fairly seriously finish a lesson and she has over 20 emails Awards) on 020 7591 4320 or in the sense that I went back to the exam from different departments and I quite [email protected]. I’d failed when I was 12, Grade 4, and honestly don’t know how she does it.

13 Meeting the Director

My husband Julian, a lovely Englishman What do you enjoy doing in your who I met in Toronto when he was spare time? studying medicine, began a consultancy What spare time? As a working mother, residency at Queen’s University in I strive to keep a healthy work-life Canada at a time when Queen’s was just balance, but my life outside of work is beginning its most ambitious fundraising dedicated to family life, and that includes campaign ever. I joined as a development two sons – they are 11 and 3 – who are professional in the Arts and Humanities burgeoning music lovers. This means you Faculty. This was a role where I really will be seeing a lot of me and my family ‘cut my teeth’ in major campaigns, around – please do stop and say hello. fundraising board management and alumni engagement. During the Who would your three fantasy campaign I also completed an MBA, dinner guests be? focusing on philanthropy. This is a very tricky question because it Julian and I moved to the UK in 2008 depends on the type of dinner party you and I was appointed Director of wish to have, but if I had to choose I’d Development and Communications say Charlie Chaplin, Alexander Graham for Dulwich Picture Gallery, working Bell and . Each would bring a on their ambitious campaign. After uniquely inspirational gift to the table, seven successful years, I took on two and I have admired all of them. senior fundraising roles, firstly at King’s College London, then as Director of What is your favourite piece of Development (Interim) for English classical music? Heritage. I am also a Trustee of the I’ll have to pick my ‘current’ favourite Maple Leaf Trust, a volunteer fundraising piece of music as it changes quite organisation that raises money for frequently. Since starting this role, I listen Canadians living in the UK, and an to Venus from Holst’s The Planets every Lily Harriss advisor to LIFT (the London International night on my way home – it takes me to Festival of Theatre). the most tranquil place and at the same We are delighted to welcome Lily time energises me before I become mum! Harriss to the Royal College of Have you always been passionate about music and the arts? Music as Director of Development. Yes, and about higher education, so Welcome to In this role, she will lead the this role at the Royal College of Music Development team to support perfectly combines all of these interests. new Friends and RCM Friends, Patrons, alumni and Everyone I know who has come into Supporters contact with the RCM has been greatly supporters’ schemes, as well as enriched by the experience. It operates at We are delighted to welcome the being heavily involved in the the highest standard of excellence and I following people who have recently More Music project to reimagine definitely feel part of something special. I made their first donation to the RCM the RCM. have been warmly welcomed by the staff, Elizabeth P Angel-Bureau volunteers and students. I also hope to Elizabeth Ashford rekindle my love for playing the flute and Christy Austin Lysander Baker Can you tell us more about yourself the piccolo. and how you became involved in Alice Barber Philip Boswell fundraising? What are you most looking forward Nicholas and Jaqueline Branson I graduated from the University of to about working at the Royal Joanna Brod Toronto and imagined a career in College of Music? Adrian Bushen politics, film or journalism, but then I I feel very privileged to be working for an Rupert Chalk was given an opportunity in volunteer institution that was established through Vanessa Crichton management for the Toronto Downtown inspired and ambitious philanthropy. Marcel Dietsch Jazz Festival. It was shortly afterwards The Royal College of Music is not Michael Ewing preoccupied by its glorious past, but John Gray that I was offered an award to enter a Philip Harrisson cultural management programme, which rather it looks boldly to the future. I am Joanne Hodson focused on fundraising and marketing for looking forward to working with the Ann Hunter the arts. This was established at a time excellent leadership, the committed Michael Hutchinson when the arts in Canada were facing and enthusiastic staff and volunteers, Anne Lovely budget cuts and I knew then that I had our vibrant alumni community and Sue Neale found my calling. It was also through this our many generous supporters who are David Norris programme that my passion for music passionate about fulfilling the dreams of Jane Pearson soared during a six-month placement the RCM. John Randall with the Edmonton Symphony in an Tim Rounding external relations and fundraising role. Dominic C Shaw

14 Supporting the future of music...

Music has the power to transform lives. Thanks The Gary & Eleanor Brass Scholarship Ellen Moloney to the generosity of our supporters, generations Betty Brenner Scholarship Rhoddy Voremberg of gifted students from around the world have The JMC Award Dimity and Kerry Rubie been guided and inspired at the RCM. We would The Howard and Abbey Milstein Foundation David and Sue Lewis like to thank in particular those who have made The Greenbank Scholarship Sir Robert and Lady Wilson donations of £1,000 or more in the last 12 Independent Opera Artist Scholarship Mrs Isla Baring* months. Gifts are listed in descending order. South Square Trust Halina and John Bennett The Radcliffe Trust Lorna and Christopher Bown Supporters of named scholarships, bursaries and The Cuthbert Smith Award Junior Fellowships Mrs Lorraine Buckland Edgar Tom and Hilda May Cook Ms Sylvia Bettermann Nathenson The Estate of Basil Coleman The Rothschild Foundation The Estate of Mr Peter and Mrs Tessa Ettedgui Ann Driver Trust Mr Kenneth and Mrs Lillemor Gardener Soirée d’Or Scholarships Frank Shipway Memorial Scholarship The Frederick and Phyllis Treby Scholarship Douglas and Kyra Downie Sir Anthony Cleaver FRCM and Lady Cleaver ABRSM Knights of the Round Table Carol J Hagh The Estate of Albert and Eugenie Frost The Abinger Hammer Award Ms Greta Hemus Estate of Gweneth Urquhart Mark Loveday Scholarship John and Sue Heywood Leverhulme Trust Music Talks Scholarship Mr David James Future of Russia Foundation Royal College of Music Pete Handley Award Mr David Lewis Philip Loubser Foundation Arthur Wilson Trombone Award Louisa Treger Sir John Stratton Music Scholarship Else and Leonard Cross Charitable Trust Barbara Simmonds The John and Marjorie Coultate Scholarship Sudborough Foundation / Yehudi Menuhin Award Betty Sutherland Clifton Parker Award Bell Percussion Dr Yvonne Winkler The Big Give Trust Kirby Laing Foundation Mr Victor and Mrs Lilian Hochhauser FRCM Laurie Barry and the John Barry Scholarship for Film The Bliss Trust Sarah Griffin Composition Peter Granger Mr William and Mrs AnnaMarie Hill The Wolfson Foundation Mr James McAlinden Legacy Sir David Lees H R Taylor Trust Andy Woodburn Memorial Award Sir Richard and Lady Sykes H F Music Awards Norman Reintamm Mr David Mildon Emma Rose Memorial Scholarships Charles Jacobs Scholarship The Richard Carne Charitable Trust Charles and Dominique Lubar Bocconoc Scholarship Supporters of RCM Sparks Mrs Marcella Rossi Thomas Redford Legacy J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust MarieNoelle and Mathias Gislev John Lewis Partnership Scholarships+ Royal Albert Hall Corporate Supporters Charles Napper Award Universal Music Campus Living Villages Lydia Napper Award The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust M&G Investments Hester Laverne Award The Oldhurst Trust Niquesa Fine Jewellery and Hotels The Tsukanov Family Foundation The Hedley Foundation Rosemary and Richard Millar Sykes & Son Huawei Technologies (UK) The Worshipful Company of Musicians BAE Systems The Polonsky Foundation Members of the RCM Chairman’s Circle Finsbury Gylla Godwin Award Philip Carne MBE, HonRCM and Christine Carne* Hatch Mansfield Michael and Ruth West HonRCM* Opperby Stokowski Collection Trust Other generous donors The Lee Abbey Award Linda HonRCM and Tony Hill Denis and Meredith Coleman+ The Garfield Weston Foundation Stephen Catto Memorial Scholarship Mirfield Trust The Worshipful Company of Drapers Jane Barker CBE* The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Dasha Shenkman OBE, HonRCM* The Peter Sowerby Foundation Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust Karina and Dhairya Choudhrie+* Georg and Emily von Opel Foundation+ Sir Gordon Palmer Scholarship Guy Dawson and Sam Horscroft+ Geoffrey RichardsHonRCM Ian Stoutzker CBE FRCM Lady Sitwell The Robert Fleming Hannay Memorial Charity Ian and Meriel Tegner Roland Saam* Bob and Sarah Wigley Linda Beeley Gisela Gledhill* The Henry Wood Trust H M D Meyer Violin Prize Terry Hitchcock* The Hon Richard Lyttelton Emma Rose Scholarship James and Clare Kirkman* Heritage Lottery Fund Williams Rose Scholarship Dr Mark Levesley and Christina Hoseason* The Rothschild Foundation The Charles Stewart Richardson Scholarship for Sir Simon and Lady Robertson* St Marylebone Educational Foundation Composition John Nickson and Simon Rew* Sir Peter and Lady Walters Virginia and Simon Robertson Scholarship Sylvia and Clive Richards* Roland Rudd The Foundation UK Quentin Williams* Miss Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust The Boltini Trust Scholarship Victoria Robey OBE* The Sharp Foundation Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Junior Fellowship Alethea Siow and Jeremy Furniss* Christopher Saul Phoebe Benham Junior Fellowship Members of the RCM Director’s Circle Natalie Livingstone The Mills Williams Foundation Daniel Chapchal The Leche Trust The Derek Butler Trust Helen Chung-Halpern and Abel Halpern Fidelio Trust The Charles Peel Charitable Trust Mr James Lancaster and Mrs Margaret Lancaster Professor Colin Lawson FRCM The Ackroyd Trust Sir Peter and Lady Middleton FRCM Ofenheim Charitable Trust The Wall Trust Judy and Terence Mowschenson Edward Mandel / Jaques Samuel Bursary Midori Nishiura Scholarship Vivien McLean Beckwith The Derek Hill Foundation The Tait Trust Scholarship Tania Chislett Friends of the National Libraries The Richard Toeman / Weinberger Opera Scholarship Charles and Kaaren Hale Carole and Geoffrey Lindey Sudhir Choudhrie The Vernon Ellis Foundation Clore Duffield Foundation Humphrey Searle Scholarship Richard and Sue Price The Estate of Miss Iris Chappell Richard Everard Peter and Dimity Spiller Paige Nelson Amaryllis Fleming Scholarship Roland Saam The Wyseliot Charitable Trust Michael D Steen Joanna Kaye+ William Tilden The Stanley Picker Scholarship Sir Sydney and Lady Lipworth Professor Lord Winston Anne Wadsworth OBE+ Lark Insurance Scholarship * also support a named award The Johnson Scholarship Members of the RCM Patrons’ Circle + also support RCM Sparks Sir Roger and Lady Carr Soirée d’Or Scholarship John Ward For more information about supporting the RCM, Fiona and Douglas Flint Soirée d’Or Scholarship Russell Race* visit www.rcm.ac.uk/supportus Steinway & Sons Jane Wilson Alternatively, contact Fiona Rose on 020 7591 4321 Mason Scholarship Mrs Piffa Schroder or [email protected]

15 Student notes notes Keyboard String Successes Accomplishments Cellist Yoon-Kyung Cho has been announced as a Maisie Lewis Young Pianist Alexander Ullman has Artists’ Fund winner. The award been awarded a Boise Foundation provides performance opportunities Scholarship… Salih Can Gevrek has at Wigmore Hall and other prestigious received First Prize in the third Ahmed London venues… Violinist Pierre Adnan Saygun Piano Competition Frapier has been awarded Third held in Turkey. The 23-year-old pianist Prize at the 11th Aram Khachaturian received a 3,000TL (£7,000) prize and International Violin Competition in will perform at the 2016 International Armenia… Cellist Jamal Aliyev has won Gümüşlük Classical Music Festival… the Croydon Concerto Competition Pianist Martin James Bartlett has with his performance of Elgar’s Cello appeared on BBC 2’s Proms Extra ahead Concerto. As part of his prize, he will of his debut at the BBC Proms. He perform with the Croydon, Epsom and performed Rhapsody in Blue with the Guildford Symphony Orchestras… Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Eric Violinist Jian Ren has been awarded a Whitacre on 9 August at the Royal Albert Boise Foundation Scholarship… Cellist Jo Hall… Organist Laurence Long has won Dee Yeoh has been awarded Third Prize the Stephen Corry Award for a stand-out at the Australian Concerto and Vocal performance of any piece except Bach at Competition… Harpist Catrin Meek Elodie Chousmer-Howelles the Northern Ireland International Organ has won the Nansi Richards Scholarship, Competition. He was also awarded which is awarded to a harpist from Second Place in the Senior Category. Wales to provide further training on the RCMJD piano student Ziying Zhang instrument. and his brother Zizhou Zhang (RCMJD alumnus) have given a series of joint Vocal Accolades performances, including charity concerts in London and at St Edward’s Church in Countertenor Tom Scott-Cowell and Stow-on-the Wold, as well as recitals in baritone Harry Thatcher have won Beijing and Shanghai. Second and Third Prize respectively at the Somerset Song Prize competition… Baritone Huw Montague Rendall has performed in Garsington Opera’s production of Britten’s Death in Venice.

Jo Dee Yeoh

RCM Junior Department Ziying and Zizhou Zhang Achievements Percussion Fifteen-year-old RCMJD student Conor Murphy gained 100% in his Grade 8 Triumphs Theory exam, taken at the RCM on 20 June… Elodie Chousmer-Howelles has Percussionists Stephen Matthews received the John Lill Trophy at Essex and alumna Louise Goodwin have Young Musician of the Year 2015. Elodie’s performed at the BBC Proms at the prize includes the John Harrop Memorial Royal Albert Hall. They joined the Aurora Prize of £650 and a professional Orchestra and Nicholas Collon for the engagement with the Ongar Music premiere of alumna Anna Meredith’s Huw Montague Rendall Club, which organises the competition. Smatter Hauler on 2 August.

16 make contacts. They told Upbeat: Spotlight on... ‘Receiving the Boconnoc Music Award was such an honour. It was a great The Arcos Quartet has undertaken a opportunity to spend time together week-long residency after winning the as a quartet, practising a lot and giving fourth annual Boconnoc Award. two concerts in wonderful venues on Generously supported by the estate’s the Boconnoc Estate.’ owners, Anthony and Elizabeth Fortescue, the residency took place at the Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall, in July. The Arcos Quartet –Laia Valentin Braun, Juliette Giovacchini, Ana Teresa Alves and David Lopez – performed quartets by Schubert and Mendelssohn in Boconnoc House, held an open rehearsal and concert in the beautiful Boconnoc Church and took part in an outreach project with disabled children. The ensemble was also able to meet with audience members after the Louise Goodwin concerts to discuss their music and

Composition Doctoral Activities Congratulations Keith Bowen has presented a paper at the Galpin Society Conference 2015 Composition for Screen composer on Musical Instruments in Science Jack Hurst has collaborated with and History, held at the University of artist Victoria Shennan to create Cambridge in September… Randall science-inspired soundscapes for the Scotting has been accepted to present Invisible You installation at the Eden his paper The Other Senesino: Handel’s Project in Cornwall. Part of the Human Singer in Context at the Handel Institute Microbiome programme, their work was Conference which takes place at the also featured on BBC Radio 4 in June. Foundling Museum 21–22 November 2015… Junior Fellow Imma Setiadi has performed at Trinity School Arts Festival and Deal Festival in June… Composer Nick Morrish Rarity’s work for chamber ensemble, Abandonment & Ruin, has received its premiere at the Cheltenham Festival… Enrica Sciandrone has worked with the Psappha ensemble as part of her Curated Place Moving Classic composer residency. The project was presented at the Cycle Music and Art Festival in Kópavogur, Iceland, in August… Edwin Jack Hurst Hillier’s final commission as part of his Nick Morrish Rarity Handel House Composer’s Residence will be premiered at St George’s, Nicholas Moroz has been awarded Hanover Square, on 10 December. Edwin Haifa University and Blumental Centre, the prestigious Vaughan Williams has also taken part in the LUCILIN Tel Aviv in April… Lisa Aufegger Scholarship for postgraduate Composition School in Luxembourg and has won the award for best poster composition study from the RVW the Dartington Advanced Composition presentation at the Musicians’ Health Trust… Maeve McCarthy and Lillie Course, for which he was awarded a and Performance Conference is Odense, Harris have been commissioned full scholarship... Ruaidhri Mannion’s Denmark… Sara Ascenso has given a alongside other young, female piece for piano trio and live electronics lecture and workshops on wellbeing at composers to write pieces for cross- (W)Edge has received its premiere at the Crescendo Summer Institute of the cultural ensemble ShivaNova as part the Cully Classique Festival in Lavaux, Arts in Hungary… George Waddell has of the Women of the World Festival at Switzerland, in June, and his piece presented and chaired sessions at the Kings Place, on Saturday 24 October. Hommage LMY will be performed at CUK Research Students’ Forum in May.

17 Staff notes

Kenneth Hesketh’s work for brass band The Alchymist’s Journal has been selected by the Kapitol Music Panel as a test piece for the 2015 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. His piano music, including his recent piano cycle Horae (pro Clara), has also been recorded by pianist Clare Hammond for 2016 release on BIS Records. Head of Postgraduate Programmes Dr Natasha Loges has been featured on BBC Radio 3 discussing new vocal releases with critic Hilary Finch. She has also been awarded £5,190 from the British Academy to support her contribution to Maintenance OfficerThomas Fox at Tate Modern’s Turbine Festival an international conference on German Song, to be held at the RCM in February. RCM Junior Department piano teacher Maintenance Officer Thomas Fox Clara Rodriguez has been featured on has presented one of his instruments The Classics Labels BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. Clara performed a made from recycled materials at Tate selection of Latin-American music during Modern’s Turbine Festival. The prototype CC0069 the programme. instrument played a melody which could be manipulated by listeners using Twitter. Research Fellow in Performance Practice Thomas was also invited to present Ingrid Pearson has performed at the his instruments and run workshops at International Clarinet Association’s Music Tech Fest in Slovenia and has run annual congress in Madrid, in July. workshops on constructing instruments She performed as a member of the from scraps at Machines Room in newly-formed ‘International Clarinet Bethnal Green, where he was Artist in Divertimenti Co-operative’ along with Henri Bok (the Arias and Residence in June. Nocturnes Soirée Netherlands), Ros Dunlop (Australia) and COLIN LAWSON Guitar professor Gary Ryan has MICHAEL HARRIS Alex South (Scotland) in the premiere TIMOTHY LINES performed and coached students at & friends of works by -based Australian composer Professor Graham Hair. Ingrid’s the World Youth Guitar Festival in research with Professor Hair was also the August. The festival, held every two RCM Director Professor Colin Lawson, subject of a presentation. years, provides rehearsals, workshops, together with woodwind professors masterclasses, coaching and concerts for Professor of harpsichord Terence Michael Harris and Timothy Lines, young guitarists of all abilities. Charlston has recorded a CD of 16th- has released a CD of Mozart music and 17th-century French keyboard Organ professor Margaret Phillips has featuring the basset horn. A Mozart music entitled Mersenne’s Clavichord performed the complete organ works Soirée has been released on the Clarinet on the Divine Art label. This is his of J S Bach on the celebrated Richards, and Saxophone Classics label, founded second commercial CD recorded in the Fowkes & Co organ at St George’s, by Victoria Soames Samek, and also RCM Studios by Head of Studios Matt Hanover Square. Performing every features RCM alumni clarinettist James Parkin. A launch concert will be held in Thursday, Friday and Saturday between Maltby and singers Hannah Sandison, the RCM Museum of Music on Friday 24 September and 31 October, Margaret Rose Setten and Timothy Nelson, as 11 December at 6.00pm (tickets are completed the series with the Leipzig well as woodwind professor Barnaby available from www.rcm.ac.uk/events). Chorales. Robson. Area Leader for Alexander Technique Artistic Director Stephen Johns has Peter Buckoke and tutor in Alexander produced a new recording of Verdi’s Aida Technique Judith Kleinman have with Sir Antonio Pappano conducting taught at the International Meistersinger the Orchestra and Chorus dell’Accademia Akademie summer course in Neumarkt, di Santa Cecilia. Stephen will conduct the Germany. During the August course, they RCM Chamber Choir in a performance of taught Alexander Technique as well as composition professor Joseph Horovitz’s daily singing coaching. choral work Endymion on 19 November. Endymion (text by Oscar Wilde) was Head of Historical Performance commissioned for the centenary of Professor Ashley Solomon has given the RCM and first performed in 1983, a recital with violinist Rachel Podger conducted by the then RCM Director and RCM Junior Fellow Nathaniel Mander. The recital at 49 Queen’s Gate Sir David Willcocks, who sadly died in Terrace marked Channel Classics’ 25th September 2015. anniversary.

18 features leading ethnomusicologists offering a brief inventory of humanity’s most sophisticated musical achievements. Deputy Head of Keyboard Ian Jones has performed Chopin’s Concerto in E minor and Schumann’s Fantasie at Peter Jablonski’s Carlscrona Classic festival in Sweden. He also gave masterclasses at the World Piano Conference in Serbia, in Bulgaria and France and at ’s Royal College of Music. Sir Thomas Allen, Rowan Pierce and Ian Jones Nick Pritchard at Ryedale Festival RCM Junior Department Assistant Photo © Gerard Collett © Gerard Photo Hayley License will perform as part of the Forgotten Fairground Project has also taken part in a festival in Tallinn, Vocal professor Christopher Glynn at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho Estonia, to celebrate Arvo Pärt’s music continues as Artistic Director of the on Sunday 3 January. RCMJD alumni and 80th birthday. Ryedale Festival, which this year featured violinist Kimberley Wong and composer vocal alumni Sir Thomas Allenand Nick Professional skills teacher John Cooney Christopher Gough are also involved in has seen the premiere of his orchestral Pritchard and RCM soprano Rowan the project. Pierce in the world premiere of a new work In These Dark Watersin Cardiff by translation of Bach’s Coffee Cantata by Assistant Head of Undergraduate the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Jac van Steen. His piece for John Warrack. Programmes Anastasia Belina-Johnson flute and harp, also received its has presented a talk about Silver-Age Ellipse, premiere, with flautist Lisa Nelsen and Piano professor Julian Jacobson has Operetta in Warsaw at the Ohio Light performed with RCM alumna harpist Gwenllian Llyr performing at the Victoria Opera symposium, in July. She has , as part of the 2015 International National Museum in Cardiff. Royce also co-edited, with Professor Derek Symposium on Performance Science in Scott, The Business of Opera which was Kyoto, Japan. Run jointly by the Centre Professor of violin Madeleine Mitchell published in October. for Performance Science and Ryukoku has given masterclasses in Beijing and a concert for the British Consul General in University’s Faculty of Science and Deputy Librarian has given Peter Horton China. This autumn she also embarks on Technology, the symposium was held in papers at the 10th Conference on Music a major three-week tour of the USA. September. in 19th-century Britain, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and at the Professor of Baroque violin Lucy Russell Movement coach Desiree Kongerod has recently released a disc of J S Bach Loder Family and Music in Provincial has been involved in breaking the harpsichord sonatas with harpsichordist Britain Study Day, which was organised Guinness World Record of ‘most people John Butt (Linn records). The disc was by Bath Spa University. performing aerial silks’. As Director of An chosen as CD of the week by BBC Radio Act Above, an advanced aerial skills and Vocal professor Sally Burgess has run an dance company, Desiree organised the 3 and received a five star rating inBBC intensive two-week course of workshops Music Magazine. choreography of 30 synchronised aerial and masterclasses for twelve young performers in June to achieve the record. singers. This autumn, she has also offered weekend courses designed to guide students in the professional preparation of arias and songs in different languages and one-day courses in Alexander Technique. Vocal professor Justin Lavender has sung in the final concert of the 300th Anniversary Three Choirs Festival this summer. The concert involved a performance of Verdi’s Requiem in Hereford Cathedral with alumna Catherine Wyn-Rogers and the Philharmonia Orchestra. Vocal professor Patricia Rozario OBE has performed a seven-hour piece at the Ivan Hewett has contributed a chapter St Olav Festival in Trondheim, Norway. to The Other Classical Musics, edited John Tavener’s Veil of the Temple was by Michael Church and published by performed from 10.30pm to 6.00am to Boydell & Brewer in October. The book an audience of 700 in August. Patricia Desiree Kongerod’s record-breaking choreography

19 Alumni notes

Several RCM alumni have performed Pianist Lucy Colquhoun has won the The three symphonies ofDr Malcolm in opera productions over the summer. Accompanist’s Prize at the Somerset Lipkin, recorded by the BBC Bass baritone Bradley Travis and mezzo Song Prize competition. The biannual Philharmonic Orchestra (The Pursuitand soprano Rose Setten have performed singing competition is promoted Sun) and the BBC Scottish Symphony in Garsington Opera’s productions of by the Taunton Festival of the Arts, Orchestra (Sinfonia di Roma) have been Britten’s Death in Venice in June and Somerset Opera and the Ronald Tickner released by the Lyrita label on a CD July. Catherine Wyn-Rogers, John Educational Trust. entitled Malcolm Lipkin The Symphonies. Graham-Hall, Eliana Pretorian and Jerwood Young Artists Gyula Rab and The Ruisi Quartet –Alessandro Ruisi, Violinist Anna Blackmur has been Timothy Nelson have performed at Max Ruisi, Guy Button and Asher appointed Second Violin Section Glyndebourne. Zaccardelli – has been awarded the Principal with the Orchestra of the Royal Royal Philharmonic Society Albert and Opera House. Pianist Jianing Kong has been awarded Eugenie Frost Prize for young string the Bronze Medal at the XVIII Paloma players. The quartet will receive £5,000 Soprano has been O’Shea Santander International Piano for professional development. featured on Christian Baldini’s recording Competition in Spain. debut with the Scottish Chamber Guitarist Declan Zapala has released Orchestra. Mozart: Opera Arias with Soprano Louise Alder has won the his debut album at the Royal Albert Overtures (Linn) features music from Young British Soloists’ Competition Hall’s Elgar Room. Awakenings has been favourites such as Don Giovanni and held at Wigmore Hall. Her prize released on String Theory Records: UK. Le nozze di Figaro and was BBC Music includes the opportunity to record Magazine’s Recording of the Month in a fully funded and promoted album July. on Orchid Classics. Saxophonist Amy Green and RCMJD alumna Mathilde Soprano Susanna MacRae and pianist Milwidsky were also among the Bridget MacRae (née Adams) have finalists. released their debut album. The mother and daughter team’s recording Britten Composer Oliver Rudland’s opera Folk Songs is available digitally from The Fisherman and his Soul received iTunes or as a limited edition CD from its staged premiere by the Winterreise Bandcamp. Compagnie Théâtre in Rochefort-sur- Mer, on 31 July. Oliver is also Composer Composer and saxophonist Charlotte in Residence with the London Choral Harding and saxophonist Amy Green Sinfonia, who will premiere a new work have launched their project ‘Over 100 by the composer at St John’s Smith Years of Women and the Saxophone’ Square on 6 December. at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg. The launch event featured the world premiere of Charlotte’s S axop H on E, written for Amy. Declan Zapala Composer Maurizio Malagnini has been nominated for an Emmy for ‘Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Pianist Dinara Klinton has been Dramatic Score)’ for episode eight of the announced as a Maisie Lewis Young BBC/PBS costume drama The Paradise. Artists’ Fund winner. The award provides performance opportunities at Wigmore Pianist Harry Nowakowski-Fox has Hall and other prestigious London been announced as a KNS Classical venues. Grand Prize Winner at the Windsor International Piano Competition, Composer Simon Coleman has written receiving a professional recording with title music for six-part current affairs KNS Classical. Harry also won Third television series Real Stories With Ranvir Prize in his category at the inaugural Singh. He has also collaborated with competition held in July. Stephan Hodel on a track for Big Screen Music’s Revelations CD. Vanessa Horn has published her Oliver Rudland’s opera The Fisherman and his Soul first book, entitledEclectic Moments. The Castalian Quartet – violinists Short story publisher Alfie Dog Fiction Sini Simonen and Daniel Roberts, recognised Vanessa’s talent after she Pianist David Silkoff has performed violist Charlotte Bonneton and cellist was placed as runner up in their 2014 a recital at the John Savage Centre Christopher Graves – has won First International Short Story Prize and in Ilford. His programme included Prize at the 11th Lyon International invited Vanessa to submit more stories a new transcription for solo piano Chamber Music Competition. They also for publication. of Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, won the Prix du Mozarteum de France Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and for their performance of Mozart’s Adagio Debussy’s Clair de lune. and Fugue K 546.

20 composer Edwin Roxburgh, violin Baritone Damian Thantrey and professor Madeleine Mitchell and former RCM Junior Fellow Jonathan composer Simon Dobson, who will take Gunthorpe have founded a new music up a week’s residency in March 2016. festival in their home village of Hargrave in Northamptonshire. The inaugural Composer Stephen McNeff has been festival, which was held in September, appointed Chairman of the British featured a solo recital by RCM violinist Academy of Songwriters, Composers Joo Yeon Sir. The festival plans to and Authors. BASCA exists to support continue this relationship in future years and protect the artistic, professional, and will offer one recital per year to an commercial and copyright interests of RCM postgraduate. songwriters, lyricists and composers and is home to the Ivor Novello Awards. Former organ professor Richard Popplewell’s 80th birthday has been Composer Luke Whitlock’s piano work honoured by his pupils at a special Evening Prayer has received its Australian tribute recital on Monday 19 October. broadcast premiere on ABC Classic FM’s The lunchtime concert was held at St Classic Drive. His Flute Sonata, performed Michael’s Cornhill in the City of London, by Anna Stokes and Wai-Yin Lee, where Richard was Director of Music received its Canadian broadcast premiere from 1966 to 1979. A programme Françoise-Green Piano Duo on CKWR’s Women in Music. including music by Popplewell himself was performed by Jonathan Rennert, Composer Lewis Murphy has written Peter Wright, Jane Watts, Paul Spicer, The Françoise-Green Piano Duo will be music for And So Forth’s production Robert Gower and Paul Derrett. performing five concerts as part of their Damsel/Wife/Witch, written and directed residency ‘The Viennese Salon’ at St by Laura Attridge. The performance, Violinist Joo Yeon Sir has performed John’s Smith Square. Antoine Françoise which featured pianist Claire Harrison with Sir Karl Jenkins and the Royal and Robin Green have commissioned and RCM mezzo soprano Katie Philharmonic Orchestra as winner of The new works from young British-based Coventry, was held at the Caroline Arts Club Karl Jenkins Classical Music Gardens Chapel during September. composers, including RCM alumni Vlad Award 2014. She has also been invited to Maistorovici and Colin Alexander, and perform in the Young Artists’ Series at Pianist Dominic Anthony Ferris has St John’s Smith Square in 2016. will also perform a new arrangement performed at Stephen Sondheim’s 85th of Berg’s Lulu by RCM composition birthday gala on 25 October at Theatre Composition for Screen alumna professor . Royal Drury Lane. The celebration of the Gabrielle Amelia Ridgeon has co- composer’s legacy as a creator of work created and published a series of musical Clarinettist Brenden Guy has launched for the stage was in aid of The Silver Line, story books called Monty the Maestro the second series of ‘Curious Flights’, a a 24-hour helpline for older people and and his Marvellous Magical Orchestra. concert series in San Francisco of which the Stephen Sondheim Society. The picture books, accompanying audio he is Founder and Artistic Director. The books and website (www.montymaestro. series is committed to promoting British Pianist Nicholas McCarthy has recently com) give children a fun insight into the music in America and has featured signed to Warner Classics and has world of the symphony orchestra. a number of RCM staff and alumni released a new album entitled Solo. including percussionist Nicholas Reed, Works by Wittgenstein, Scriabin and Pianist Alan Chu, Principal Keyboard of Gershwin feature on the September the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, has given the release. He has also become the latest Asia premiere of Antonio Fortunato’s pianist to join the prestigious Yamaha Piano Concerto with the Hong Kong ‘official’ artist roster. Wind Symphony under the baton of Fabio Pirola. The Foyle-Štšura Duo –Michael Foyle and Maksim Štšura – has won First Prize in the Salieri-Zinetti International Chamber Music Competition. Their prize includes a concert tour of Italy and a debut recital in . Avril Anderson and David Sutton- Anderson have curated an Anglo-Korean Music Series for the 2015 International Kingston Welcomes Korea Festival in August which celebrated the 70th anniversary of Korean Independence. Classical musicians from performed alongside Western and Korean instrumentalists resident in the UK, including RCMJD alumnus Yoon- seok Shin. Alan Chu

21 Obituaries and Marriages

Clarinettist and former RCM professor applause lasted for over five minutes Roger studied at the Royal College of John McCaw, known as Jack, died on and Peter said later that he ‘had reviews Music between 1942 and 1947, with a 23 July 2015, at the age of 96. Born in a person would kill for’. He taught the break of three years to serve in the Royal New Zealand in 1918, Jack came to live piano alongside his career as a performer Air Force during the Second World War. in the UK and study at the RCM in 1948. and notable pupils included Gordon He married fellow student Madeleine He studied under Frederick Thurston Fergus Thompson and Howard Shelley. Dring in 1947. After graduating, Roger and was awarded the ARCM in 1949. Peter worked at the RCM as a much- played in the BBC Midland Orchestra, Becoming a professor in 1966, he taught loved and distinguished professor from London Philharmonic Orchestra, at the College until 1981, with former 1992 to 2001. Prometheus Ensemble and Musica students including Richard Hosford da Camera. He joined the London and Einar Jóhannesson. He went on RCM alumna Ruth Black died on 7 May, Symphony Orchestra in 1953 as to become Principal Clarinet of the aged 87. Born in Leicestershire, Ruth Principal Oboe, retiring in 1986. His Philharmonia Orchestra and, later, the grew up in Oxford and studied at the colleague at the LSO, Roger Birnstingl, London Philharmonic Orchestra. He was Royal College of Music in the 1940s. She said of Roger: ‘There is no question in well known as a soloist and can be heard later worked in the television industry in my mind that a soloist of this calibre on innumerable recordings, including London and became head of the music in such a key position lifted the entire Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Jacqueline department for the ABC Television orchestra to a new level of excellence.’ du Pré, Daniel Barenboim and the LPO Corporation. It was here that she met Following Madeleine’s death in 1977, (1967). In 1977 he played the Mozart her future husband, Arthur. They moved Roger continued to promote her music, Clarinet Concerto at the BBC Proms to New York in 1959, were married a including several oboe works written for with the Philharmonia Orchestra under year later and had three children during him, transcribed many pieces for oboe Riccardo Muti. He was awarded the the 1960s. Together, Ruth and Arthur and piano and donated many of her FRCM in 1980. A memorial concert will founded the Mohawk Trail Concert original manuscripts to the RCM. He is be held in the RCM’s Britten Theatre on Series in Charlemont, Massachusetts, survived by his son Jeremy and by his Wednesday 10 February. bringing renowned musicians to second wife, oboist Jenny Porcas. Charlemont for over 50 years. Ruth took over the position of Executive Artistic Director after Arthur died in Marriages 2000, and the series went on to win RCM Junior Department accompanist two National Awards for Adventurous Stephen Meakins married Felicity Programming from the American Society Orme (harp) in July 2015. Felicity and of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Stephen met while studying at the Royal Mohawk Trail Concerts held a concert in College of Music and graduated in 2011. Ruth’s memory in August. RCM alumnus Roger Smalley died on 18 August 2015, at the age of 72. Born in 1943 in Swinton, near , Roger won a scholarship to study piano and composition at the Royal College of Music in 1961. He was successful as a composer and received a Royal Philharmonic Prize in 1966 for his Peter Katin orchestral work Gloria Tibi Trinitas. As a pianist, he was recognised for his performances of contemporary Pianist and former RCM professor Peter music and he was co-founder of Katin has died aged 84, on 19 March Intermodulation, an ensemble which 2015. Born in London on 14 November specialised in improvisation and live 1930, Peter left school at the age of 14 electronics. He was the first artist-in- but was accepted to the Royal Academy residence at King’s College, Cambridge, of Music. One of the finest British and, in 1974, he held a three-month pianists of the 1950s and 60s, he was composer residency at the University of well known at the BBC Proms, having Western Australia. He later emigrated performed there 25 times between 1952 to Australia and enjoyed a significant and 1974. His first major appearance academic career at the same university. with an orchestra was at the Royal Albert He received several accolades in Hall, playing Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Australia, including the Australian Concerto with the London Symphony government centenary medal in 2004 Orchestra, which received a rave review and was appointed Member of the Order from . But it was his second of Australia in 2011. performance at the Proms, performing Rachmaninov’s Third Concerto, which Oboist and RCM alumnus Roger Lord really made his career; reportedly, the died on 19 June 2014, at the age of 90. Felicity Orme and Stephen Meakins

22 RCMFelicity students Orme and and Stephen alumni performing Meakins with Aurora Orchestra

Sophie Bevan

Jamie Parker, Claire Martin and Seth MacFarlane with John Willson conducting the John Wilson Orchestra

Martin James Bartlett with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Alina Ibragimova All images copyright Chris Christodoulou Royal College of Music Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BS Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 4300 Email: [email protected] www.rcm.ac.uk www.facebook.com/royalcollegeofmusic www.twitter.com/rcmlatest The Royal College of Music is a registered charity. No. 309268

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