Company of Donors / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk
Coming up...
BBC Radio 3: Poulenc 50 Years On with Pascal Rogé Fri 17 April / 1pm / Stevenson Hall Pascal Rogé exemplifies the finest in French pianism, characterised by its elegance, beauty and refined phrasing. With a recording output covering the great French repertoire, it is a pleasure to have him here to conclude this series of lunchtime recitals for BBC Radio 3, celebrating the distinctive music of Francis Poulenc.
Crerar Hotels Trust Plug Festival Tue 5 – Fri 8 May supports the Our festival of new music from RCS composers is a celebration of potential. Guest artists at this year’s festival include: Ilya Gringolts and Sinae Junior Conservatoire Lee, the Red Note Ensemble, Glasgow New Music Expedition and Drake Music Scotland. rerar Hotels Trust has generously donated and pursue their dreams by studying their chosen £4000 to the Junior Conservatoire performing art form at the highest level”. Opera Bus Cof Drama. Director of Drama, Dance, Production and Screen Hugh Hodgart was Chief Executive of Crerar Hotels and Chairman Wed 13 May / New Athenaeum presented a special cheque at Crerar Loch Fyne of Crerar Hotels Trust Paddy Crerar said The RCS Opera department completes its Hotel and Spa in Inveraray in February. supporting the development of the younger operatic/Shakespearean Merry Wives/Falstaff generation is a core value of the trust. ‘trilogy’ with Vaughan Williams’ colourful and The donation will be used as a scholarship fund lyrical Sir John in Love. Travelling between to benefit talented Scottish students between the “Investment in the future of young Scottish Charlotte Square in Edinburgh and RCS in ages of 14-18 who face financial barriers in their individuals is key to all of our futures…To help Glasgow by luxury coach, the Opera Bus makes education and skills development. Hugh said: these youngsters find inspiration, and to acquire the journey a little easier for those in and around “These funds will enable us to help support young new skills and confidence in the performing arts our capital city. The coach will depart from West people from across Scotland to fulfil their potential is something we are delighted to support.” Register House, Charlotte Square, at 4.45pm to arrive at RCS in time for a pre-concert reception with drinks and canapés at 6.00pm.
As well as enjoying a night at the opera, you will Matthew McVarish also be supporting our students, with all profits from the evening going directly to the Opera Fund. If you would like to find out more or to awarded book, please contact [email protected] or call 0141 270 8277. n February RCS awarded alumnus Matthew many guests at the star-studded event were McVarish an honorary doctorate in Makar Liz Lochhead, Tom Urie, Councillor Irecognition of his outstanding international Bailie James Scanlon, and Ricky Ross and efforts to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. Lorraine McIntosh of Deacon Blue. Edinburgh Series: A Taste of Russia In May 2013, Matthew, star of CBeebies show Matthew’s epic journey has taken him to more Tue 19 May / 7pm Reception, Me Too, embarked on a 10,000-mile ‘Road than 30 countries. On the way the talented actor – 7.30pm Concert / Scottish Arts Club to Change’ campaign on foot to challenge himself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse - was A Taste of Russia: songs by Mussorgsky, governments across Europe to strengthen laws invited to speak at the United Nations, received Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev with supporting the rights of child victims of sexual a personal audience with Pope Francis and met cello music by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. abuse. the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, If you would like to find out more or to book, Thorbjørn Jagland. Matthew was awarded ’Top please contact [email protected] He was awarded the honorary doctorate at a Scot 2014’ at the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland or call 0141 270 8277. surprise celebration held in the Stevenson Hall Awards, an award which was presented to him on the eve of his return to Glasgow. Among the after his doctorate at RCS.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 100 Renfrew Street Glasgow G2 3DB rcs.ac.uk Company of Donors
rcs.ac.uk Spring 2015 Company of Donors / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk
Welcome to the Company of Annual Thank You Donors spring arlier in the year many of you braved the snowy conditions to join us for our Annual Thank You. This year we saw a fantastic production of Le nozze di Figaro conducted by our own newsletter. ETimothy Dean. The performance was in the New Athenaeum Theatre and included pre- performance and interval canapé receptions in the Jack Bruce Space. Spring is in the air at RCS, and we have had a busy few weeks since the last newsletter. Our Annual Thank You evening was our opportunity to thank our friends and patrons for their We all enjoyed the eclectic performances of support of our work, our students and our vision. Guests have the opportunity to meet fellow Bridge Week, and seeing our students, staff and supporters, staff, Governors and Trustees alongside a number of our scholarship students who alumni perform across the city as part of Celtic directly benefit from the support of our guests. Connections.. Musical Memories of Martyn Bennett
espite the wintery weather RCS alumni have kept busy with Celtic Connections Dtaking over the city in January. The festival opened with a concert celebrating and commemorating alumnus Martyn Bennett (1993, DRSAMD Performance) who sadly passed away in 2003. The concert goers were lucky enough to witness the world premiere of Martyn’s final composition, Grit. Piper, fiddler, composer, endless experimenter - Martyn was one of Scotland’s most prodigiously gifted and beloved of musicians until his untimely death at the age of 33.
On January 30 RCS held its own commemorative fundraising concert to mark the tenth anniversary of his death. The night was introduced by Martyn’s mother: singer, folklorist and author Margaret Bennett. She was joined by a cast of players and singers, including the legendary Cathal McConnell, who was one of Martyn’s great idols. Together they presented a collection of memories and music as well as previously unreleased recordings. The concert raised over £750 which will go towards the scholarship fund set up in Martyn’s name. Drama at 60 Scholarship he Drama at 60 Scholarship, which has Past scholars have gone on to study degrees at RCS, been running since 2010, supports talented including current student Amy Conachan who Tperformers and producers of theatre, film is in her final year of the BA Acting programme. and television gain essential skills and experience Amy has already garnered many plaudits for her as they work towards formal training. The funds for performances inside RCS as well as in the industry the scholarship were raised to celebrate 60 years of in Wendy Hoose at the Tron Theatre, Skeleton drama training at RCS. Wumman at Oran Mor as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint, and most recently Blood Wedding with This scholarship offers up to three promising Dundee Rep. theatre or screen practitioners £1000 to invest in a range of training activities each year and If you know any theatre or screen practitioners who allocates successful applicants a mentor to help would benefit from this scholarship, please pass on tailor their development. these details or contact [email protected] Company of Donors / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk Afternoon Tea ach year our Company of Donors are invited to afternoon tea hosted by our Principal – a hugely popular event that includes entertainment provided by RCS students, and tea and scones of Ecourse! This year the event was held in the Ledger Recital Room and was based on the theme ‘A taste of …’ given 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. 75 donors attended and were joined by Principal Jeffrey Sharkey for an afternoon of performances by a range of students from our music and drama programmes.
Our BA Acting students had just returned from their London showcase, which is aimed at introducing graduates to agents and industry contacts. They performed extracts from A Few Good Men, Once, Sight Unseen and Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight. Musical recitals included works by George Gershwin and Gerald Finzi, as well as a collection of lute pieces performed by student Eric Thomas. Ambassador Billy Boyd Bridge Week
ridge Week returned for the third time in early February and this year there were Bmore student collaborative performances and projects than ever. New for 2015 was the Bridge Week Fringe, taking place at SLS. This Fringe project was titled A Room to Share.
Bridge week allows students the space to put on collaborative cross art-form pieces and test new ideas. Performances ranged from an open rehearsal of La cambiale di matrimonio by Rossini, to a piece of new writing by musical theatre students Katie Barnett and Megan Hughes set on Glasgow’s subway.
The first Bridge Week project started following a visit by our Deputy Principal, Maggie Kinloch, to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. They piloted a version of this in schools there and the project received excellent student feedback.
e are delighted to announce that actor Royal Conservatoire workshops, classes and Following this trip, as part of a Curriculum and alumnus Billy Boyd (1995, DDA) short courses in preparation for audition or Reform, a week of free space was agreed Whas agreed to act as ambassador for interview for training at a higher education level. between Trimester 1 and Trimester 2. This week, the Transitions 20/40 project in order to help which bridges the Trimesters, took on the name spread the word about RCS’ ground-breaking The Glaswegian, who is best known for playing of Bridge Week and the project was born with widening acess and participation project to all hobbit Pippin in The Lord of the Rings films, the promise of all available resources to be corners of Scotland. said: “If I had this chance as a kid, it would available to the students during this week. have been a perfect start for me and allowed Supported by the Scottish Funding Council, the me to become an actor earlier. I had so many By freeing the students from assessment for Transitions 20/40 programme seeks out and great memories of my time at the then RSAMD that week and allowing collaborations which develops potential performing and production and feel truly inspired after meeting T20/40 do not normally happen in the curriculum, arts talent from the most deprived Scottish students at RCS. It’s an exciting place to be and the students have the opportunity to create a postcode areas. It offers successful applicants has evolved into a dynamic, beautiful arts hub different kind of new and inspiring work of tuition fee and travel support to take part in representing Scotland.” their own. Supporters’ News / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk
Coming up...
BBC Radio 3: Poulenc 50 Years On with Pascal Rogé Fri 17 April / 1pm / Stevenson Hall Pascal Rogé exemplifies the finest in French pianism, characterised by its elegance, beauty and refined phrasing. With a recording output covering the great French repertoire, it is a pleasure to have him here to conclude this series of lunchtime recitals for BBC Radio 3, celebrating the distinctive music of Francis Poulenc.
Crerar Hotels Trust Plug Festival Tue 5 – Fri 8 May supports the Our festival of new music from RCS composers is a celebration of potential. Guest artists at this year’s festival include: Ilya Gringolts and Sinae Junior Conservatoire Lee, the Red Note Ensemble, Glasgow New Music Expedition and Drake Music Scotland. rerar Hotels Trust has generously donated and pursue their dreams by studying their chosen £4000 to the Junior Conservatoire performing art form at the highest level”. Opera Bus Cof Drama. Director of Drama, Dance, Production and Screen Hugh Hodgart was Chief Executive of Crerar Hotels and Chairman Wed 13 May / New Athenaeum presented a special cheque at Crerar Loch Fyne of Crerar Hotels Trust Paddy Crerar said The RCS Opera department completes its Hotel and Spa in Inveraray in February. supporting the development of the younger operatic/Shakespearean Merry Wives/Falstaff generation is a core value of the trust. ‘trilogy’ with Vaughan Williams’ colourful and The donation will be used as a scholarship fund lyrical Sir John in Love. Travelling between to benefit talented Scottish students between the “Investment in the future of young Scottish Charlotte Square in Edinburgh and RCS in ages of 14-18 who face financial barriers in their individuals is key to all of our futures…To help Glasgow by luxury coach, the Opera Bus makes education and skills development. Hugh said: these youngsters find inspiration, and to acquire the journey a little easier for those in and around “These funds will enable us to help support young new skills and confidence in the performing arts our capital city. The coach will depart from West people from across Scotland to fulfil their potential is something we are delighted to support.” Register House, Charlotte Square, at 4.45pm to arrive at RCS in time for a pre-concert reception with drinks and canapés at 6.00pm.
As well as enjoying a night at the opera, you will Matthew McVarish also be supporting our students, with all profits from the evening going directly to the Opera Fund. If you would like to find out more or to awarded book, please contact [email protected] or call 0141 270 8277. n February RCS awarded alumnus Matthew many guests at the star-studded event were McVarish an honorary doctorate in Makar Liz Lochhead, Tom Urie, Councillor Irecognition of his outstanding international Bailie James Scanlon, and Ricky Ross and efforts to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. Lorraine McIntosh of Deacon Blue. Edinburgh Series: A Taste of Russia In May 2013, Matthew, star of CBeebies show Matthew’s epic journey has taken him to more Tue 19 May / 7pm Reception, Me Too, embarked on a 10,000-mile ‘Road than 30 countries. On the way the talented actor – 7.30pm Concert / Scottish Arts Club to Change’ campaign on foot to challenge himself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse - was A Taste of Russia: songs by Mussorgsky, governments across Europe to strengthen laws invited to speak at the United Nations, received Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev with supporting the rights of child victims of sexual a personal audience with Pope Francis and met cello music by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. abuse. the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, If you would like to find out more or to book, Thorbjørn Jagland. Matthew was awarded ’Top please contact [email protected] He was awarded the honorary doctorate at a Scot 2014’ at the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland or call 0141 270 8277. surprise celebration held in the Stevenson Hall Awards, an award which was presented to him on the eve of his return to Glasgow. Among the after his doctorate at RCS.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 100 Renfrew Street Glasgow G2 3DB rcs.ac.uk Supporters’ News
rcs.ac.uk Spring 2015 Supporters’ News / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk
Welcome to the Supporters’ Annual Thank You News spring arlier in the year many of you braved the snowy conditions to join us for our Annual Thank You. This year we saw a fantastic production of Le nozze di Figaro conducted by our own newsletter. ETimothy Dean. The performance was in the New Athenaeum Theatre and included pre- performance and interval canapé receptions in the Jack Bruce Space. Spring is in the air at RCS, and we have had a busy few weeks since the last newsletter. Our Annual Thank You evening was our opportunity to thank our friends and patrons for their We all enjoyed the eclectic performances of support of our work, our students and our vision. Guests have the opportunity to meet fellow Bridge Week, and seeing our students, staff and supporters, staff, Governors and Trustees alongside a number of our scholarship students who alumni perform across the city as part of Celtic directly benefit from the support of our guests. Connections.. Musical Memories of Martyn Bennett
espite the wintery weather RCS alumni have kept busy with Celtic Connections Dtaking over the city in January. The festival opened with a concert celebrating and commemorating alumnus Martyn Bennett (1993, DRSAMD Performance) who sadly passed away in 2003. The concert goers were lucky enough to witness the world premiere of Martyn’s final composition, Grit. Piper, fiddler, composer, endless experimenter - Martyn was one of Scotland’s most prodigiously gifted and beloved of musicians until his untimely death at the age of 33.
On January 30 RCS held its own commemorative fundraising concert to mark the tenth anniversary of his death. The night was introduced by Martyn’s mother: singer, folklorist and author Margaret Bennett. She was joined by a cast of players and singers, including the legendary Cathal McConnell, who was one of Martyn’s great idols. Together they presented a collection of memories and music as well as previously unreleased recordings. The concert raised over £750 which will go towards the scholarship fund set up in Martyn’s name. Drama at 60 Scholarship he Drama at 60 Scholarship, which has Past scholars have gone on to study degrees at RCS, been running since 2010, supports talented including current student Amy Conachan who Tperformers and producers of theatre, film is in her final year of the BA Acting programme. and television gain essential skills and experience Amy has already garnered many plaudits for her as they work towards formal training. The funds for performances inside RCS as well as in the industry the scholarship were raised to celebrate 60 years of in Wendy Hoose at the Tron Theatre, Skeleton drama training at RCS. Wumman at Oran Mor as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint, and most recently Blood Wedding with This scholarship offers up to three promising Dundee Rep. theatre or screen practitioners £1000 to invest in a range of training activities each year and If you know any theatre or screen practitioners who allocates successful applicants a mentor to help would benefit from this scholarship, please pass on tailor their development. these details or contact [email protected] Supporters’ News / SPRING 2015 rcs.ac.uk Afternoon Tea ach year our Company of Donors are invited to afternoon tea hosted by our Principal – a hugely popular event that includes entertainment provided by RCS students, and tea and scones of Ecourse! This year the event was held in the Ledger Recital Room and was based on the theme ‘A taste of …’ given 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. 75 donors attended and were joined by Principal Jeffrey Sharkey for an afternoon of performances by a range of students from our music and drama programmes.
Our BA Acting students had just returned from their London showcase, which is aimed at introducing graduates to agents and industry contacts. They performed extracts from A Few Good Men, Once, Sight Unseen and Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight. Musical recitals included works by George Gershwin and Gerald Finzi, as well as a collection of lute pieces performed by student Eric Thomas. Ambassador Billy Boyd Bridge Week
ridge Week returned for the third time in early February and this year there were Bmore student collaborative performances and projects than ever. New for 2015 was the Bridge Week Fringe, taking place at SLS. This Fringe project was titled A Room to Share.
Bridge week allows students the space to put on collaborative cross art-form pieces and test new ideas. Performances ranged from an open rehearsal of La cambiale di matrimonio by Rossini, to a piece of new writing by musical theatre students Katie Barnett and Megan Hughes set on Glasgow’s subway.
The first Bridge Week project started following a visit by our Deputy Principal, Maggie Kinloch, to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. They piloted a version of this in schools there and the project received excellent student feedback.
e are delighted to announce that actor Royal Conservatoire workshops, classes and Following this trip, as part of a Curriculum and alumnus Billy Boyd (1995, DDA) short courses in preparation for audition or Reform, a week of free space was agreed Whas agreed to act as ambassador for interview for training at a higher education level. between Trimester 1 and Trimester 2. This week, the Transitions 20/40 project in order to help which bridges the Trimesters, took on the name spread the word about RCS’ ground-breaking The Glaswegian, who is best known for playing of Bridge Week and the project was born with widening acess and participation project to all hobbit Pippin in The Lord of the Rings films, the promise of all available resources to be corners of Scotland. said: “If I had this chance as a kid, it would available to the students during this week. have been a perfect start for me and allowed Supported by the Scottish Funding Council, the me to become an actor earlier. I had so many By freeing the students from assessment for Transitions 20/40 programme seeks out and great memories of my time at the then RSAMD that week and allowing collaborations which develops potential performing and production and feel truly inspired after meeting T20/40 do not normally happen in the curriculum, arts talent from the most deprived Scottish students at RCS. It’s an exciting place to be and the students have the opportunity to create a postcode areas. It offers successful applicants has evolved into a dynamic, beautiful arts hub different kind of new and inspiring work of tuition fee and travel support to take part in representing Scotland.” their own.