The Magazine for the Royal College of MusicI Autumn 2012

Phone Home! RCM students report in from around the globe

What’s inside... Welcome to upbeat...

The cover of this issue shows Peter Kirk in the lead role ofGary of the Antarctic by RCM composer Edward Bell: one of six brand new 15-minute created and performed Contents as part of Great Expectations, a unique collaboration between the RCM and innovative production company Tête à Tête earlier this year. In this light-hearted, coming- In the news of-age story, the protagonist Gary Scott journeys to the South Pole and – thanks to a 4 little advice from a legendary figure – learns to pursue his own path. Updating you on recent RCM activities... Although not venturing quite a far as the Antarctic, RCM staff and students regularly have the opportunity to travel the globe and to spend time studying in other 8 New arrivals conservatoires through the Erasmus exchange programme. In this issue, we hear about Welcoming a host of new arrivals some of their experiences, and give you the chance to find out how living and learning to the RCM this academic year in a different country has improved their playing, their confidence – and perhaps even given them their own great expectations… 9 The Britten Theatre 25th Anniversary News As usual, Upbeat is also packed full with news from around the RCM, including the tale The final events to mark the of how three alumni were given the chance to perform at the closing ceremony of the anniversary of this much loved Paralympic Games. space We’re always keen to hear from students past and present, so if you have anything you would like us to feature in the next issue of Upbeat, send your news and pictures to 10 Exchanging Views [email protected] by Monday 7 January 2013. Bassoonist Christina Marroni tells Upbeat about the three months NB: Please note that we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and that we she spent studying in France reserve the right to edit submissions. 12 Farewell to Sue RCM Director of Communications Upbeat online tells Upbeat her most poignant Did you know that Upbeat is available to read online at www.rcm.ac.uk/upbeat memories, experiences and If you’d prefer to read it in this way, do contact us at [email protected] and we’ll achievements stop sending you a paper copy. If you’d like us to send you an email notification when Upbeat is published, let us know your email address too. 14 Meeting the supporters Upbeat meets John Lewis Music Advisor Nigel Brotherton

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 births

RCM Baroque performing at the Palace of Versailles

Front cover – Peter Kirk in ‘Gary of the Antarctic’ composed by Edward Bell. Part of Great Expectations © Chris Christodoulou Inside front cover – Images from the RCM International Opera School’s summer production of ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ © Chris Christodoulou Inside back cover – Images from the 2012 Festival of Percussion © Chris Christodoulou and David Phillips

3 In the news... Cavaleri Quartet success Britain’s greenest conservatoire For the third year running, we’re delighted that the has been recognised as the UK’s greenest conservatoire. The People & Planet Green League awarded the RCM a high 2:1 score, just an agonising half point from a 1st class degree. The RCM scored highly for its excellent environmental policy and management, and for its commitment to ethical investments, carbon management, Fairtrade and sustainable food, and renewable energy sources. Congratulations to all of the staff and students who have worked hard to The Cavaleri Quartet, founded at they were invited to perform at the achieve this result. the RCM by Anna Harpham, Ann Awards Ceremony and Final Concert, Beilby, Ciaran McCabe and Rowena which was broadcast live on NDR The People & Planet Green League is the Calvert, has triumphed at the second Kultur, and to make a commercial CD only comprehensive and independent ICMC International Chamber Music recording. The quartet is now looking league table of UK universities ranked by Competition in Hamburg. forward to undertaking a concert tour environmental and ethical performance. of . It is compiled annually by the UK’s largest Not only did they take away the student campaigning network, People & 20.000 Euros First Prize, they also The ICMC International Chamber Planet. won the 10.000 Euros Oscar and Music Competition attracts some of Vera Ritter Foundation Prize for the world’s best chamber groups. Many the best performance of a work by congratulations to the Cavaleri Quartet Exhibition Mendelssohn. Following their victories for this fantastic achievement. Road Show

Upon receiving his award, Bryn gave a While all eyes were on ’s East An Honorary speech in which he detailed four key End this summer for the Olympic encounters that shaped his own singing and Paralympic Games, a unique Doctorate career. To watch his complete speech cultural festival was taking place in for Bryn visit bit.ly/PleHdV Kensington. Exhibition Road Show was held from On Friday 6 July, the Royal College 28 July to 5 August in celebration of Music was delighted to award an of art, music, science, literature and Honorary Doctorate to bass-baritone acrobatics. One highlight of the . The award was made festival was the appearance of the by the RCM Chairman, Professor RCM Brass Quintet, described as Lord Winston, at the RCM’s annual the festival’s “in-house band”, who graduation ceremony in the Britten entertained passers-by with a rousing Theatre. programme! Director of the RCM Professor Colin Lawson introduced Bryn as: “the world’s greatest bass-baritone […] an artist truly meriting the adjective ‘exceptional’ ”, before listing the roles for which Bryn has received international acclaim, and concluding with praise for Bryn’s deep and heartfelt commitment to Wales, the country of his birth. Bryn Terfel

4 In a review from Tim 24 Violons at Ashley commented: “The performances were exquisite. Bliss from start to Cadogan Hall fi n ish”. Andrew Morris, from Classical TheRCM Baroque Orchestra, Source, called it: “A fascinating history conducted by Sir Roger Norrington, lesson [...] with such an immaculately performed a spectacular concert at drilled and youthfully stylish Cadogan Hall as part of the BBC Proms reincarnation of a very old orchestra”. this summer. Alexandra Coghlan, from The Arts Desk, wrote: “Norrington has just the Performing on instruments that right amount of sardonic humour and featured in Louis XIV’s 24 Violons throwaway brilliance for this music, du Roi, painstakingly recreated by and under his direction the orchestra the Centre de musique baroque de generated a performance of distinctively Versailles, the RCM Baroque Orchestra’s Gallic hauteur (and just a little bit of performance in London was the silliness).” culmination of a remarkable tour which took in concerts at the Palace of Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/24violons Versailles and across France. to view a gallery of images. Photo © Sisi Burn © Sisi Photo

members enjoyed exclusive tours of the Award winners Summer Music . announced RCM Sparks once again played a key part One participant said: “It was a truly in the BBC Proms, the world’s biggest inspirational day… everyone was laughing classical music festival. The winners of the RCM’s most and enjoying themselves making music, prestigious awards for departing The Summer Music programme saw making friends and having a really good students have been announced. These more than 200 young people, aged six day”. awards are presented to students who to 12, take part in live music-making have made a particularly great impact events. Almost half of the participants RCM Sparks aims to offer inspirational on life at the RCM. performed at BBC Proms Plus Family learning experiences for all, regardless of financial means. This year, 60% of The Worshipful Company of Introductions and attended a BBC attendees received free workshop tickets, Musicians Silver Medal will be Proms concert. In addition, 25 teenagers awarded to violinist Sean Riley, the participated in a five-day composition while subsidised Proms tickets were Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother course, more than 40 music lovers of available to all participants. All events Rosebowl will go to Caterina all ages took part in Discovery Sessions were supported by a committed team Grewe, and the Tagore Medals will (exploring treasures from the RCM’s of RCM students, who gained invaluable be given to violinist Mari Poll and Museum and Library) and 80 family experience for their own careers. trumpeter Christian Barraclough. They will all be presented with their awards at next year’s President’s Visit.

Christian Barraclough

5 In the news... Celebrating Tri-borough Music hub launched

On Tuesday 25 September the Royal Albert Hall hosted the launch of the new Tri-borough Music Hub, supported by Arts Council England.

Photo © Mark Allan © Mark Photo The hub comprises three strategic The Britten-Pears Foundation has radio festivals and special television partners: the Royal College of Music, unveiled details of the centenary programming, recordings, exhibitions, the Royal Albert Hall and the Aurora celebrations for RCM alumnus conferences, online initiatives for Orchestra, who will provide music Benjamin Britten (1913–1976). The children, heritage trails and even a new services to children in three London launch event was held at the RCM’s building at The Red House, Britten’s boroughs: Kensington & Chelsea, very own Britten Theatre, which much-loved home in Aldeburgh. Hammersmith & Fulham and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Royal Mint has also announced Westminster. Britten 100 began in September and that a new 50p coin depicting Britten These six partner organisations will continues throughout 2013. Many will go into circulation at the end of this ensure that every child aged 5-18 has famous , opera companies, year, underlining the importance of the the opportunity to sing and learn a conductors and school children composer as a leading figure in British musical instrument, to develop their will be involved in the festivities cultural history. skills, and to play with other children both in the UK and abroad. Beyond as part of an ensemble or , worldwide performances of his music, Find out more about the celebrations at www.britten100.org either through their own projects or plans extend to books, films, dance, through those of the partners within the hub.

The 2013 theme,Performing Together, is The launch evening featured a International intended to encourage discussion and number of musical performances, debate on collaborative performing including an appearance by Tir Eolas Symposium on activities of all types and between various constituents. (pictured), founded at the RCM by Performance Georgie Harris, Pip Mercer, Laura Specific research topics, fields of study, Snowdon and Ruairi Glasheen. Science 2013 and methodological approaches have been left open intentionally to encourage The RCM’s contribution to the The International Symposium on interdisciplinary exchange. Tri-borough Hub will be provided Performance Science (ISPS) is convened by RCM Sparks, the RCM’s ground- biennially by the RCM Centre for RCM staff and students are eligible for breaking learning and Learning and Performance Science. reduced registration rates. For further Participation programme. information about the venue and Following the success of ISPS 2011 in submissions, visit the conference website, For more information visit Toronto, the next Symposium will take www.performancescience.org or www.rcm.ac.uk/sparks. place in Vienna at the University of email the conference co-chair, Music and Performing Arts (MDW) on Professor Aaron Williamon, at 28-31 August 2013. [email protected]

6 17-strong ensemble. Left-hand pianist 2012 RCM Paraorchestra Nicholas, who graduated in July this year, said before the ceremony: “as a International closes Paralympics classical pianist, I’d never thought I’d Course Following an exciting summer of be playing alongside Coldplay at the sporting triumphs, three RCM alumni Paralympics, it’s a bit mad to be honest, – Nicholas McCarthy, Abi Baker and it’s wonderful.” Clarence Adoo – had their chance to The musicians played specially shine as they performed as part of the British Paraorchestra in the Closing adapted electronic and conventional Ceremony of the Paralympics. instruments. They were also the subject of an hour-long documentary entitled The group backed Brit-pop sensation The Great British Paraorchestra which Coldplay and their performance was aired on Channel 4 just before the This summer 12 students from China, marked a great achievement for the Ceremony. Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, the USA and the UK attended an intensive course at the RCM.

The week provided with the opportunity for intensive study and included masterclasses, lessons, concerts and performing opportunities. Participants also had the opportunity to attend a number of BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and to explore the treasures housed in the RCM Museum and Library. A surprise visit by world- renowned pianist Lang Lang, however, will probably be remembered as the highlight!

The Bradley Bulletins Tea at the House of Lords Professor Paul In June, the RCM Chamber Choir Winston – invited them to the House of Banks, with the received international acclaim for their Lords. The choir were treated to high tea, help of some special rain-soaked, heroic performance at the met several grateful peers and attended documents held in climax of the Thames Pageant, part of a debating session in the chamber. They the RCM archive, has the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. also posed for photographs on the featured in a BBC To thank them for their performance, terrace; of course, it was raining again… Radio 4 documentary the RCM Chairman – Professor Lord about musical life in

Reproduced by permission of London Library of London by permission Reproduced wartime Britain. “One Man’s War” told the story of the Bradley Bulletins, which were compiled by Lionel Bradley, a Librarian at the London Library and also an avid lover of ballet, opera, orchestral and chamber music. After every event he attended, Lionel would write a personal bulletin describing the occasion, which he then circulated to his friends. Rediscovered by Professor Paul Banks, they provide an invaluable insight into musical life in London during the War. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/bradley

7 New arrivals

Students This academic year the RCM warmly welcomed a total of 332 new students from 49 different countries, with no fewer than 135 of these new arrivals benefiting from an RCM scholarship.

Pablo Ortiz De Urbina has been newly elected as President of the Students’ Association. Pablo and his team will represent and support the student body, Mari Poll Natalie Clein and provide a full programme of social events and activities. Keyboard faculty Winner of the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and RCM alumna Sofya Gulyak joins the Keyboard faculty. Woodwind faculty Principal oboe with La Scala, Milan Fabien Thouand and world renowned clarinettist Michael Collins join the Woodwind faculty.

The Sacconi Quartet

New Professors We’re thrilled to announce a number of exceptional new professors this September. Pablo Ortiz De Urbina String faculty Junior Fellows We’re delighted to welcome virtuoso violinist and universally celebrated The RCM welcomes a host of new teacher Detlef Hahn; internationally Junior Fellows for 2012/13 academic renowned cellist and RCM alumna Michael Collins year including Yulia Chaplina (Mills Natalie Clein; violinist Sasha Williams Junior Fellowship), Mari Poll Rozhdestvensky who not only has a (Constant and Kit Lambert Junior global solo and chamber music career Historical Performance faculty Fellowship), Jocelyn Freeman (Phoebe but is also an advocate for contemporary Winner of the Moeck International Benham Junior Fellowship) and Jennifer music; long-time friend of the RCM and Recorder competition Maria Martinez Hughes (Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Junior well-known orchestral leader, chamber Ayerza joins the Historical Performance Fellowship). musician and teacher Gaby Lester; and faculty. Aeronautical Engineering graduate and We also welcome back for a second BBC Young Musician finalist 2004Michal year Richard Carne Junior Fellowship Academic Tutors Cwizewicz. holders: The Muse Piano Quartet We welcome four new teachers to the (Yulia Vorontsova, Ksenia Berezina, Ilona academic staff:Carola Darwin joins Bondar, Jordan Gregoris), Jonathan us as Acting Area Leader for Historical Musgrave (Anthony Saltmarsh Junior Studies while Natasha Loges is on her Fellowship), Jennifer Carter (Adami AHRC-sponsored sabbatical. Pande Award for Piano Accompanists), David Shahov and Gareth Wilson both join Smith (Lord and Lady Lurgan Junior the programmes team to teach a range Fellowship), as well as RCM Quartet in of BMus courses. Owen Cox also joins us Association the Sacconi Quartet (Ben to work with second year upper string Hancox, Hannah Dawson, Robin Ashwell, students as part of the Professional Skills Cara Berridge). Detlef Hahn course.

8 The Britten Theatre 25 th Anniversary News

Celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Britten Theatre have now concluded. Visitwww.rcm.ac.uk/bt25 for details of activities and to read memories from past students, performers and audience members.

Circles of Excellence Le nozze The year-long celebrations of the 25th We would like to thank everyone who anniversary of the Britten Theatre drew has donated to the Britten Theatre di Figaro to a close with a drinks reception and Anniversary Fund. Almost £40,000 Supporter Geoff Richards took recital for RCM Patrons and Supporters has been raised which will help fund on a walk-on role in the RCM on Tuesday 16 October. performance opportunities and training International Opera School’s summer in the Britten Theatre, including the production of Le nozze di Figaro – The special event featured two of the forthcoming RCM International Opera recent BBC Young Musician winners: School production of Monteverdi’s one of many auction prizes on offer cellist Laura van der Heijden and pianist L’incoronazione di Poppea. at the Nuit Fantastique Gala held Lara Melda, as well as finalistMartin earlier this year. Bartlett, all of whom studied at the RCM Junior Department.

Geoff Richards with Costume Supervisor Jools Osborne

BigLaura Give van der advertHeijden 2012:Layout 1 31/10/2012Lara Melda 16:18 Page 1 Geoff Richards on stage with RCM singers

The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2012 Challenge opens: Thursday 6 December 10am

The Royal College of Music is proud to be part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2012, during which we seek to raise £140,000 for the RCM Scholarship Fund. The Trustees of the RCM and The Big Give have created a fund to match donations, meaning that for every £1 donated online, the RCM will receive £2. If you have ever considered making a donation to enable talented young musicians to train here, there is no better time. From 10am on Thursday 6 December, please visit www.theBigGive.org.uk to have any donation you make to the RCM (from £1 to £5,000) doubled.

9 Exchanging Views

The river Saône running through the city of Lyon in France

If someone had told me all of this, and Viola player Mark Gibbs studied for the many other things that I learned four months at the music department during my stay in Lyon, I would perhaps of the Academy of Performing Arts in have been more prepared for my time Prague: away, but finding them out for myself has definitely been an integral part of “I had a great relationship with my the experience. After all, the main draw viola teacher – Jan Peruška – at the of doing an Erasmus exchange was the Academy. He gave me a fresh insight opportunity to take some time out of into my playing and opened my eyes studying at home, in order to see what it to new ideas regarding the pieces I is like to study in a country with different took to him. I cannot recommend musical and social cultures. Prague enough to anyone wishing to take part in an Erasmus exchange. My first encounter with members of Everything I wanted to gain from Carlo Colombo’s bassoon class at the Christina Marroni (right) my exchange I managed: new ideas CNSMD Lyon was in the courtyard of for my playing, a different culture the college, over a coffee and rapid and language and a change from the Every year about 20 RCM students and conversation in French, which I only hustle and bustle of London.” staff take advantage of the Erasmus vaguely understood. My second was exchange programme, traveling to all when I found myself listening to four corners of the globe to experience life the bassoonist in the practice room no orchestral projects, I had the time in a different conservatoire. Bassoonist next to mine, as they went through to do so. I also had the space to work, Christina Marroni tells Upbeat about the their scales in thirds, fourths, fifths, thanks to the way the practice room three months she spent in France studying forwards, backwards and upside down allocations were organised and pleasantly at the Conservatoire National Superieur at a metronome mark of around two understanding neighbours. I discovered de la Musique et Danse (CNSMD). gazillion. I can’t do that. Cue onset of an too that the focus of the French school inferiority complex. (To this day, I don’t towards extreme technical proficiency A postgraduate bassoon student’s guide actually know which of the bassoonists it was occasionally at the loss of a wider, to three months in the French city of was, but I’m going to continue believing musical horizon. Lyon: learn the language, take three it to be the one who, shortly after the Carlo, however, was a fantastic months’ worth of toiletries, buy anything start of term, won a place at the Karajan teacher for both my musical and except salad from the market, don’t Academy in !). technical development. It would be an try to go shopping on a Sunday, trust In fact, it didn’t take me long to realise understatement to say that I learned a cheap wine, be willing to practise your that all of the bassoonists at the CNSMD huge amount. The classes were a hive of scales and studies properly, eat like the were extremely technically proficient and activity, and were open to anyone who Lyonnais (they know their stuff), beware that I would have to work very, very hard wished to come and listen. On some the exchange rate, go to concerts at the to catch up with them! occasions, there could be two or three auditorium – eight euros for any seat in people watching the class (either Lyon the house if you go to the box office an However, as the first few weeks students or those from outside), as well hour before the concert – and, above all, progressed, I discovered that my someone (usually me) tinkering with remember that spirits are sold in single apparent technical downfalls weren’t reeds at the back, not to mention the measures of 50ml rather than 25; so if necessarily the catastrophe I was person being taught who would still be you drink doubles you may end up falling anticipating. Yes, I needed to work, but receiving Carlo’s full attention, even if he off a table and needing to go to A&E. thanks to having very few classes and was also tinkering with someone’s reeds

10 of the class, rather than someone who needed special treatment. I should say that I do speak French (although far from perfectly) and understand it well, but it is amazing how easily music transcends language and even those with limited understanding would have been able to grasp what it was that Carlo wanted from his students. With regards to language, it is no myth that many French are poor at English. As a result, I would recommend anyone wishing to study there has more than Erasmus exchanges are not exclusive a basic grasp of French courtesies and Clarinettist Stephanie Bissell spent to students, Deputy Librarian Peter is able to sustain a normal everyday the autumn term of her third year Horton spent four weeks at the conversation. If you do have to pull the: studying in Malmo, Sweden: Sächsische Landesbibliothek, Staats- “Pardon, Je ne suis pas français” excuse, und Universitätsbibliothek (Saxon you might get some sympathy but you’ll “My teacher was principal of the State and University Library) in not get very far in the supermarket. Malmo Opera and had lots of Dresden: Among the students of the CNSMD, suggestions on my playing. He had there were those who spoke enough me trying lots of new techniques “During my stay I shadowed various and approaches which was brilliant. English to help out floundering foreigners members of staff including the head We had a clarinet performance class and I discovered that being from the UK, of the library’s music department each week where it was compulsory Dr Karl Geck, had an introduction to play a piece and an excerpt. At to reading traditional German first this was terrifying, but as the script, learnt about cataloguing for weeks progressed I began to feel the collaborative RISM database comfortable performing and now and embarked on cataloguing I feel so much more confident to a manuscript of court dances, get on stage and play. Through the including a number with English titles exchange experience I have met some (among them Cockney’s Frolic!). wonderful friends and feel I have grown as a person and as a musician.” And my memories of Dresden? Salome at the Semper-Oper, Bruckner in the Frauenkirche, Vespers in the and Scotland especially, was often a Kreuzkirche, Weber’s house at Pilnitz, useful conversation starter. I also found my first ride on a motor bike, dinner at least one person in my class who was and beer-tasting with Dresden Composer and jazz pianist Toby willing to take the time to hear me speak, music librarians, but perhaps most Nelms spent a semester studying at allowing me the chance to properly of all the welcome I received from the Sydney Conservatorium: formulate sentences, acquire vocabulary everyone I met. The experience was and express myself, and who didn’t zone a thoroughly invigorating one and “Choosing to do an exchange out of the conversation at the first sign of I would strongly recommend other to the Sydney Conservatorium a hesitation or mistake! members of staff to consider a similar was probably the best decision I placement. Not until you have done ever made. When I applied to the Carlo was also fantastic at helping me it do you realise what you can gain!” Conservatorium I didn’t have a with some of the social aspects of living composition professor in mind. As in Lyon – ensuring that I knew the dates it turns out the professor I had – of the Fête des Lumières, (a Lyonnais (usually mine). Every so often he would Damien Ricketson – was fantastic. As spectacle of lights which takes place at turn to the spectators and ask their well as studying composition I also the start of December), and the Fête du opinion on the piece or thrust them a had the opportunity to get involved Beaujolais Nouveau wine festival (the reed to try, regardless of who it belonged in some jazz classes, and took a jazz third Thursday in November). to. This approach ensured the class had harmony and ear training course a community feel, where everyone was which helped me improve vastly as a All in all, the three months that I spent able to offer something. jazz musician. in Lyon were very different from how Overall, I would highly recommend they would have been had I stayed in He taught me in English for a grand total the experience of doing an exchange. London. I have made connections and of one lesson. After that, he spoke in a I found it a perfect opportunity for friends from all over Europe, drastically mixture of French, Italian and English in me to focus on my own progression improved my French and hopefully the same way as he did for everybody as a musician. It also had great improved as a bassoonist! I also had the else. Not only did this mean that anyone personal benefits as I feel far more chance to study with a truly inspirational listening to my lessons was also able to confident in what I am pursuing.” professor to whose class I hope to return understand, but it helped me to feel part as soon as possible.

11 Farewell to Sue

After 18 years at the RCM, Director of Communications Sue Sturrock tells Upbeat her author the first CD-ROM produced by most poignant memories, experiences and achievements… Dorling Kindersley and Microsoft, about world music. It was a very rewarding period for me. DK built its own recording and photographic studio and there was both time and money to do things thoroughly. St Albans International Organ Festival Alongside this, in 1988 I was appointed Artistic Director for the St Albans International Organ Festival. That was possibly the most interesting thing I’ve ever done: working with major orchestras and soloists in the Cathedral. I remember with particular affection the 200 volunteers who seemed to be able to solve apparently insurmountable problems.

Studying at the RCM about vocal performance, but from the For example, I had programmed moment she came onto the stage, I was Vaughan Williams Antarctic Symphony My time at the RCM began badly. I transfixed. Every last sinew was involved with Norman del Mar and the arrived in 1968 as an oboe student, and in delivering the drama. The focused . I planned on my first day there was a freshers’ yet restrained intensity was utterly to back-project images of Scott’s recital which included the stellar oboist absorbing. expedition above the orchestra. At the Roy Carter, who went on to be Principal afternoon rehearsal, I realised that in of the LSO. It was brilliant and I suddenly Teacher, Researcher, Writer, the evening performance the setting realised my place in the hierarchy of Editor sun would stream directly through the talent! The next day I explained how West window rendering the projection I felt to the Registrar John Stainer. He After graduating, I taught a couple of invisible. I wept with disappointment, suggested I stick it out and start on days a week in a school, did some playing but my lighting engineer said he’d work the new joint BMus course with King’s and peripatetic teaching. After six years something out. I couldn’t see how. When London. So I did, and I loved it. I suddenly realised I needed a change it came to the concert interval, as I and I spotted an advert in The Times feared, the sun had moved into position Those of us on the joint course had the for a researcher for an encyclopaedia of and the orchestra was facing blinding best of both worlds. We went to King’s musical instruments. light. But as Norman ascended the for some lectures, and had lessons and podium, darkness fell! In the three hours took part in the orchestral and chamber Lying disgracefully about my editorial between the end of the rehearsal and performance back at the RCM. We skills and typing speed, I got the job. the start of the performance, the lighting spent a lot of time on the number 9 That was the beginning of a totally new man had driven down to London, bus – I pitied my friend who played the life, doing something I really enjoyed. A bought 10,000m2 of black plastic, double bass! general interest book, the encyclopaedia made an enormous roman blind and was a substantial tome which grouped I developed in those years interests arranged for it to be let down just before instruments according to how they were the symphony. And at the end of the that have lasted all my life, particularly played, rather than by historical period opera and contemporary music. A key symphony, it was pulled up as quickly as or country of origin. A new idea, it was a it had come down. A wondrous moment. influence was Edwin Roxburgh, who remarkable success, going to 19 editions taught contemporary techniques for and into nine languages over several Royal College of Music wind players, and a musician I admire years. to this day. There was a 20th-century In 1994 I joined the RCM as Publicity ensemble, and a composer friend After that, I was invited to do various Officer, appointed by Dame Janet wrote an oboe quartet for me which I quirky writing projects including Ritterman, the Director. My office had premiered in the Concert Hall. It was contributing to the BMA’s Encyclopaedia neither a typewriter nor a telephone, a great time to be in London. We had of Family Health and authoring public but it did have a bed and a basin: it access to free tickets to concerts so I health pamphlets for the Central Office was formerly the professors’ rest room. went to countless premieres including of Information, designed for translation Nobody had warned the professors of its Maxwell Davies’s Eight Songs for a into minority ethnic languages. new use so on my first day, when I came Mad King. But the most instructive back from a meeting, I found somebody experience was hearing Janet Baker. As I also got involved in musical projects, lying on the bed! an instrumentalist I didn’t know much and in 1992 I was asked to conceive and

12 The Woodhouse Professional Development Centre In 1999, the RCM was unexpectedly given funds by the Paul Woodhouse Trust, with a specific brief: to create a resource for students to prepare for a working life in music. Dame Janet invited me to set it up and run it. She thought I was the right person to do it as I’d not had a straightforward route through my career. I was amazed. I felt I’d muddled through my life this far, not altogether unsuccessfully, but in a rather ad hoc way. She persuaded me that I had had the perfect ‘portfolio’ career and that I could bring my experience to bear on this new challenge. I included in the The 2005 Woodhouse Professional Development Centre team team my successor as Publicity Officer and other members of staff who worked for the wider College whose expertise Orchestra, and conservatoires such as and artistry to other settings and could be brought directly to the service the Juilliard and Sibelius Academy in situations can be equally valuable. I’ve of students. Helsinki, I began to see how we at the always believed that a musician who RCM could become even more effective. elects to study at a conservatoire has One of the cornerstones of my vision the potential to make a difference with was to give students experiences around Creating RCM Sparks their music. You don’t have to be on which appropriate support could be Working with the community was an the Wigmore Hall platform or leading offered. Professional development area we had neglected, assuming that our the LSO to play a part in musical life. courses have their place, but until you’re graduates would either perform or teach. Take me, for example. I’m proud that standing with an oboe in your mouth, I realised that we needed to provide I’ve earned a living through music all my an expectant audience in front of you at training and experience in creative and life and enjoyed almost every moment. an event you have organised yourself... outreach projects. A colleague in the I could never have predicted this: at 27 I you don’t really know what it feels like to Centre did the groundwork in building thought I was on the scrapheap but the be a self-employed musician. To create relationships with schools and putting RCM training and experience I gained this verismo experience, I brought the in place training for our students. must have opened doors I could never External Engagements team into the After about three years, following the have foreseen. Woodhouse Centre, so we were making arrival of Hayley Clements, RCM Sparks it a real experience all the time. That was was born. What started as a means of Favourite RCM moments? novel; nobody had done it. training our students to work in a school Well naturally I’ve really enjoyed the big environment has grown into a significant projects – who wouldn’t? Mussorgsky’s Travel operation. Sorochyntsi Fair with Rozhdestvensky, I went to North America in 1999 to the Haitink performances with the RCM look at the way careers services were Changing Attitudes Symphony Orchestra, Lachenmann’s run in US conservatoires, visiting the In my early days, few students took residency, Sparks projects, and many Career Development Offices in the responsibility for shaping their careers, memorable Junior Department Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, relying on contacts and hoping the performances. I have a lifetime’s music in New England Conservatory, among phone would ring. The culture has my head to play on demand! others. They gave me insight into changed for the better: I don’t think I’ve several important facets of musical met a single student in the last three But most of all I shall remember training especially getting the balance years who doesn’t understand the need witnessing the transformative effect right between the taught and the lived for initiative and an entrepreneurial of music. By day, I watch students experience. I came back inspired by what approach. troop around the building, sometimes we could do in our own Woodhouse dishevelled, eyes dark-ringed with Centre. Most importantly, I hope the exhaustion, hair wild, shoes dirty. Then, Woodhouse Centre has helped by night, I can see the same students on In 2000 I was awarded a Winston to redefine what it means to be a stage performing as professionals, their Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling successful musician. Back in 1994, startling talent instantly eclipsing any Fellowship, to visit the USA and Finland, success was normally seen as getting concerns I may have had about sartorial to investigate how organisations were into an orchestra or an opera group, or matters. That contrast is thrilling and helping to prepare musicians for work. having an active solo career. Through humbling and has always made me feel By getting inside the Chicago Symphony, the Woodhouse Centre, we’ve tried to proud to be part of such a uniquely Philharmonic, Cleveland convey that bringing your musicianship enriching community.

13 Meeting the supporters...

It must be hard deciding which control them, how do you get musical organisations to support? ideas across to them? We really believe Interestingly it’s one of the best kept it’s important to make sure there’s secrets – we don’t get approached that money available to train students to much. We have a clear structure of what carry out outreach work effectively. we want to support. We try to identify areas that are really worth supporting Are there any benefits to John Lewis? and then go and find somebody who It’s very much part of our philosophy can fill that need or could do with more that donations are not just about support. money. It’s about building long-term relationships – and there are lots of So what criteria do you use? things that we do together. Our Musical Essentially the criteria are youth and Director, Manvinder Rattan takes on music, but there is also a local element an intern each term to help with our which is not specific to young people Music Society which offers practical and that is administered through hands on experience. Coincidentally, the local branches. I generally deal with last two have been the RCM’s Students’ organisations that have a regional or Association President. national impact. College students come and play in Why support the RCM? our shops, often at Christmas time – I Well we’ve been supporting the RCM remember spotting one of our award for many years. I think it goes as far back holders playing in a quartet in Peter Jones as 1997. a few years ago. We also run a series of concerts after work inside our offices and Nigel Brotherton Supporters are always interested in often invite College students to play, as different initiatives. The RCM scholarship well as some of our own musicians, and Having worked for John Lewis for more programme really appealed to us as we these always go down very well. than 20 years, Nigel Brotherton now believe our relatively modest amount advises the John Lewis Chairman on of donations have a strong impact on Do you get the chance to come to many the administration of the company’s the music community. We like concerts at the RCM? donations to various musical causes. Here supporting minority orchestral Yes! I love coming to operas and there are he explains that process and why John instruments (which I have to say can usually one or two award holders playing Lewis is keen to support scholarships and also come in handy for helping out at in the orchestra too. It’s interesting to RCM Sparks at the College. our own orchestral concerts!). I always talk to them and hear how different it really enjoy coming to concerts too and is playing in a pit – particularly for brass How long has John Lewis supported the meeting our award holders afterwards. instruments. They’re so deep underneath arts? I also hope that the scholars get to know the stage that the atmosphere is quite Well it’s actually a long-standing each other through us. dry and it can be difficult to hear. The initiative. John Lewis began as a small one that really stood out for me was haberdashers shop on Street I don’t think any of our previous scholars Orpheus and the Underworld – what an back in 1864. John Lewis’ son, Spedan, have gone on to become ‘superstars’ amazing production! took over the business after his father’s but that’s not really what we’re death and made a number of changes in interested in. What is important to us I also really enjoyed the recent concerts the 1920s including selling the business is to support and encourage a vibrant conducted by Haitink. He is, to my to a trust, the beneficiaries of which musical community of orchestral players, mind, one of the finest conductors are the employees. Anyway, the reason teachers and portfolio musicians. today. I remember talking to one of our award holders, Anna Blackmur, after the this is important is that Spedan Lewis Why were you interested in supporting had two strong personal interests – the concert. She said how much she learnt RCM Sparks? from him – and that she wasn’t going natural sciences and music. In the 1930s Well primary-level music is one of four he was good friends with John Christie to wash her hand for a week after key areas we’re interested in supporting. shaking his! and was even involved in the setting up We’re very keen to support organisations of Glyndebourne (at the time everyone that bring music to young people who thought they were crazy – why would would not otherwise have access to it. you want to set up an opera house in the countryside? Nobody will go!). So really For the first time this year we’re right from that time natural sciences supporting the work RCM Sparks do and music has by tradition remained in terms of teaching students about very important to John Lewis, and also education and outreach work. They under the responsibility of the Chairman. may be fantastic musicians, but not My job is to administer the musical necessarily know what to do when faced donations on his behalf. with a class full of children – how do you

14 Supporting the future of music...

Music has the power to transform lives. Supporters of RCM Sparks Other generous donors Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, The David Ross Foundation Estate of Albert Frost generations of gifted students from around John Lyon’s Charity Estate of Pamela Larkin the world have been guided and inspired Guy Dawson and Sam Horscroft Sir Siegmund Warburg’s Voluntary Settlement at the Royal College of Music. We would EMI Music Sound Foundation Paul and Ruth Idzik like to thank in particular those who have The Ernest Cook Trust Tungare Manohar Family Foundation made donations of £1,000 or more in the Dr Susan Sinclair and Rodolphe Olard Linda and Tony Hill* last academic year – gifts are listed in The Stanley Foundation Karen Cook descending order. J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust Sir Roger Carr Roland Rudd Supporters of named scholarships, prizes The Oldhurst Trust Jeremy Furniss Estate of Dr Neville Wathen The Seary Charitable Trust Estate of Ian Evans Lombe Corporate Partners The Rayne Foundation Estate of David Young BP International Ltd The Sharp Foundation Leverhulme Trust Royal Garden Hotel Miss Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust Estate of Roselyn Ann Clifton Parker Hatch Mansfield Fidelio Charitable Trust ABRSM Members of the RCM Opera Circle The Derek Hill Foundation The Wolfson Foundation Philip and Christine Carne* St Marylebone Educational Foundation The Michael Bishop Foundation Michael and Ruth West* The Rothermere Foundation The Richard Carne Charitable Trust Victoria Sharp Geoffrey Richards HonRCM H R Taylor Trust Charles and Kaaren Hale Mr and Mrs Grace Laurie Barry and the John Barry Scholarship Sir Vernon and Lady Ellis Dasha Shenkman for Film Composition Gisela Gledhill * Nicholas and Carol Paumgarten H F Awards James and Clare Kirkman* Serena Fenwick John Lewis Partnership Scholarships Dr Mark Levesley and Christina Hoseason* Webster and Davidson Mortification for The Tsukanov Family Peter and Dimity Spiller the Blind Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust Vivien McLean Professor Colin Lawson FRCM The Worshipful Company of Musicians Sir Peter and Lady Middleton FRCM Sir John and Lady Parker Sir Sydney and Lady Lipworth The Reed Foundation Ann Driver Trust Croucher Hong Kong Charitable Trust Christina Hoseason * Richard and Sue Price Morgan, Lewis and Bockius The Hon Ros Kelly Charles Lubar Ackroyd Trust Members of the RCM Piano Circle Blair Wilson Award The Stanley Picker Scholarship Alethea Siow and Jeremy Furniss* Peter Granger Stephen Catto Memorial Scholarship Judy Mowschenson Sir Michael Parkinson The Worshipful Company of Drapers Terry Hitchcock Victoria Moore-Gillon The Tsukanov Family Irene Hanson Scholarship Members of the RCM Patrons’ Circle Janis Susskind HonRCM Ian and Meriel Tegner Jane Barker* Michael Steen OBE HonRCM Jane Barker John Nickson and Simon Rew* Sir Cyril Taylor GBE Emma Rose and Quentin Williams Tania Chislett Katharine Long John and Catherine Armitage Ellen Moloney Don and Jennifer Robert Ian Stoutzker OBE CBE FRCM Sir Anthony Cleaver FRCM and Lady Cleaver Knights of the Round Table Derek Butler Trust John Cheng Ian and Lesley Millar Andrew and Karen Sunnucks Betty Sutherland Sir Jeremy and Lady Morse The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Costas Kaplanis Sir Michael and Lady Perry John Ward The Opperby Stokowsky Collection Trust Michael Crawford Rhoddy Voremberg Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Junior Fellowship The Everard Foundation Dimity and Kerry Rubie Helena Morrissey Phoebe Benham Junior Fellowship Richard Hamilton The Mills Williams Foundation Russell Race * also support a named award The Charles Peel Charitable Trust David Poultney Sir Roger and Lady Carr Award Ruth Rothbarth For more information about supporting the Richard and Rosemary Millar Halina and John Bennett RCM, please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/supportus Mark Loveday Scholarship David and Sue Lewis Alternatively, contact the Irisa Frankle on Steinway & Sons Monica Moezinia 020 7591 4861 or [email protected] Jonathon Bond Celia and Andrew Curran Scholarship The Wyseliot Charitable Trust Independent Opera Artist Scholarship Welcome to new Friends and Supporters Lark Insurance Scholarship We are delighted to welcome the following people who have recently made John Nickson and Simon Rew their first donation to RCM Russell Race South Square Trust Mr David Bentley Mrs Anna Koffer Mrs Eva Slone-Murphy Richard and Debbie Ward Mr and Mrs John Botts Dr Helen Liversidge Mr Michael Smith David Laing Foundation Scholarship Mrs Lillian Frances Burke Ms Zoë MacGibbon Mrs Katrina Stewart Mrs Helen Butler The Earl of Lauderdale Mr Andrew and Mrs Karen Noswad Charity Mr Paul De Thierry Dr Christine Melville Sunnucks The Wall Trust Mr Geoffrey Dellar Mrs Sally Morris Miss Barbara Waine Edward Brooks FRCM Mr Alun Evans Mr Jacek Opienski Mr Richard and Sir Peter and Lady Walters Award Mr Peter Ford Mr Noel Otley Mrs Debbie Ward Douglas Downie Dr H Fossa Mrs Anne Power Mr Tim Ware Sir Gordon Palmer Award Mr David Gendron Ms Peggy Quek-aziz Ms Susan Waterhouse Else and Leonard Cross Charitable Trust Ms Sarah Griffin Mr Michael Rolfe Mr Clifford Watson Kirby Laing Foundation Mr Jonathan Gulliford Dr Ildiko Schuller Mr Nigel Winkle The Bliss Trust Mr James Kneifati Mr Nicholas Selman Mr John Wright

15 Student notes String successes Spotlight on… Violinist Emre Engin won the title ‘Young Soloist of the Year 2012’ at the Istanbul Music Festival… Violinist Sujin Park won First Prize at the Jeunesses International Violin Competition in Bucharest. Sujin performed a winning programme of Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante in A op 21 and Lalo’s Symphonie Hannah Tarley Espagnole… Violinist Aisha Syed

performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto no Martini © Marco Photo 5 in Zurich… Violinist Hannah Tarley RCM Baroque Chamber won the Aspen Music Festival’s Concerto Keyboard Ensemble Competition 2012. The prize included a performance with the American accomplishments In September, the RCM Baroque Chamber Ensemble gave four Academy of at Aspen… Vasco Dantas Rocha won First performances in Italy by invitation Cellist Kristiana Ignatjeva performed Prize at the XIII International Piano of the ‘Associazione Musicale Karl Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations at the Competition “Cidade do Fundão” 2012 Jenkins’. Watford Colosseum with the Purcell in Portugal. Vasco performed a winning School Symphony Orchestra… Cellist Some of the best undergraduate programme of Beethoven’s Sonata op Yuki Ito won the European Young and postgraduate students from 31 no 3 and six Preludes by Debussy… Concert Artists Competition in Leipzig. the RCM Historical Performance Tak Man Chow won Third Prize at the The prize included solo engagements at department, including Elspeth Centenary Organ Competition, run prestigious venues throughout Europe Robertson (recorder, baroque oboe), by the Glasgow Society of Organists… and a ticket to the competition’s Grand Yu Wei Hu (baroque flute),Ben Pianist Oxana Shevchenko won First Final held in New York… Guitarists Norris (baroque violin), Sophia Prize and the audience prize at the finals Anagnostou (baroque violin), Tom Ellis and alumna Laura Snowden of the Sheepdrove Intercollegiate Piano Matyas Csiba (baroque viola), won First Prize at the Liechtenstein Competition in Newbury. George Ross (baroque cello), Pia International Guitar Duo Competition. Pircher (viola da gamba), Jadran Duncumb (theorbo) and Richard Moore (harpsichord), accompanied by Head of Department Ashley Solomon, performed in Nemi, Fascati, Rome and Venice. The group gave an exciting and varied programme of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, promoting four different national styles of baroque music, and for various instrumental combinations. The tour provided students with a unique opportunity to perform baroque chamber concerts in some of the major Italian cities. They met Italian musicians specialising in Oxana Shevchenko Historical Performance, exchanging performance and interpretation ideas. The concerts were Ian Tindale was joint winner of the enthusiastically supported by local prestigious Gerald Moore Award for conservatoire professors, students piano accompaniment, performing songs and the general public, including HM by Michael Head, Schumann and Duparc Ambassador to the Holy See, Nigel with singer Bradley Travis… Pianist Baker, in Rome. Tsoy has become a Laureate Watch a video of one of their of the prestigious XVII Santander concerts at www.rcm.ac.uk/hp/ International Piano Competition Paloma highlights Tom Ellis and Laura Snowden O’Shea in Spain.

16 Spotlight on…

Joanne Sy

Compositions by Ewan Clark and Composition Richard Ford have featured in the recent BBC series Treasures of Ancient Rome. congratulations The Auckland Symphony Orchestra also RCM Junior Department composer Amy commissioned and twice performed a Bryce won the Yorke Dance Project suite of highlights from Ewan’s feature Young Composers Competition with her film scoreHotspot… Adam Kornas has work Marilyn’s Darkroom, based on letters been shortlisted for The Lord Mayor’s Marilyn Monroe wrote to her psychiatrist Composition Award with his string after being committed to a clinic in New quintet, Paradise Regained. His work Park Quartet York suffering from mental exhaustion. for chamber orchestra Cortege was also Imagine the scene – a small medieval Her piece forms part of Yorke-Edgell’s performed by the London Contemporary village perched on a rocky outcrop new dance work, Noted, based on letters Chamber Orchestra at St George the deep in ‘France Profonde’. Green written by historic or iconic figures. Martyr on Borough High Street… Joanne hillsides and hot weather, the Sy has been commissioned by the Hong twinkle of the river in the distance, Kong Arts Development Council to write a beautiful ancient Romanesque a score for Before Friday, an independent church and Halle de la Justice (where film. She has also been shortlisted by medieval miscreants were hanged at Chinawest International Productions the door…). to compose a work for their upcoming This was the setting for the week music project Hey Youth… Composer long residency of the Park Quartet has been awarded Arne Gieshoff (Eunsley Park, John Garner violins, the coveted Royal Philharmonic Society Marie Schreer viola, and guest Composition Prize for 2012. The award is cellist George Ross) at the 2012 supported by the Delius Trust and RVW ‘Association Musicale de Combret sur Trust and includes a commission for the Rance’ music festival. Philharmonia Orchestra’s Music of Today series. Hosted by the President Patricia Gane, artistic advisor Peter Gane and local families, the quartet presented Other activities four public concerts: an informal Lord Black and Amy Bryce reception by a swimming pool, a Kensington Brass, a brass dectet buffet lunch concert overlooking featuring Ryan Linham, Toby Street, the hills, an evening concert in the Pedro Faria Gomes’ work Contraluz, Adam Stockbridge, Tom Griffiths, church and a private concert for commissioned by Guimaraes as the 2012 Finlay Bain, Tom Barton, Adam Taylor, sponsors. European Capital of Culture, has been Gordon Maclachlan, Jim Alexander The festival aims to provide an premiered by the Fundação Orquestra and Stephen Calow spent ten days opportunity for young talented Estúdio in Portugal. He has also been in Kerkrade, Holland this summer, musicians to experience the unique chosen as an associate composer of performing at the Orlando festival. French country life in an unspoiled the London Symphony Orchestra’s Performances included a world premiere region of great beauty. Soundhub. with tuba virtuoso Oren Marshall.

17 Staff notes

in Greece. He also gave a lecture recital Violin and viola professors Yuri Zhislin on British composer Rebecca Clarke at and Natalia Lomeiko have performed Birkbeck University and performed in in and St Petersburg with the various festivals, including the inaugural Russian Virtuosi of Europe. They will Belsize Midsummer Music Festival. perform Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Britten’s Double Concerto with the Oxford Philomusica at the Sheldonian Theatre on 6 December.

Madeleine Mitchell Ian Jones

Violinist Madeleine Mitchell has Composition professor Jean-Philippe premiered a new work by David Calvin has conducted and recorded Natalia Lomeiko and Yuri Zhislin Matthews. His Romanza was performed 12 new works at Klasik Keyifler, a new in Suffolk in October with a further music festival in Turkey (including a Junior Department composition performance scheduled in London early new piece by RCM composer Camilo teachers David Sutton-Anderson next year. Commissioned by Madeleine, Mendez). Jean-Philippe also gave a and Avril Anderson have given a with funding from the Cohen Trust, lecture at the Science Museum exploring presentation at the World Dance Romanza is published by Faber Music in how electronic music has changed Summit conference at the Taipei two versions: solo violin with strings composition, particularly focusing on the National University of the Arts. The topic op 119 and violin and piano op 119a. influence of Iannis Xenakis. This talk was was Sound Moves, an annual project part of the Oramics to Electronica series. which provides the opportunity for JD Junior Department piano teacher composers to collaborate with young Yekaterina Lebedeva has been involved choreographers and dancers, culminating in an exciting project working with in performances at both the RCM and young Palestinian pianists and string the Robin Howard Dance Theatre at The players from the West Bank and Gaza Place. brought to the UK under a joint British Council/Choir of London Bursary Piano professor John Blakely’s book Scheme. The project aims to improve God in the Dark has been published by young people’s aspirations and the Wild Goose Publications, under the quality of music-making in Palestine. pseudonym ‘Peter Longson’, with a cover designed by RCM Facilities OfficerChris Composition professor Kenneth Tomlin. A recent review in the Church Hesketh’s work Knotted Tongues was Times said it was: “an exquisitely written given its world premiere by the Seattle exploration of the problem of suffering... by Symphony Orchestra in October, Camilo Mendez (left) and Jean-Philippe Calvin (right) far the best and most life-affirming book conducted by RCM alumnus Ludovi that I have ever read about the problem Morlot. Also on the programme was the of pain.” first performance ofMoler, written by Junior Department piano teacher Clara Kenneth’s wife Arlene Sierra. Rodriguez has performed at the Purcell Assistant Head of Programmes Dr Rooms at the Southbank Centre. Her Natasha Loges is in Berlin for the Piano professor and Assistant Head programme featured solo piano and 2012/13 academic year, on a grant of Keyboard Ian Jones has given chamber works, including the London funded by the Arts and Humanities masterclasses at the Royal College of premiere of Three Preludes by the young Research Council. She is working on Music in Stockholm, the World Piano Venezuelan composer Mirtru Escalona as her book Brahms and his Poets and Conference in Serbia and the Poros well as Piazzolla’s Grand Tango and Four welcomes contact from any RCM International Summer Piano Academy Seasons of Buenos Aires. musicians in the city.

18 In John Cage’s centenary year this was a tribute to the composer who coined Spotlight on… the term ‘prepared piano’. Current RCM students Arne Gieshoff and William Cole also contributed to the programme with short pieces for prepared piano influenced by Cage’s work.

Professor of piano and chamber music Julian Jacobson spent four weeks in Australia this summer, giving two performances of Rachmaninov’s 2nd Concerto in Melbourne, as well as solo and chamber music concerts, Heather Letley masterclasses and a lecture-recital on Liszt and Wagner for the Melbourne Composition professor Joseph Wagner Society. Horovitz’s dramatic work Lady Membership and Events Coordinator Macbeth was performed by Heather Letley volunteered as a Games Mark Messenger, Head of Strings, has celebrated American mezzo Susan Maker at the London 2012 Olympic presented a paper “Bridge Over Troubled Graham on a 14-city recital tour of Games. Heather worked as a member of Waters” at the 2012 International Music North America, Europe and Australia the security team based at the Olympic Institutions Leaders Forum in Beijing. earlier this year. Accompanied by Park for nine days over the Olympic He also completed the first ever Ealing pianist Malcolm Martineau, the period. She was proud to be one of the half marathon in 1 hour and 35 minutes. tour included a performance at 70,000 Games Makers, who have been In 2013, he will be running the London London’s Wigmore Hall. The CD of given high praise for their outstanding Marathon once again to raise money in the programme, entitled Virgins, enthusiasm and dedication in making support of students who wish to come to Vixens and Viragos, is available on the Olympics a success. the RCM. Onyx Classics. Jazz trumpet professor Mark Armstrong Horovitz’s work is a dramatic scena has been appointed Artistic and Music based on Shakespeare’s Director of the National Youth Jazz Macbeth which illustrates the character of Orchestra (NYJO). The orchestra was Lady Macbeth and her descent into founded in 1995 and is a showcase for madness. Commissioned by the the country’s best young jazz musicians. Bergen Festival in 1970, it has since been performed by alumnae Sarah Walker (who has recorded it with Graham Johnson) and Della Jones, as well as other distinguished mezzos including Norma Procter, Felicity Palmer, Catherine Wyn-Rogers and Susan Bickley. The most recent Lady Brahms Macbeth was 2012 Kathleen Ferrier piano music Ashley Wass Award winner Kitty Whately, who Leon McCawley performed the role at the University Piano professor Ashley Wass has signed of Leeds Clothworkers Centenary HANDEL VARIATIONS OP. 24 WALTZES OP. 39 a three-disc partnership with Orchid Concert Hall in March. PIANO PIECES OP. 118 Classics. The first album has just been released and features Liszt’s transcription of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Piano professor Norma Fisher was performed on the Girikowsky fortepiano part of the jury of the 2012 Sydney Piano professor Leon McCawley’s at Restoration House, Rochester. A recital International Piano Competition of recording of solo works by Brahms disc ‘Back to Bach’ will follow in 2013. Australia. She is also to be made a Fellow for Somm Recordings was selected by of the RNCM later this year. Classic FM as CD of week in July. He also Professor in piano accompaniment looks forward to concerts at Wigmore Simon Lepper has performed at the Organ professsor Margaret Phillips gave Hall and Royal Festival Hall with the Buxton Festival with alumnus Andrew the first UK performance ofHommage à Philharmonia in January. Kennedy, the Presteigne Festival with Liszt by Lionel Rogg at St Paul’s Cathedral. Gillian Keith and Petworth Festival with She also taught at the Académie Tibor RCM Piano Supervisor and Technician Valentina Nafornita. He looks forward Varga in Sion, and the Chris Moulton has featured in the BBC to a recital at the Musée d’Orsay with International Summer Academy in Radio 3 programme ‘Preparing a Piano’. alumna Rosie Aldridge in December. Haarlem, Holland.

19 Alumni notes

Pianist Nicholas McCarthy has turned to presenting for the recent BBC Radio 3 season dedicated to the piano. Nicholas took the letter L for ‘left-handed’ in an A to Z of the piano and used it as an opportunity to explain more about the range of music available for one-handed pianists and how some of these works came to be written.

Music Off Canvas

Nicholas McCarthy Music Off Canvas, featuring flautist Clarinettist William Stafford has Hannah Grayson, oboist Vanessa performed at Lorn Live, a new chamber Howells and bassoonist Sophie music festival in Oban, Scotland. The Folk group Tir Eolas, founded by RCM Crawford, has collaborated with RCA afternoon recital included Mozart’s alumni Georgie Harris, Pip Mercer, alumna Candida Powell-Williams to Kegelstatt Trio in E flat major K 498 and Laura Snowdon and current student create a piece of promenade music Bruch’s Eight Pieces op 83. Ruairi Glasheen, has been awarded a theatre. Glissando was launched at place on Live Music Now. Founded by Salisbury Arts Centre in July and was Alto flute specialist and artistic director Yehudi Menuhin and Ian Stoutzker, the managed by the Woodhouse Professional of rarescale Carla Rees has released scheme aims to bring joy and inspiration Development Centre. a disc of music by the ensemble’s to those who have limited access to composer in residence RCM professor conventional music-making, as well as Composer Lauri Supponen’s work Michael Oliva. features the helping to develop the careers of young The Dordrecht Humaphone has been song cycle ‘Dover Beach’ as well as three talented musicians. premiered by the BBC Singers at the works for alto flute and electronics. She is Cheltenham Festival. He received the also behind the launch of a new specialist Composer Oliver Rudland has written commission from the Royal Philharmonic publishing house for low flute music. The The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark, Society Susan Bradshaw Composers idea behind the initiative is to promote a new opera for children. Based on Jill Fund after winning the 2011 RPS and encourage more performers to take Tomlinson’s classic book, it received its Composition Prize. on some of the works that have been first performance in November last year composed for rarescale. at Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge Oompah Brass, known for their www.tetractys.co.uk with children from local schools. Bavarian-style re-workings of popular songs, has recently seen victory at the Haizetara International Street Band Contest 2012. The band formed six years ago at the RCM and three original members still remain – Nathan Gash, Lucy Leleu, and Sam Pearce.

Carla Rees

Conductor Jacques Cohen’s opera The Lady of Satis House has received two performances at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. Based on Charles Oompah Brass Dickens’ Great Expectations, the operatic monodrama for soprano and string quartet featured alumna Marie Vassiliou accompanied by the Piatti Quartet.

20 Kit Chi Lau has won first prize in the Two works by composer Simon Pianist Dominic Ferris has joined Centenary Organ Competition run by Coleman were premiered at the the team of the new musical Finding the Glasgow Society of Organists. She Paralympic Torch Lighting Ceremony at Neverland, which received its world was also awarded the David Sanger Stoke Mandeville. He co-produced the premiere in Leicester Square in Memorial Bach Prize. music for Driving Inspiration: Light Up September. He is working as a vocal the Word, an animation celebrating the coach and assistant to the musical Violinist Leonard Schreiber performed history and values of the Paralympics, director, David Charles Abell. Bruch’s Violin Concerto with the and wrote the music for a short London Firebird Orchestra at St George’s documentary The Mandeville Legacy Jonathan Pitkin’s Con Spirito for piano Hannover Square in Mayfair for the charting the birth of the Paralympics. and disklavier has been included in 35th anniversary concert of The Story the British section of the International of Christmas, an annual charity event to Baritone Edward Grint and counter Society for Contemporary Music World raise money for disadvantaged young tenor Jake Arditti have been awarded Music Day in Poland 2014. The work people and the homeless. major prizes in the Cesti International explores the dramatic potential of the Baroque Opera Singing Competition disklavier, which seemly plays itself, Pianist Florian Uhlig has released in Innsbruck. Edward was awarded paired with a live performer. the third volume of his recordings Second Prize as well as a role in Gluck’s of Schumann’s solo piano works for Iphigenie en Aulide at the Theater an der Conductor Robert Hodge has been Hänssler Classic. Florian also gave Wien and at the Barockoper: Jung in appointed Musical Director of Stoneleigh performances of Schumann’s Piano Innsbruck. Jake was awarded a concert in Youth Orchestra, one of London’s leading Concerto with the Beijing Symphony Rahmen des Festivals della Valle d’Itria, and longest established youth orchestras. Orchestra and the Orchestre de la Garde Martina Franca in Italy. Robert takes up the position in April Républicaine in Paris. In addition, he is 2013 and succeeds Adrian Brown who is entering his fifth year as Artistic Director The Glendower Duo, featuring leaving the post after 40 years. clarinettist Hannah Morgan and pianist of the Johannesburg International Violinist Laura Samuel has been Mozart Festival. Thomas Besnardhas released a CD featuring music by Paul Patterson, appointed leader of the BBC Scottish Julian Anderson, Hugh Wood and Symphony Orchestra. She took up the RCM professor Harris Kittos. The CD post at the start of the 2012–13 season is available to purchase through their with a performance of Richard Strauss’ website: www.glendowerduo.com Alpine Symphony, conducted by Donald Runnicles at the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Glendower Duo

Florian Uhlig Laura Samuel Pianists Katherine Tinker, Alex Wilson and Antoine Françoise have Composer Russell Hepplewhite has performed alongside members of Composer David Braid’s CD of chamber been awarded the PRS David Bedford at a concert at Kings and instrumental works has been Music Education Award for his new Place. ‘Minimal Materials 1’ showcased released on Toccata Classics. To celebrate opera for young people. Laika the compositions by Graham Fitkin and its release, David organised a concert at Spacedog was commissioned by English Laurence Crance including Flak, a piece the Purcell Room and featured on BBC Touring Opera and will feature in for eight hands, which they performed Radio 3’s In Tune with fellow alumnus their 2013 spring tour, which includes with the composer. and pianist Sergei Podobedov. performances at the Science Museum and Snape Maltings. Pianist Dan Marginean was awarded Elmar Gasanov has won Third Prize a scholarship to participate in the at the Géza Anda International Piano Soprano Natasha Day has won First Encuentros Internacionales de Música Competition in Zurich. He was also Prize at the Zlote Glosy Competition in Spain. He enjoyed masterclasses with awarded the special Schumann Prize at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland. Fernando Puchol, Jean-François Antonioli from the concert agency Artists Natasha has also taken up a place at ENO and Andrei Gavrilov and also gave Management Company Ltd for the Opera Works, a training programme for three concerts at the Centro de Arte, best Schumann interpretation of the talented opera singers. Alcobendas. competition.

21 Obituaries and births

David Tod Boyd, professor at the RCM’s in two secondary modern schools in Obituaries Opera School for many years, died on 29 Sittingbourne, Kent. She also founded July 2012. Born in 1924, David studied at a girls’ choir, and had many private Hubert Dawkes FRCM, keyboard the RCM during the Second World War. pupils, who remember her meticulous professor at the RCM from 1946 Having helped to sweep incendiaries off technique and musicality. to 1987, died on 12 May. Though the College’s roof, David was called up for principally remembered as an organist service just before completing his three Russell Brown, long-standing Friend and pianist, he also played violin and years of study. Happily, he returned in of the RCM, passed away on 16 July viola. Born in 1916, Hubert studied 1946 studying piano with Kendall Taylor after a brief illness. Russell spent his life organ at Winchester Cathedral and, and clarinet with Frederick Thurston, involved with the arts, holding positions encouraged by George Dyson, applied achieving ARCM (Piano Solo) in 1943 at Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Shakespeare to the College. He entered as a Scholar and ARCM (Piano Teaching) in 1947. In Company and most significantly, as in September 1935, remaining until addition to his important contribution Bursar of the nearby Royal College of Art. December 1938. An outstanding student, to the College’s vocal and opera He was also a Trustee of the Royal Ballet he was awarded the Wesley Exhibition, departments, David was chorus master Benevolent Fund. the Kenneth Bruce Stuart Prize and the and repetiteur at Sadler’s Wells, as well as Bruce Scholarship in 1936. In 1937, he Lord Carbery, long-standing Friend of a frequent musical director in the West was awarded the Arthur Normand Prize the RCM, died on 28 July aged 92. He End and at the National Theatre. and the Tagore Medal and, in 1938, the had a great love of music and poetry, as Prize. RCM alumnus, award-winning composer well as a deep interest in agriculture. A and eminent professor Ian Parrott died devoted Catholic, he was buried in the Johannes Johansson HonRCM, on 4 September 2012. Ian arrived at the ancient family vault of Castle Freke, a Principal of the Royal College of Music RCM when he was 16 years old, studying spectacular ruin overlooking the Atlantic in Stockholm since 2006, and from organ with Henry Ley, conducting with in west Cork. 2005–2011 President of the Association Professor Kitson, piano with Hilda Klein of European Conservatoires, has died. and singing with Albert Garcia. He went After studying music, philosophy and Births on to complete his DMus at New College, the history of science, Johannes worked Oxford in 1940. Ian later served in World Clara Hélène Le Crapper was born on 8 mainly as a composer, notably of vocal War II; his war service in Egypt inspiring June 2012 to Development OfficerJoana music and of music-mixing instruments the symphonic poem Luxor, which won Witkowski and her husband Jérôme Le and electro-acoustic sounds. He also the Philharmonic Society First Prize in Crapper. published widely on music education 1949 and marked Parrott as a rising star and contemporary music, and served as Joseph Oliver Taylor was born on 25 in British music. The following year he an expert on committees and advisory August to Academic Registrar Elly was appointed to the Gregynog Chair of groups in many European countries. He Taylor, a younger brother for Amelie. Music at Aberystwth University, where will be remembered by colleagues all he worked until his retirement in 1983. over Europe as a hugely gifted individual, Elliott Hesketh was born on 9 September He became immersed in the musical life deeply committed to the principles to Composition professor Kenneth of Wales and helped found the Guild for of conservatoire training and to the Hesketh and his wife Arlene Sierra. the Promotion of Welsh Music. advancement of music more widely. Richard Nunn, keyboard professor for OBE FRCM, keyboard many years, died on 28 August. Born in professor at the RCM from 1955 to 1990, 1937, David studied at the RCM with Eric has died. Born in in 1920, Harrison and Hubert Dawkes from 1954 Colin studied at the RCM from 1936 to 1960. He was awarded his ARCM in with and Angus Morrison, 1955. In July 1961 he joined the music and later with and staff of the old Sadler’s Wells Opera and . He enjoyed a long and in November 1965 he progressed to the successful career, making his debut in , Covent Garden. He 1943 at a Royal Albert Hall Prom playing Clara Hélène Le Crapper returned to the RCM in 1978 to teach Bach’s Concerto for Three Keyboards. in the Keyboard Faculty, in particular Always interested in contemporary piano accompaniment, as well as music, Colin premiered Humphrey teaching repertoire in the Opera and Searle’s taxing First Vocal Faculty. He retired 24 years later in 1946 and ’s Piano in 2002 after seeing a new generation of Concerto two years later. He formed a musicians thrive under his stewardship. close artistic association with Berkeley, premiering several of his piano works, June Morgan (née Colthup) died on

andcommissioning a Trio for Horn, 8 September. She attended the RCM Violin and Piano. Appointed OBE in from 1946–1950, studying singing 1963 and FRCM in 1973, Colin eventually with Dorothea Webb and piano under retired to the Isle of Man, close to where Kathleen McQuitty. She went on to his grandfather was born. teach music and work as an accompanist Joseph Oliver Taylor with sister Amelie

22

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