ISSUE #76

Newsletter

The International founded Summer 2020 by

Registered Charity 312010

being a small school beat. We are immensely Welcome are many, but proud to be able to say specifically during that we have maintained At the beginning of this term, I began these strange 100% engagement my role as Headmaster here at The times it has throughout the . I hope readers allowed us to be Summer term and will be understanding if I say that it nimble and get now look forward to was a very strange beginning – strange online learning the culmination of to move to a place that is meant to be up and running our hard work - our full of life and music, but instead is very quickly. Our Summer Festival. Like silent. Strange to join a school without Timetable Officer Dave Ben and family most things these days, it meeting any children, staff or parents. Greenwood seems to use will look different and sound But the strangeness very quickly some sort of sorcery to enable us to different, but we are confident that subsided when it became clear to me mirror very closely our usual timetable the collective pride and warmth that the palpable sense of community that across continents and time-zones. is generated by the celebration of our permeated through the ether even into We’ve shared concerts, both archival learning, growing and making music Microsoft Teams meetings. and new, with our community across together will not be dulled by the the globe, collaborated with musicians distance that divides us. I know that these are difficult times from other organisations and the for everyone, and I appreciate that pupils have completed assessments And when we can finally assemble again all of you will have your own set of and assignments with characteristic in person on site, we will remember challenges to face. As a new member dedication and creativity. The esprit de this term as one that challenged us of the YMS community, I have been corps is fighting fit and it is this sense of and tested us, but ultimately brought constantly uplifted by the collaborative community that has kept us all buoyed us closer together than ever before. overcoming of these challenges, the through these testing times. History will remember the class of 2020 most vital of which is helping our pupils with great admiration. continue their journey to becoming the As is often the case in challenging excellent musicians and exceptional circumstances, creativity comes to the human beings they are destined to be. fore, and the level of ingenuity has been quite inspirational. Nobody would have Everyone has been working hard this believed, even three months ago, that term – teaching virtual classes, taking every pupil and teacher would be able Ben Gudgeon virtual lessons, contacting supporters to continue the educational experience Headmaster and making plans. The benefits of remotely, without dropping a single

WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 1 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

SCHOOL LIFE 2 The Yehudi Menuhin School Coco wins Strings Final at BBC Young Musician STAFF 6 Huge congratulations to Coco goes out to her...she was wonderful.” for her win in the Strings Final “Coco just had something about MENUHIN HALL 8 PLAYS ON of BBC Young Musician. The her tonight. Her phrasing, her After our abrupt closure last term, some of the people who had been looking category finals were recorded expression - totally gripping.” SUMMER FESTIVAL 11 pupils and staff at YMS has been very forward to seeing us. pre-lockdown at the Royal busy finding new ways to learn, teach, Welsh College of Music and One of the commentators was ALUMNI 12 work and play. Many of our performance We also found fresh inspiration and Drama in Cardiff, and the the acclaimed violinist Matthew opportunities sadly had to be cancelled, created new projects with artists outside Strings Final aired on BBC Four Trusler, founder of the recording DEVELOPMENT 14 but with a little help from YouTube, we of our usual community. Read on to hear on 31 May. label, Orchid Classics. Following have been able to share our music with all about it. the broadcast of the Strings Final, FRIENDS 15 Coco played a superb Orchid announced that they have programme of Debussy, Ysaÿe signed an exclusive deal with Coco ‘Tour’ of the North and Hubay, much to the praise to record her debut album. Follow us! of the judges, who said “She had This term usually sees Ruth Nye taking a wonderful sense of ease about Well done Coco. We’re all so proud. If you are active on social media (or a group of pupils to perform in various how she played - it was just a would like to be) please have a look at our venues in Scotland and the North of delight to listen to. My heart various channels. . This tour has been taking place Please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and for many years now and we did not want to Instagram for news, events and images, disappoint our Northern supporters! hosted on YouTube. We sent the link to but best of all is our YouTube channel GPO’s Found Season the venues at which we were meant to which we keep updated with awe-inspiring videos of our pupils playing Schubert, Julius, Daphne, Martin, Hattie M, Hattie perform who, in turn, shared it with their Like other venues, our neighbours Poulenc, Vaughan Williams, Howells and Q, Claire and Rebecca each recorded audiences. The video was viewed more Grange Park Opera in West Horsley more. Through this channel you can watch performances in their homes which were than 600 times. were forced to close earlier this year, and listen to our pupils in the comfort of stitched together to create a single concert and cancel their planned summer your own home whenever you like. season. Undaunted, their founder Follow us on Twitter and Wasfi Kani set about planning a new Instagram @menuhinschool Babar, le petit éléphant - narrated by BBC presenter programme to share online with their audience. More than 70 artists from Find us on Facebook Chris Jarvis all over the world were invited to @yehudimenuhinschool We were thrilled to work with BBC The recording will be available as part contribute, including some of our pupils children’s presenter and founder of our virtual Summer Festival. Check Subscribe to our YouTube who were in the area. channel by searching for of Little Radio, Chris Jarvis, on a the listings in the centre section of this The Yehudi Menuhin School collaborative recording of Poulenc’s newsletter for further information. Coco, Yume, Alasdair, Kingsley, Laura, Babar, le petit éléphant. Poulenc We also update the news section of Claire, Daniil and Sveta were welcomed completed his piece for narrator and our website regularly, so please visit into the Theatre in the Woods in May piano in 1945, after the famous French www.menuhinschool.co.uk/news and, respecting social distancing, were to see what we are up to. children’s book written and illustrated filmed performing on GPO’s stage. by Jean de Brunhoff in 1930.

CONTACT US Their performances will be available Each of the YMS pianists was sent a from 2 July at www.grangeparkopera. The Yehudi Menuhin School movement of the piece to record and co.uk alongside videos of Bryn Terfel, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, submit. These were edited together and KT11 3QQ Simon Keenlyside, Joseph Calleja, sent to Chris to record his narration. The 01932 864739 and artists from the English National finished version was shared with local Ballet, London Symphony Orchestra, www.menuhinschool.co.uk primary schools, many of which would English National Opera and the London usually be joining us this term for our Photography by Julian Andrews, Ioan Davies, Philharmonic Orchestra. Dave Greenwood, Jason Lin and Nigel Luckhurst. annual Primary Schools Concert. Edited by Sarah McDonald.

2 NEWSLETTER /SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 3 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

MDS Schools virtual orchestra Home learning

Collaboration is an essential part This term we were thrilled to be able All of our teachers and pupils have of any musician’s training, and the to work with our counterparts at the been working hard to find new ways global pandemic has presented new other MDS music schools to create a to teach and learn together. opportunities for us to work with other virtual orchestra of over 100 children arts organisations. One of the most locked down all over the globe. Jenny writes: exciting projects for us has been the Despite being at home we have tried Music and Dance Scheme schools Pupils from all of the schools recorded to include some of the investigative virtual orchestra. their individual parts for a new piece and practical tasks involved in of music specially composed for them learning Science. The Music and Dance Scheme was by Chet’s alumnus Gwilym Simcock, created by the UK Department a celebrated pianist and composer The C1s have investigated factors that for Education in 1981 to support producing work across classical and affect their heart rate and reaction exceptionally talented young jazz music genres. times, and have calculated how much from their garden or neighbourhood, recently studied classification, and musicians and dancers regardless pressure they exert on the floor. and to dissect and label the various to identify organisms we often use a of their background and financial The collaborative work will premiere structures within. We had an key. The class photographed twelve circumstances. The other music this July - keep your eyes on our social The C3 class have been studying interesting selection of flowers plants or leaves and made their own schools in the scheme are Chetham’s, media for more information. Composer Gwilym Simcock flower structure, and during a lesson including a beautiful bird of paradise key for the other pupils to identify Purcell, and St they were asked to choose a flower flower from Daphne in Malta. We have their leaves. Mary’s .

Leavers’ destinations to send and finally assist them until help Virtual Vivaldi Fighting Covid-19 gets to them, all under supervision of a doctor. We’ve also been answering As lockdown relaxed a little at the Sussex. For No 9, Kingsley, Özgür, Isabel García González Ghofrane writes: a lot of calls from patients who think end of June, a group of pupils were Daniil and Svitlana were in the I have always loved volunteering they have Covid-19. We listen to their Hugo Haag Guildhall School of Music and able to meet with Ioan Davies and Hall, and Molly and Hattie Q were and there is no better time to do that symptoms and decide if it’s a suspected Drama Technical Director Brian Fifield in at home. For No 2, Coco, Viviane, Nipakorn Limcharoen Currently auditioning than now, in this time of crisis. I have case and if so, send our healthcare staff The Menuhin Hall to record Vivaldi Caterina and Svitlana were on site, been working with the Tunisian Red to test them. I have learned a lot from L’Estro Armonico Op 3 Nos and Darwin and Isabel played Kingsley Lin University of Music Crescent as an Emergency Medical this, and love seeing people sacrificing 2 and 9. from home. and Performing Arts Vienna Dispatcher. Our job is to answer phone their time and risking their lives to calls of people in real emergencies like help others, seeing parents who have Daniil Margulis Royal College of Music Brian recorded their parts and The recording was shared as part accidents and heart attacks, and quickly left their children at home to help - the Lucy and her daughter Evelyn have been then used his renowned expertise of our virtual concert to replace our Molly McGregor Currently auditioning and calmly gather information, identify solidarity and selflessness and the sewing scrubs and scrub bags for nurses to mix them with parts submitted annual event at , and the problem and the location of the genuine desire to help without expecting and care workers at Cedars Care Homes. by other pupils who were at home is available as part of our Summer Carmen Pérez Salmoral Currently auditioning patient, decide which type of ambulance anything back. As Ghandi said, “the best in Tipperary, North Scotland and Festival. See listings for details. way to find yourself is to lose yourself in Viviane Plekhotkine Royal College of Music the service of others.”

Harriet Quick Royal College of Music Pollyanna has continued to work as Ezo Dem Sarici a Nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Departments at both Kingston and Elfida Turan Royal Academy of Music Epsom Hospitals.

Claire Wells Currently auditioning During the Easter break, Joanne worked Many conservatoires have had to delay their in a neonatal ward and was supporting auditions so pupils are patiently waiting for news. Polly with a horse brought in by the NHS Test and Trace system. She will This information was correct at time of printing. local stables to cheer people up return to that in the summer holidays. Lucy’s daughter Evelyn sewing

4 NEWSLETTER /SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 5 STAFF ALUMNISTAFF

Twenty years (plus!) and counting...The Yehudi Menuhin School says thank you to long-serving staff

Continuity and institutional memory are important to any organisation, but even more so at somewhere as unique as YMS. We are remarkably fortunate to have an extremely committed group of people who teach and care for our pupils in a Cathy Whitnall has been Music Adminstrator for 22 years. She remembers, myriad of ways - many of whom have been doing so for a very long time. “When I arrived in September of 1997, the White House conversion from stable block to classrooms was still in progress, so Reception was run from We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stuck with us, and thus will be starting a new feature within the Brackenbury block (now Development). The Ds had their own portakabin these pages to celebrate those who have been with us for 20 years or more. In this issue we will acknowledge everyone outside the kitchen, and the Library was in the Maths classroom - there who currently holds more than 20 years of service, and in future issues will recognise those who reach this milestone. were only 55 pupils! New pupils that year included and a particularly moody cellist (sorry, Bart!) The informality of the School was David Dolan remembers: “Yehudi came to a concert I gave in Paris as a young lad in 1989 in which the second half consisted of improvisations on themes provided by the particularly memorable, as was the provision for the staff at breaktime - audience. Afterwards he came backstage and asked, “Can you teach what you have fresh bread and cakes pretty well every day!” just done, young man?” To my horror he also asked me to come the following week to the School. “I wonder what my kids will say. They always know best”. The following week in the Recital Room a young string quartet was waiting, along with Yehudi who said “If you survive this lot, perhaps we should talk further.” It took three minutes Lutsia Ibragimova remembers: “I started at the School in 1998 when Yehudi to see what he meant! Thomas Carroll was the cellist who would later become Menuhin was still here. I came first as a parent – we moved from Moscow so Professor of Cello and my great duo partner. Nearly four hours later we were still Alina could study with Natasha Boyarsky. When Natasha lost her assistant, she going, and since then I am here and happily so. I stay because of this rare element asked me to join her. I knew only two words of English, but the pupils helped me. in Yehudi’s dream that came true – the fusion between genuine human warmth and I taught them violin and they taught me English. My pupils are like my children authenticity, and zero compromising in the search for musical meaning.” – sometimes I must be strict but they understand that I want to help them to do better - they tell me everything and confide in me. This place is home for me. Caroline Emery was our first double bass teacher and joined in 1991.She loves it Yehudi Menuhin knew what kind of a school he wanted – a big family – and all of because “it is a unique school where the students have time to do things properly, the teachers want to keep this special unique atmosphere. It must be protected.” time is valued and respected. It remains strong with the ability to nurture the students, and has staff that are trusted to do that. Amazing things can happen in lessons and the growth of the students. Almost every day is special. I had a mission and I have to accomplish it - for me this is the best place to devise a Ioan Davies has been coaching Chamber Music at YMS since 1998. He recalls school for teaching the bass. Every day you learn something new as a teacher.” his first day: Everyone played Haydn! I agreed to help out temporarily but I’m still around – pure job satisfaction. Having worked all over the world nowhere else compares to YMS for sheer musical intensity. Being reunited Ruth Nye has been teaching piano at YMS for 28 years. She writes: The Director with a few staff and pupils for recording in The Menuhin Hall this June was of Music (Stephen Potts) asked me to think of some special occasions to boost the one of the most emotional experiences of my life. The pandemic has tested and profile of the five pianists at the School. We went to many parts of England and then strengthened the whole school community to stay together not only now but to Scotland and this still continues today. We also began a tradition of a party at for many years to come. our home just before the Summer Festival. I suggested a concert first, starting at 6pm, followed by a BBQ in the garden, and then the five pianists slept in the attic bedrooms. Back to School in the morning.” Brian Harris arrived at the School on April Fools’ Day 2000 and has been looking after our facilities ever since. He says that the School is more than his Carole Cerasi is our harpischord teacher. She recalls that she “first visited YMS in 1988- workplace - it is also his home, and the pupils and staff are like family. Alumni 89, when Boris was still a student! My teacher, Jill Severs, was the first harpsichord will regularly ring him up to get together, and his colleagues are more than teacher here, and I regularly came with her to observe. I had expected to see some just workmates - they are friends. But what unltimately makes him stay are the intense, nerdy kids with their heads deep in scores but was amazed at the liveliness and children. He says, “They may break things and make a mess but then when you glamour of the pupils! I then spent long periods replacing Jill who was ill, so that by the time I was officially in post in January 1995, the interview felt like a mere formality. YMS see them performing you can see how special they are and there’s nothing better is a treasured part of my life. The contact with both staff and pupils, who feel very much or more important than that.” like younger colleagues, is enriching and stimulating, and always reminds me of why I am a musician. I hope the School can manage the delicate balance between evolving and staying true to itself for many generations to come.”

6 NEWSLETTER / SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 7 THE MENUHIN HALL SUMMER FESTIVAL

Welcome to the Summer Festival 2020 The Menuhin Hall It’s fair to say this has been a term like Opera as part of their Found Season, got the return of the Brackenbury Art at Home no other at YMS. Everything we took for assessment week (done remotely), Exhibition, so it’s sure to be a busy but With the world in lockdown and the granted has been called into question; which gave me the opportunity to hear rewarding end of term! enforced closure of The Menuhin Hall, our way of working has been utterly many of the pupils play for the first we wanted to find a way to bring a little transformed; our ability to collaborate time, and the thrice-weekly Morning I’d like to take this opportunity to offer a light into the homes of the people who has been stripped away; the School Meetings, which have frequently heartfelt thanks to a number of people: have supported us over the years. community has been scattered across featured live music from our students to my new colleagues for making me the globe just at the moment we should and have played such a key role in feel so welcome at YMS, and for being And so The Menuhin Hall at Home was have been closest together. keeping our community so supportive and proactive born. As all of our Showcase concerts connected. in this difficult time; to are meticulously recorded by the But, out of adversity comes opportunity, Cathy for all her brilliant technician on duty, we thought we’d and I’ve been so heartened by the Some of these work on the Festival take advantage of our vast archive of imaginative, innovative ways in initiatives programme; to the wonderful concert videos, and have which our staff and pupils have risen have been so students for their been sharing a different concert each of support has been truly heartening - Though we have enjoyed looking back to the challenges created by this rewarding we’ve enthusiasm, talent week in an email to our community of we are so pleased to have been able to at the special moments of Showcase unprecedented time. We’ve explored decided to feature and creativity, all of Friends and supporters. continue to share with you the incredible concerts past, we are awash with new ways of sharing music, both with them in this year’s which is a constant talents of our pupils. For them, knowing excitement at the opportunity to our wider audience and with each other, much-expanded source of inspiration; to Since then our concert videos have that you are still out there rooting for share some new music during our we’ve learned to value togetherness as Summer Festival. the students’ parents for been viewed over 12 thousand times them has helped them enormously Summer Festival. never before, and we’ve created new Alongside our traditional their support (I appreciate in 14 different countries around the throughout the past few months. initiatives which we will undoubtedly evening Showcase concerts this has been a hugely challenging world. The flood of postive messages We hope you will join us. refine and retain even when the world featuring our students (they have been time for many of you!); and to all of our returns to normal. busily recording their pieces over the Friends and supporters for everything past few days), we’re delighted to offer they do to keep this magical place Next term in The Menuhin Hall Indeed, there are numerous silver- daily talks from respected musicians thriving. linings to have (unexpectedly) emerged and industry figures, a mid-morning Up in the control room behind the note, without worry and uncertainty but The day will come when, once again, from this experience, not least in our platform for live performances from I look forward to seeing you all in last rows of seats a button is pressed. instead with celebration. phones will not be needed to hear growing awareness of technology and pupils (both available to internal person very soon and, in the meantime, Three firm claps are heard from the music. The kitchen will no longer be the endless possibilities it brings to audiences only and internet connections I hope you enjoy our celebration of the stage, then silence. No shuffling of feet, This does not mean that nothing will acoustically desirable and pyjamas enhance our creative work. dependent!), a wonderful composition indomitable spirit of YMS and all that no muffled coughs. The oft-scorned happen in the coming months. We as dress code may fall out of fashion. project led by John Cooney called Sonic we’ve achieved in recent weeks. sounds of the concert hall are gone, are hoping to bring a large number Recordings will once again become a Personal highlights over the last few Postcards, featuring music written and there is only silence from which of exciting events to your home – by-product of music-making and not a weeks have included our virtual Tour of by the students from wherever they It’s fair to say it will be a Summer music emerges. recordings from the past, live concerts, requirement for it. the North, a collaborative recording of currently are in the world, and Encore - Festival like no other. talks, and many occasions for our Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant featuring a mid-afternoon series of performances Despite the stillness and quiet, these community to come together. You will On that day, when we find ourselves all fourteen of our student pianists and given by some of the School’s are not ideal conditions to be making be able to watch and listen on your annoyed by someone clearing their a CBBC presenter, Ioan Davies’ and illustrious alumni. Our leavers are music; and yet, it feels strangely moving phone, tablet or PC; in your garden, throat in the middle of the slow David Dolan’s Red Priest project, the also working hard to create additional to have performers playing together, kitchen, living room; you can choose to movement, let us remember what we opening of a virtual exhibition space, student-led content to support the seeing life on our stage once again. wear your favourite bowtie with your have been through to get there – and a collaboration with Grange Park concert programmes, and we’ve also Director of Music most comfortable slippers, holding a let us treasure what will be a joyful We now know that The Menuhin Hall glass of red or a mug of hot chocolate. moment indeed. will not be open for public events this There are no rules – only that we must Autumn. Not only do we feel that this is not let the music fall silent. I warmly How to watch our Summer Festival the safer, more responsible choice, but invite you to join us, to stay with us as it also gives us an opportunity: when we continue to break the sterile quiet Tamas Reti Our Summer Festival projects will be available on our website at www.themenuhinhall.co.uk. Take a look at the schedule we do reopen, it can be on a positive of an empty concert hall. Menuhin Hall Manager overleaf and find the events you’d like to watch or listen to. When the time comes, just go to our website where there will be a list of what’s on. Click your chosen event to view, and then sit back, relax and enjoy the music!

8 NEWSLETTER /SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 9 SUMMER FESTIVAL SUMMER FESTIVAL WHAT’S ON AND WHEN... SUMMER FESTIVAL 2020 Guide to events THURSDAY 9 JULY 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) • Morning Meetings and live Coffee Concerts are for pupils, staff and parents only. • Sonic Postcards will feature composition projects and sonic postcards created by pupils in their homes during 11am Coffee Concert Live: Stefanija, Eva, Lara (Internal viewing only) lockdown. These will be audio events only, and links to each event will go live every day at 1pm on our website. 1pm Sonic Postcards (Audio only) • Encore is our programme of concerts by YMS alumni and staff. These will go live each day at 4.30pm on our website. 4.30pm Encore: Alexander Sitkovetsky and Wu Qian, Akiko Ono and Melissa Gore • Children’s Corner concerts are aimed at children. 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Eddie, Young, Gökçe, Leon, Esther, Coco, Yume • Showcase concerts will go live on our website each day at 7.30pm. Akiko Ono • All events are subject to change if circumstances require. • All events will be available online at www.themenuhinhall.co.uk on the dates and times listed below. Just go to our FRIDAY 10 JULY website and click your chosen event to view. 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) • Missed something? Don’t worry! Pre-recorded events will be available to view on our website until 1 September. 11am Coffee Concert Live: Jelena, Özgür, Mika (Internal viewing only) 1pm Sonic Postcards (Audio only) SATURDAY 4 JULY 4.30pm Encore: SongHa Choi, Matthijs Broersma, Laura Snowden, Will Duerden with Daniil Margulis 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Daniil, Julius, Kotone, Jackson, Kenza, Tomomasa, Claire Wells with guest Katie Morgan 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Emanuel, Alasdair, Yamato, Alix, Elfida, Viviane with guest Ursula Perks

SUNDAY 5 JULY SATURDAY 11 JULY 2pm Children’s Corner: Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant with BBC presenter Chris Jarvis and YMS pianists 2pm Virtual Vivaldi: Concertos from L’Estro Armonico (details on page 4) with performances from Isabel, Joanne, Pendo, Enpei 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Nathan, Jude, Ludwig, Coco, Ella, Zac, Molly, Hattie Quick, Martin 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Daniil, Carmen, Isla Schwarz, Vadym, Kingsley, Hugo, Özgür, Lara, Tim, Salvatore SUNDAY 12 JULY MONDAY 6 JULY 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Emanuel, Stefanija, Kate, Ghofrane, Benedetta, Kingsley, Isabel, Viviane 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) 11am Coffee Concert Live: Yume with guest Kan Tomita, Rebecca, Evie (Internal viewing only) MONDAY 13 JULY (Audio only) 1pm Sonic Postcards 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) 4.30pm Encore: Tianyou Ma, Kevin Loh, Ning Kam 11am Coffee Concert Live: Coco, Gorka (Internal viewing only) 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Patrick, Kasina, Caitlin, Richard 1pm Sonic Postcards (Audio only) 4.30pm Encore: Thomas Carroll TUESDAY 7 JULY 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Mika, Clara, Jana, Viviane, HaoRan Thomas Carroll 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) Tianyou Ma 11am Coffee Concert Live: Kyota, Emili, Claire Wang (Internal viewing only) TUESDAY 14 JULY (Audio only) 1pm Sonic Postcards 9am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only) 4.30pm Encore: Oscar Perks and Ayaka Shigeno 11am Coffee Concert Live: James, Laura, Kingsley, Duru (Internal viewing only) 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Lukas, Rebecca, Hayden, Seoyul, James, Martin, Nipakorn 1pm Sonic Postcards (Audio only) 4.30pm Encore: Bartholomew Lafollette and WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Tom, Magnus, Isla Forbes, Sasha, Salvatore, Caterina, Ezo 10am Morning Meeting with Special Guest (Internal viewing only - please note change in time) (Internal viewing only) 11am Coffee Concert Live: Nathan, Darwin, Daphne Don’t miss this year’s Brackenbury Art Exhibition in our virtual gallery space, 1pm Sonic Postcards (Audio only) featuring works of art created by our pupils over the Summer term. 4.30pm Encore: Bartholomew Lafollette 7.30pm Showcase Concert: Isabel, Claire Wang, Mariam, Felicia, Selina, Alfie, Henry Just go to www.themenuhinhall.co.uk/summer-festival and click on ‘Brackenbury Exhibition’.

10 NEWSLETTER /SUMMER 2020 11 ALMUNI IN MEMORIAMALUMNI

YMS Alumni in lockdown Sir Alan Traill GBE QSO MA DMus Kaupo Kikkas 7 May 1935—17 April 2020 One of the beacons of light throughout lockdown has been the outpouring Nicolas Chisholm (Headmaster during his visit to Christ’s Hospital he of creative generosity from the arts 1998—2010) writes: conducted the school orchestra. community. Musicians and artists of all ilks have been flooding the I first met Sir Alan Traill in 1990 at Sir Alan’s influence was worldwide, internet with projects of various kinds the Mansion House at a reception and less well-known is his connection - concerts, playlists, masterclasses following a fundraising concert given to New Zealand. He was chairman and virtual galleries of artwork and by the pupils of YMS and Mstislav of the UK/NZ 1990 Committee photography. Our alumni have been Rostropovich. Sir Alan was very much conceiving, organising and funding a of the Education Committee and an extremely busy making sure that there at home as he had been Lord Mayor programme of activities to strengthen innovative way of dealing with Council is no shortage of exceptional classical of the City of London some six years the special relationship between meeting agendas. Sir Alan was always music for everyone stuck at home. before in 1984. During his highly the UK and New Zealand for which keen to understand the complexities successful career in insurance Sir he earned a special New Zealand of a specialist music school and his The Linos Piano Trio Benjamin Baker participated in the Alan became heavily involved in the award, the Queen’s Service Order. His unswerving support and wisdom Wigmore Hall BBC Radio 3 Special Academic Symphony Orchestra of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Complete Corporation of London, joining the expertise in insurance often took him made the burden of the Headmaster Broadcast series on 23 June. You Russia in a thrilling all-Russian Piano Trios on German label CAvi music. Court of Common Council in 1970. to the Bahamas as an expert witness. much easier to bear. can watch it now on Wigmore Hall’s account of Shostakovich’s Violin Soon after in 1975 he became an website. Concertos, released on Hyperion Our Co-President has Alderman for the Langbourn Ward Involvement in specialist education One of the most important tasks of in June. Alina also participated in had to postpone her retirement from thus starting his rise to becoming became a passion when Sir Alan the Governors is the appointment Nicola Benedetti’s foundation created the Wigmore Live series, along the stage planned for this year. We Lord Mayor of the City of London. became a trustee of Treloar College of a new Head and my retirement in the Virtual Benedetti Sessions which with pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout look forward to seeing her back in The in 1986, so it was a a short step 2010 brought this task to Sir Alan. He provided three weeks of daily online (available now on the Wigmore Hall Menuhin Hall soon. In the meantime, Sir Alan’s interest in music and love to becoming a Governor of YMS in undertook the task with his usual care tutorials and inspirational workshops website). she has been giving online classes and of opera encouraged him to join the 2000. Living near Guildford only and attention to detail, securing Dr in May to over 7,000 musicians of all offering Virtual Postcards for people Worshipful Company of Musicians a few miles south of the School Richard Hillier’s appointment before ages and stages across the world. In In May, the Linos Piano Trio - with to send to loved ones. The proceeds in 1989, becoming Master of the meant that he could become closely his own retirement in 2011. June, Nicola also digitally released her alumni Prach Boondiskulchok (piano) from the postcards have been donated Company in 1999. involved. When we embarked on the new album Elgar which features music and Vladimir Waltham (cello) - to Help Musicians UK. The School also construction of The Menuhin Hall in Sir Alan is survived by his son, two by Britain’s best loved composer released the premiere recording of had the pleasure of welcoming Tasmin Sir Alan’s involvement with the City of 2002 Sir Alan volunteered to attend granddaughters and his wife, Lady including his vast Violin Concerto. On to one of our virtual Morning Meetings London brought him into contact with the monthly construction meetings, Sarah Traill, whose support as a 4 July, Nicola will participate in Royal in June where she gave us much Christ’s Hospital where he became an so vital to keeping a project under Friend and a volunteer steward has Albert Home, sharing stories and wonderful inspiration. almoner in 1980, and he soon listed control. His keen eye for detail been invaluable. music from her home. ‘assisting education’ as one of his and understanding of finance were Kevin Loh has been very busy online. major interests. Education and music crucial elements in making the He will be much missed. Luisa Marie Darvish Ghane’s At the end of June, he participated in came together when as Lord Mayor project such a resounding success. ensemble Mirror Strings has released the second season of Michael Ibsen’s a new album called Dedication, which ‘Messy Desk’ livestream series, and Part way through the project consists of pieces written for them by earlier in the month he gave an online John Chadwick, our Chairman of composers from all over the world masterclass for the Calcutta Classical Governors since 2001, became including Germany, USA, Iceland Guitar Society entitled “Advanced seriously ill and in 2004 Sir Alan and Columbia. They will present the Guitar Techniques: From Conception took over the role with enthusiasm CD live on German television in the to Performance”. On Father’s Day he and skill. His experience at other summer and are planning on touring sat down with his father and together schools and in the City brought a next year. they performed ‘Melodico’ from fresh vision to the Governing body. Valses Poeticos by Enrique Granados. His determination to introduce new Alina Ibragimova joined forces with You can watch this and many other ideas to the organisation of the Vladimir Jurowski and the State Luisa Marie Darvish Ghane performances on his YouTube channel. Governors included the establishment

12 NEWSLETTER / SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 13 DEVELOPMENT SCHOOLFRIENDS LIFE

On love in the time of COVID… From the Chairman

Alix de Mauny writes: wonders of technology, nothing is ever Menuhin Hall at Home series. We are Dear Friends, worldwide crisis Treasurer, after quite as good as the real thing. so immensely grateful to you all for would be forced to her 20 years It has been a strange time for us all continuing to support us at this time of Whilst we are all aware of the ongoing leave the School as a Governor and, like everyone else at School, But all is not doom and gloom deep uncertainty. If there is one clear struggles facing Schools and their due to an inability to and Member in the Development department, we – far from it! There have been message to emerge from this global students during the COVID 19 crisis, meet their portion of of the Friends found ourselves having to rip up our some wonderful rays of light and pandemic, it is the fundamental role the news from The Yehudi Menuhin the fees. With a £15,000 Management plans for the Summer term and throw expressions of love (as you will see of music in connecting people – just School is positive and uplifting. Our grant towards bursaries Committee. them out of the window! Normally at below) and we feel - strangely - even seeing the many examples of people pupils are scattered round the globe given in September 2019, the this time of year we would be hosting more connected than before. in lockdown sharing community but they are all able to get online with total donations from the Friends Next year is the 50th Anniversary a whole range of events for our family spirit through singing and playing staff, and teaching is in full swing. this academic year is an astounding of the founding of the Friends of of supporters, both at the School and Perhaps it is the realisation of just instruments from their balconies was £40,000. Thank you to all of you who the School. Firm plans to mark the further afield. what a special place YMS holds in immensely heartwarming, and gave us Ben and Ashley have been thrown into have remained Friends, and given anniversary are on hold until we so many peoples’ hearts: so many all hope for the future of music. the deep end in their new positions additional support through this know when The Menuhin Hall will We have sorely missed welcoming of you have written in to tell us how as Headmaster and Director of Music. incredibly difficult time. re-open. If you have any ideas as you to our pre-concert receptions and much you miss the concerts, and how Thank you all for your part in keeping It has become very quickly apparent to how you would like to celebrate having the opportunity to chat face to much you enjoy being able to see and that hope, and love of music, alive. that the School is in excellent hands We were pleased to “see” so many the anniversary do let us know. We face, and while we have embraced the hear our pupils perform through our thanks to their dedicated and inspiring of you at the Friends AGM, held via will also invite you shortly to tell leadership. They are both very much Zoom, and very much appreciate us how you regard being a Friend, looking forward to meeting all of the your understanding and flexibility and about the various Friends’ A new Steinway is on its way: Friends once the Hall and the School with regards to holding the meeting activities. I do hope that, whilst COVID Hardship Fund can open their doors. virtually. I hope that Ben and Ashley’s we cannot invite you into the Hall – THANK YOU! in memory of Sir Clifford Curzon and his introductions have given you a flavour at present, you will support both wife Lucille (née Wallace) I am particularly delighted to let you of what exciting plans are in store for activities to the hilt as usual.

You have responded with © Fritz Curzon know that the Friends Committee the School from September. We are characteristic generosity to our Imagine our delight when Fritz recently approved a grant of £25,000 very lucky to have Sue Prentice join With very best wishes call for help on behalf of our Curzon, a Trustee of the Wallace to the School to support the COVID us as our new Honorary Treasurer parents, many of whom have Curzon Charitable Trust – a Hardship Fund. This Fund was set and, once again on behalf of all the been adversely affected by the longstanding supporter of the School up to ensure that no pupil suffering Friends, I send my thanks and best COVID pandemic. – got in touch with us to say that the financial hardship due to the wishes to Susan Mitchell, the outgoing Sir John Baker Trust was winding down and wanted Chairman of the Friends of Thanks to your support, through to make a significant donation to the Friends’ Annual General Meeting The Yehudi Menuhin School donations and through forgoing School as a parting gift. ticket refunds from The Menuhin Thank you to everyone who joined us on Tuesday 23 June for our first ever Hall, we have raised sufficient It took less than five minutes for virtual Friends Annual General Meeting. We had an incredible turnout and we Friends Survey funds to help those of our us to hit on the perfect project: just really enjoyed “seeing” you all. parents who were struggling that week the School’s Leadership Watch out for our Friends 50th with their Summer term fees. Team had discussed the need to start Sir Clifford Curzon Anniversary survey which will raising funds for a new concert grand be landing in your inbox in a few It is a testament to you, our for the Hall. Sir Clifford Curzon was himself also a pianist – to visit the weeks. donors, that you have reached a renowned concert pianist, and a Steinway showrooms to choose the out to us in our hour of need, and Steinway artist to boot, so it seemed perfect instrument. We look forward If you would like to take part but we are immensely grateful to you a perfect fit! to organising an inaugural concert have not yet given us an email all: it is through your generosity when circumstances allow! address, please contact that Yehudi Menuhin’s spirit We eagerly await the right moment Rebekah Russo at remains alive and well. for our Director of Music, Ashley – [email protected] or on 01932 584409.

14 NEWSLETTER / SUMMER 2020 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 15 The Menuhin Hall presents

The Yehudi Menuhin School SUMMER FESTIVAL 2020

4 - 14 JULY 2020

Get your picnics ready and join us from the comfort of your own garden for two weeks of outstanding classical music from the pupils, staff and alumni of The Yehudi Menuhin School.

See inside for full details and a programme of what’s on when, to help you plan your virtual concert-going.

www.themenuhinhall.co.uk