ISSUE 710 JUNE - AUGUST 2017 OVERSEAS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE

MUSICAL MILESTONE Celebrating 65 successful years of the ROSL Annual Music Competition EVOLUTIONARY ART Can new collaborations save traditional music around the world? GAVIN HENDERSON How the Principal of one of the world’s greatest arts schools went from rebel to headmaster WELCOME

The Royal Over-Seas League is a self-funded EXCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP TOURS FOR MUSIC LOVERS Commonwealth organisation that offers clubhouse facilities to members, organises Commonwealth art and music competitions and develops joint welfare projects with specific countries. Front Cover: Abel Selacoe, winner of the Over-Seas Award at the ROSL Annual Music Competition 2017 “In no other endeavour

OVERSEAS EDITORIAL TEAM Editors Ms Miranda Moore, Mr Mark Brierley: is our purpose more [email protected]; +44 (0)20 7408 0214 Design Zed: www.zedpublishing.co.uk fully articulated than Display advertisements The Media Sales House: +44 (0)20 3004 7201; [email protected]

ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE through music” Incorporated by Royal Charter Patron Her Majesty The Queen Hans Christian Andersen’s view that “where words fail, music speaks” is, I suspect, Vice-Patron Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra KG GCVO a sentiment to which most of us can subscribe. I think that music, and our growing President The Rt Hon the Lord Luce KG GCVO DL programme of visual and performing arts, expresses the essence of ROSL more Chairman Sir David Brewer KG CMG CVO eloquently and completely than anything else we do. In no other area of endeavour Vice-Chairman David Fall CMG* THE WORLD’S is our purpose to be a global association of like-minded men and women, bound to Hon Treasurer Mr John Harbor FCA* FINEST CLASSICAL Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, a common purpose, more fully articulated than through music. It is a joy to celebrate MUSIC IN 2018 London SW1A 1LR; +44 (0)20 7408 0214; the 65th year of the Annual Music Competition, and to note the continued spread Fax +44 (0)20 7499 6738; [email protected]; WITH HAYLLAR www.rosl.org.uk of musical aspiration and excellence across continents; a phenomenon to which this MUSIC TOURS Over-Seas House, 100 Princes Street, edition of Overseas devotes much space. Music and the arts were prime attractions Edinburgh EH2 3AB; +44 (0)131 225 1501 for me when I applied to join and lead the staff at ROSL; and our season of music CENTRAL COUNCIL “Simply a superlative experience... this tour must rank as one of the best.” Ms Dena Arstall, Mr Anjola-Oluwa will be at its height when I bow out in August; appassionato, smorzando! “I had high expectations of Hayllar Music Tours... they were met. One could not ask for more.” Adeniyi Dip IoD, Mr Clive Carpenter, I am very grateful to the many people who make this journal, and our associated Prof Meryll Dean*, Mr David Fall CMG*, Mr Peter Fernandez FFCA, paper and electronic communications, possible and I would like to pay tribute to MUSIC AT THE ADELAIDE FESTIVAL Mrs Judith Fisher ACIB Fifs, the sterling work done by Miranda Moore, our outgoing Editor, whose final edition MARCH 2018 | TWO MUSIC PERFORMANCES, INSIGHTFUL TALKS & EXCLUSIVE EVENTS Mr Tony Lavender, Mrs Helen MacPherson, Prof Eve Mitleton-Kelly, Mr David Nicholson*, this is. Miranda has enabled us to achieve our aim to develop the journal in Mr Phil Nicklin FCA, Miss Caroline Roddis*, content, look and feel and I am very grateful to her. It is a pleasure to welcome OPERA & THEATRE IN LONDON & THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE Mrs Pamela Voice, Mr Frank Wibaut, 9–22 JUNE 2018 | FOUR OPERA & TWO THEATRE PERFORMANCES, EXCLUSIVE EVENTS & A PRIVATE RECITAL Mrs Anne Wilkinson Mark Brierley as our new Editor, for the first time in many years bringing the *Executive Committee editing ‘in house’. Vale Miranda; atque ave Mark. WAGNER’S RING CYCLE IN SAN FRANCISCO - CYCLE TWO & CYCLE THREE Director-General Maj Gen Roddy Porter MBE: 18–25 JUNE 2018 & 25 JUNE–2 JULY 2018 | FOUR OPERA PERFORMANCES & EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE TALKS & EVENTS +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x201 We have also said sad farewells recently to Stephen Darlington, our Head of Director of Operations Mrs Carolyn Henderson: Membership, and to Eleanor Rucker Thompson from our Arts Department, OPERA & ART IN SYDNEY +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x308; [email protected] 25–29 JUNE 2018 | TWO OPERA PERFORMANCES, A PRIVATE RECITAL & INFORMATIVE TALKS ON THE MUSIC Director of Finance and Administration but have welcomed Jessica Harris-Edwards as our new Events Coordinator. Mr Shakil Tayub: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x209 Thank you Eleanor and Stephen, and welcome Jess. We wish all who are departing OPERA & ART IN MILAN, VENICE, VERONA, LUCCA & TORRE DEL LAGO Director of Marketing Miss Gemma Matthews: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x204; [email protected] the best of good fortune and warmly welcome our new colleagues to their roles. – | 2 15 JULY 2018 FIVE OPERA PERFORMANCES, INSIGHTFUL TALKS & TOURS OF THE ART & HISTORY OF EACH CITY Director of ROSL ARTS Mr Geoff Parkin: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x325; [email protected] ROSL is a special worldwide organisation, unlike any other I have encountered. AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC & THE QUEENSLAND OUTBACK Director of Humanitarian and Education Projects Our programme may be unique but the most precious thing about us is our people. 1–9 AUGUST 2018 | SIX MUSIC PERFORMANCES & AN EXPLORATION OF THE QUEENSLAND OUTBACK Ms Margaret Adrian-Vallance MBE: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x307; [email protected] Our excellent staff make everything work and our wonderful members make the OPERA & THEATRE IN IRELAND Membership clubhouses sing. To all – members and staff – who make ROSL great, my special +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214; [email protected] 9–22 OCTOBER 2018 | THREE OPERA & TWO THEATRE PERFORMANCES, HISTORIC SITES & DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES thanks for what you do; please play on animato espressivo. Operations Manager AUTUMN IN NEW YORK - MUSIC, THEATRE & ART Mrs Mary Martin: +44 (0)20 7629 0406; We have an exciting summer of events ahead, so please read the Events section – | [email protected] 24 OCTOBER 3 NOVEMBER 2018 SIX MUSIC & THEATRE PERFORMANCES, ART GALLERIES & FINE FOOD carefully and sign up for some wonderful art and music, with dining and fine wine, Print Sterling Solutions: +44 (0)1536 527 300 in the weeks ahead. Enjoy a lovely ROSL summer. Premium seats | Exclusive private events | Fine food | Small groups | No hidden costs The journal is published by the Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. Any views expressed in editorial and any advertisements included are not necessarily endorsed by the Central Council. Roddy Porter ORDER YOUR 2018 HAYLLAR MUSIC TOURS BROCHURE TODAY ISSN 00307424 DIRECTOR-GENERAL

+61 (0)2 8091 2545 [email protected] www.hayllarmusictours.com WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 3 CONTENTS From the EDITOR In my first years with Overseas, as Assistant Editor in the early 2000s, I was fortunate enough to be sent to The Gambia to report on the fantastic work being done by Jalis there to pass on their knowledge of traditional music not just to boys, as is the custom, but also to girls; and to Lesotho, where I witnessed one of the most memorable performances of my life: a street show by children who had fashioned instruments out of discarded objects. That was in the lead up to the 50th anniversary of the ROSL 18 Annual Music Competition, and it is wonderful to “No matter how be able to celebrate the 65th year of this inspiring far you think of competition now, with a focus on global music in this, my last issue as Editor.

yourself as being Perhaps unsurprisingly, my conversation with Gavin Henderson, who has chaired the contest's adjudication anti-establishment, panel for ten years, soon turned to the importance of music education (page 18). Recent cuts in funding the establishment to the arts in the UK fly in the face of the growing creeps in around you” evidence that shows the positive impact of music education on all areas of academic achievement, behaviour and wellbeing. It is a theme that continues on page 36, with a look at Canada's National Arts Centre by our new Editor, Mark Brierley. WELCOME 14. Islander children get 22. Q&A: Michael McKay 30. Fine tuning 36. Orchestrating better 41. London & Edinburgh set to learn From his radio show to Celebrating 65 years music education highlights 3. From the Mark joins Overseas from Henley Media Group, Christine Chamberlain debates at ROSL, the of the ROSL Annual Canada's National Our pick of the cultural Director-General where he was print and online editor, and it has been of the Victoria Branch Geneva-based member Music Competition Arts Centre explains highlights near the Roddy Porter looks at reports on their has a talent for drawing and its many successes the benefits of a well- two clubhouses a pleasure working with him on this issue. It is good our season of music project to supply out diverse perspectives rounded arts education to know that I am leaving the journal in safe hands. 33. Ensemble of school IT equipment 38.  EVENTS ROSL NEWS 24. From Editor to Editor empowerment Canada 150 I plan to return to the clubhouse for some of the to Solomon Islands With the Canadian 42. Event highlights Miranda Moore recalls Afghanistan's first exciting events ROSL have planned to mark the 6. At the high port sesquicentennial This year's Festival 16.  the highlights of her all-female orchestra After six years at the ROSL branches in July, we look at 70th anniversary of Indian independence, and hope Forthcoming events time at Overseas discusses the risks and Fringe programme looks helm, Roddy reflects on some of the nation's around the globe rewards of performing set to be the best yet to see some of you, the members, there. Of particular his tenure at ROSL defining moments interest to me is the concert of traditional music WORLD in a country where 44. ROSL calendar 9. Nurturing talent ROSL PEOPLE women have been Royal pageantry, Indian by the world-renowned singer, tabla and sitar 26. Playing for survival IN THE UK The lowdown on the banned from playing cuisine, professional 18. Rebel with a cause Is indigenous music maestros Debapriya, Samanwaya and Madhurjka new scholarship for a 40. Secret sounds development, music and Chair of the ROSL AMC at risk from modern 34. Early risers Director of ROSL ARTS, Ranjan Barthakur. Don't forget to check the Events BC Emerging Musician politics are all on offer adjudication panel, Western sounds or can A new Young Musician Geoff Parkin, reveals section for details of this and other enticing events. this summer for members 10. News and views Gavin Henderson, current collaborations competition seeking his choice of lesser- All the latest pictures on his lifelong give traditional arts a an inclusive means known concert halls in 50. Contact details and Miranda Moore from ROSL globally dedication to the arts new breath of life? of finding talent and around London booking information [email protected]

4 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 5 ROSL NEWS The latest from our clubhouses, branches, and art, music and humanitarian projects

At the HIGH PORT Roddy Porter’s time as Director-General has been one of action, the most obvious of which has been the extensive renovation programme. With his tenure drawing to a close, he tells Mark Brierley about the highlights of his time in office

fter six successful years “The weather was sunny Mountbatten Room ceiling fell roof area of the clubhouse was as Director-General, but by half past ten, it was down,” he says rather matter- rapidly becoming a risk, so that A Roddy Porter bids hammering down, the most of-factly. “A member had over- needed urgent attention. I farewell to the Royal Over-Seas extraordinary deluge, and I flowed his bath and the water remember we had to obtain a League in August. While it is had come in expectation that came straight down through licence from Edinburgh Council easy to look back on the the sun would continue all day. that beautiful, ornate ceiling. to get a cherry picker out at positive contributions he has I sprinted to the tube station, “So day one was an object 4am on Christmas Eve to made during his tenure, his got absolutely drenched, so I lesson in loss adjustment and remove dangerous masonry first encounters with ROSL attended the interview looking although the ceiling was quickly from one of the chimneys so it were less auspicious. like someone who had just and beautifully restored, didn’t fall on revellers in Princes A newcomer to clubland spent ten minutes in the nonetheless the incident made Street during Hogmanay.” after a career in the Army, shower with his clothes on.” me realise that this was really After these testing first few including tours of Iraq, Bosnia Despite this, or perhaps fundamental stuff.” months, the renovations and Northern Ireland, Roddy in part because of it, Roddy proper began in earnest, was encouraged to apply for made an impact, and Foundations for the future with the former Buttery (now the role by his wife, Marianne. Sir Anthony Figgis phoned to That ‘fundamental stuff’ reverting to its original name, “I’d never considered working offer him the job a few days being the renovation and the Brabourne Room), the in clubland; I’d never actually later. Having left the Army in revitalisation of the clubhouses Duke of York Bar, Central been a member of a club, so September, he began work in in London and Edinburgh, one Lounge and several floors this was a completely alien the October. But the ominous of the major focal points of of bedrooms receiving deep environment. But I was struck beginning to his career was not Roddy’s time in office. It was revitalisation over the following deeply by the altruism, the confined to the interview. “On immediately obvious to him years, all the while remaining arts, the global membership my very first day in office, the that some of the dated sensitive to the historic nature and the values ROSL facilities needed investment of the building. espoused. I thought, ‘This if ROSL was to flourish. “Vernon House, one of three is extraordinary’,” he recalls, “You can’t stand still on buildings that make up the during our meeting in his office Our unofficial motto providing facilities that are up London clubhouse, burned on a bright morning in April. to the mark. ‘Up-to-date’ is the to the ground in 1905. Lord be out of place, I wanted them here for a period of time, but and then you disappear off members have said to me will always be ‘cultural and It was a similar spring wrong expression because we Hillingdon, who owned the to look Edwardian and I think the founding values of ROSL the stage and someone else how much they love what morning in 2011 that would social links worldwide’. live in historic buildings that house at the time, had it that has been nicely achieved.” are so much broader; so deep walks on. You just hope that has been achieved. That’s provide Roddy with his first sign That says it all; it’s a date back to the early 1700s rebuilt and refurbished in the that you can only be a small the place is the better for fantastic. If I am proud of of things to come. “I’d gone succinct and meaningful here in London and the 1890s contemporary style, so this History lesson cog in the process for a while; your having been there.” anything, I am proud about to the Ministry of Defence to little phrase. If that in Edinburgh.” is an Edwardian interior in a Maintaining that sense of and that’s how I have seen my Feedback from members our members’ pleasure in and do some work at the start of That soon became clear Georgian building. So rather history has permeated tenure at the Royal Over-Seas certainly seems to suggest enjoyment of the changes.” the day and I thought I would underpins everything when Roddy visited the than go to Georgian extremes everything Roddy has done League” he explains. “Our that’s the case, with the But what projects have wander up to St James’s in we do, then we can’t go Edinburgh clubhouse, which when renovating the second- while at the club. “I’ve been history is so rich and diverse; renovations receiving given him the most pleasure? good time for the interview. too far wrong. “leaked like a sieve. The whole floor bedrooms, which would privileged to hold the reins you play your part for a while widespread praise. “So many “I’ve really enjoyed what we’ve

6 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 7 Gift of membership SHARE ROSL MEMBERSHIP WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Farewell Contact [email protected] or Strong line-up: All of the Arts scholars ROSL NEWS +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214 for details competitors with the jury. ROSL NEWS and an application pack.

done in the garden. The A fond farewell terrace; I never thought Of course, there is much English Heritage would agree work still to be done. Roddy to it, so I’m proud of that. feels that he has achieved NURTURING TALENT And that suite of facilities – half of what he set out to the Brabourne Room, Duke do, but that the work for the The new Scholarship for a British Columbia Emerging Musician joins other global ROSL of York Bar, Central Lounge, next five years should fall scholarships for young talent. Carson Becke gives us the inside take on the inaugural event terrace and garden – is to someone else to direct. fundamental to our There are rooms to be n October 2016, I was a member of the British Columbia is a hauntingly clear winner. A native of Ottawa (like membership proposition.” renovated, artists to discover, jury for the inaugural ROSL BC Emerging beautiful part of Canada and UBC’s me), Kristen played a programme by And it is that drive to promote and nurture, plus a IMusician scholarship auditions for campus, set on a peninsula near Telemann, Saint-Saëns and the Canadian improve our offering to membership to continue to musicians from the University of British Vancouver, epitomises what makes it composer Jeffrey Ryan. Apart from her members visiting the build and serve. Looking back Columbia (UBC). Worth £5,000, the award so special. The stark Rocky Mountains technical mastery of the instrument, her clubhouses that has on his time, would he offer gives the winner the opportunity to travel are visible from all of its wide avenues, playing was immensely communicative underpinned the renovation any advice to the person who to the UK the following summer, perform across the deep blue inlets of the Pacific and drew the audience into the distinct works. “From a member’s takes up the responsibilities in ROSL’s popular concert series on the Ocean. Every morning, I took advantage sound worlds of the works. perspective, that’s what we of Director-General next? Edinburgh Fringe, play for teachers at of the low tide to run on Wreck Beach. All of the competitors were asked are. We’re their second home. “I wouldn’t presume to the UK’s top institutions, network with It is an inspiring place. to give verbal introductions to their They leave their home in Perth, give advice to my successor, other musicians, and generally get a I was joined on the jury by the eminent performances and Kristen spoke to the Auckland, Vancouver, Mumbai other than to say that sense of musical life in Britain. Canadian pianist Jane Coop, Professor audience with an ease that showed her or wherever and they come I'd never actually been a member of a club, so this was a whatever we do should be As a Canadian who has benefitted Emerita at UBC, and Bramwell Tovey, warm and enthusiastic character, which here and they immediately completely alien environment. But I was struck deeply by tackled in the context of who immensely from the opportunities ROSL Music Director and Conductor of the came through in her playing and was feel at home. That’s vital.” the altruism, the arts… I thought, 'This is extraordinary' we are historically. We have offers, I was thrilled to hear that it was Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, while the fundamental reason that the jury to bear our founder’s vision stretching its reach to the west coast of Elizabeth Murray, President of ROSL’s agreed she should be the winner. Music and more “How can we develop It has been instructive and in mind; this enlightened Canada. As the ROSL Pettman Scholarship BC Branch, was the vital link between The connection between the UK That’s not to say the ROSL’s contribution to the very moving. global organisation, a has shown through its incredible work UBC and the club. There were nine and Canada is an important one, and renovations have been the visual arts, the performing arts “When I first arrived, I network of likeminded men with New Zealand’s young musicians, competitors, with performances of a the new musical connection that this sole focus of Roddy’s attention and literature, not necessarily realised what a fine Claret and women, undefined by these international opportunities for very high standard. However, oboist scholarship has initiated is one that I while at the club. Work behind to catch all the way up with cellar ROSL owned, so I began race, religion, gender or young talent are crucial for success Kristen Cooke, a third year Doctor of hope to see grow and develop in the the scenes to improve the music, but to develop in to educate myself about wine any kind of -ism, who will in a business that is truly global. Musical Arts candidate, stood out as the coming years. membership, marketing and breadth and scope to the and listen to experts around pull together in friendship communications, and of extent that we wish? That’s the world from New Zealand, and understanding. course, the arts programme important; and Geoff Parkin Australia, Rioja, France and “Our unofficial motto have been gathering pace. has picked up Roderick Lakin’s Canada. Taking members to will always be ‘cultural and “We have a music mantle, which is going to be visit some of the world’s finest social links worldwide’. programme that is of genuine really exciting downstream.” vineyards has been a distinct That says it all; it’s a succinct world renown, but if we sit back, Roddy has also had a pleasure, as has discovering and meaningful little phrase. resting on our laurels, it won’t considerable input in the new wines for our members to If that underpins everything be for very long. So, I’ve club’s events programme. “I enjoy; I love the fact that we we do, then we can’t go too consistently asked, ‘How can am passionate about history; now have Canadian wine in far wrong.” we continue to develop? How ROSL and its members made the bar. With the aims of our can we better communicate the a distinguished contribution “ROSL is so much about founder, Evelyn Wrench, worth of the music programme to the First World War, which giving pleasure and I have and the history of this club at home and abroad?’ Some of I was determined to explore also greatly enjoyed hosting filling our minds, all that is our branches have really taken during the 1914-1918 dinners at the Tower of left for me to say is thank you up the challenge with Perth, Centenary commemorations. London for our people. To see to Roddy on behalf of Melbourne, Bournemouth “So we have been to the our members really enjoying members and staff, and to and British Colombia creating Marne, Ypres, Gallipoli, and a great experience, at the wish him all the best for the valuable scholarships and will visit the Somme in July. Tower or in one of our own future as he too becomes music programmes around Perhaps we will cover the clubhouses, is something part of the history of the the world.” operations of 1918 next year? I will always treasure.” Royal Over-Seas League.

8 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 9 More images online Visit our Facebook and Flickr pages to News & views see more photos of ROSL events, including the News & views ROSL NEWS Evelyn Wrench Lectures. Get daily news ROSL NEWS updates on the ROSL website and by following us on Twitter.

DINNER IN THE TOWER It was a pleasure to see so many new and regular faces at this popular black-tie event, as members ate and drank the night away in the Fusiliers Mess. Bathed in moonlight, members delighted in strolling through the cobbled pathways of the Tower of London while participating in one of England’s oldest traditions: the Ceremony of the Keys.

SNAPPED READING THE ETHICS OF PROFESSIONALISM Ontario Chapter member Santa Portis reads Sir Ernest Ryder, Lord Justice of and legal professions and the armed Overseas on a recent trip to New Zealand Appeal, and Judge Donald Cryan services. Sir Ernest explained that KERR RODGIE PRIVATE VIEW with Anne Burnett and Eunice Sutton of took to the stage to discuss some unapparelled expenditure between ROSL's exhibition ‘Wandering the West' by the young Scottish artist Kerr For all ROSL’s most southerly branch in Invercargill critical questions at the most recent now and 2020 to reform the Rodgie received a warm welcome from visitors at the private view on 28 March. upcoming (above). Hugh Garnham takes his copy to the Evelyn Wrench Lecture. The event administration of justice will make the The 32 works were created especially for Over-Seas House and bring bold events see PAGE 44 mouth of the River Derwent, with the Iron Pot kicked off by comparing and system even more accessible, and splashes of colour to the Central Lounge. They are on display until 21 June, Lighthouse – one of the oldest in Australia – contrasting the principles on that the judiciary, like all institutions, or view the works online at www.rosl.org.uk/rosl-arts/arts. in the background (below). Send in your which ethical decisions are made has a tendency to diminish over ‘Snapped reading Overseas’ pictures to by professionals in the judiciary time so it must innovate and change. [email protected]. in England and Wales and those This intellectually stimulating evening used by other professions, concluded with supper, over which including the medical, teaching the discussion continued.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Our wonderful panel of women at the ‘From Cavewoman to Cyborg’ debate came from a wide variety of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) backgrounds to discuss the most pressing issues women face in our growing digital age. The topics covered ranged from how to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM subjects and the need to involve the arts in technological advances, to how the political landscape is not only being altered by growing communication channels but also by the impact of geography on women’s involvement in the technology sector.

10 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 11 18330_Steinway ROSL Overseas - (Grimaud)_Layout 1 18/04/2017 16:25 Page 2

“Thank you for providing pianos t hat have personality and e ven more imp or t ant ly, soul.” HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD News & views steinway artist ROSL NEWS n e k t h e m a : y h a p r g

Maneck A S Dalal OBE o 1918-2017 t h o p Maneck Dalal, who died Indian culture through the on 6 March aged 98, served Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan the Royal Over-Seas League in London. ROSL’s Grand for many decades, first as President at the time, a member from 1965 and Lord Mountbatten of Burma, then as a Central Council was its Patron. Member for various periods I was fortunate to have COMMONWEALTH DAY from the mid-1970s. He was known Maneck from 1979, Celebrations took place in the London clubhouse throughout appointed Chairman in 1986. when I joined ROSL as the week, but the high point was the fantastic opportunity to Born in December 1918 General Manager. We attend the Westminster Service, followed by a drinks reception in Bombay (now Mumbai), became close during his in our Hall of India and Pakistan. People who live and work he enjoyed a comfortable chairmanship and we across all 52 Commonwealth countries came together to childhood and schooling remained friends throughout celebrate the diversity of cultures, histories and peoples in India before attending my 21 years as Director- represented among members in what was a truly heart- Trinity Hall, Cambridge General. During his time warming evening for all involved. in 1937. He was an leading ROSL he oversaw accomplished tennis the strengthening of ROSL player, gaining a triple finances, and many important blue for racquet sports improvements were made to and becoming captain of the clubhouses in London the university tennis team. and Edinburgh, including the It was while at Cambridge building of a new fifth foor that he met his wife Kay. of bedrooms in the London In 1946, Maneck joined clubhouse’s Westminster Tata Airlines, which became Wing, which was opened Air India upon India’s by Lord Mountbatten’s independence in 1947. daughter, Patricia the 2nd It wasn’t long before he Baroness Mountbatten was sent to the UK to open of Burma. Air India’s offices in London, He was a most effective where he and his family lived chairman whose humanity, for the remainder of his life. delightful charm, Retiring from the airline in compassion and wit ADAPTING JANE 1977, he was appointed Civil endeared him to both The 2017 Literary Series began by marking the 200th Aviation Attaché at the Indian members and staff. anniversary of the death of Jane Austen by discussing High Commission, and soon He is survived by his how and why her books are still being adapted into films, after became Managing wife Kay and two of his radio plays and modern novels. Our panellists Paula Director of Tata Ltd UK. daughters. His eldest Byrne and Professor Janet Todd discussed what, to them, A voluntary interest, daughter, Tina, died in 2009. makes a successful adaptation of Austen from novel to about which he was ROBERT NEWELL CVO, the screen, the impact modernised versions of Austen are passionate, was promoting FORMER DIRECTOR-GENERAL having on younger generations, and the reasons why we The portrait above, which hangs in Over-Seas House London, S T E I N W A Y H A L L L O N D O N 4 4 m a ry l e b o n e l a n e , l o n d o n w 1 u 2 d b still cherish her books. was painted by Christian Furr in 1993. f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n o r t o a r r a n g e a p r i vat e a p p o i n t m e n t at o u r l o n d o n s h ow r o o m s , p l e a s e c a l l : 0 2 0 7 4 8 7 3 3 9 1 o r e m a i l i n f o @ s t e i nway. c o. u k

12 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 Keeping in touch Have you been receiving our new e-newsletters and events updates? If not, please email [email protected], Humanitarian work quoting your membership number, ROSL NEWS so we can update your email address in our database.

Islander children GET SET TO LEARN Christine Chamberlain, Deputy President of ROSL's Victoria Branch, reports on an inspirational project to bring computers to children in a deprived part of the Pacific

t the ROSL Centenary Conference At Selwyn College, a key co-educational provision of a Computer Laboratory in London in 2010, it was boarding school on the main island of at a secondary school in an impoverished A suggested that ROSL Australian Guadalcanal, there was a need for a Commonwealth country in our Pacific region members become involved in a Computer Laboratory. Dr Vunagi made would be a very worthy project indeed. Humanitarian Project. In 2012, Victorian the point that this school served the An Australia-wide appeal was launched, members met Dr David Vunagi, then the brightest and best students, who would with all ROSL branches and many members Archbishop of Melanesia, when he was one day become leaders of their country. donating generously, and the ROSL Golden guest preacher at St Paul’s Cathedral Formerly a British Protectorate, Jubilee Trust supporting the project with Commonwealth Day Service in Solomon Islands remained part of the a donation of AUS$5,000. The AUS$20,000 Work, rest & stay Melbourne. Dr Vunagi spoke of the many Commonwealth when it gained required has now been realised and the problems faced by Solomon Islands, independence in 1978, keeping The Queen project will proceed apace to completion. When business takes you to London or Edinburgh, base yourself particularly in relation to education. as Head of State. Islanders are mainly of It has been a great pleasure to be the at one of the Royal Over-Seas League’s historic clubhouses and Melanesian origin and inhabit six main coordinator of this project on behalf of discover a smarter way to work. They’re a wonderful setting for islands, with a total population of 640,000. ROSL Australia. I commend the Australian meetings, catching up with the office or simply winding down after They are predominately Christian, and Chairman, Jason Ronald OAM, for his a busy day, and you’re always guaranteed a warm welcome. although English is the official language, it leadership in this endeavour and thank London Clubhouse is spoken by relatively few, with the lingua all those who have generously donated As a corporate or individual member, you’ll enjoy excellent value Over-Seas House, franca being Solomons Pijin. Honiara, the to the soon-to-be-realised Selwyn Park Place, St James’s Street, capital, is located on Guadalcanal. College Computer Laboratory. meeting space, fine dining and accommodation, plus links to London SW1A 1LR The Victorian Council of ROSL Australia reciprocal clubs worldwide. consulted with the Solomon Islands To donate to this or other humanitarian Edinburgh Clubhouse Archbishop Dr George Takeli, Selwyn projects undertaken by ROSL, please Refer a colleague today, call our Membership Team on 020 7408 0214 Over-Seas House, College Principal Fox Qwaina and Head visit www.rosl.org.uk/humanitarian/ (ext. 214 or 216) or email [email protected] 100 Princes Street, of IT George Clay, and decided that the how-to-donate. www.rosl.org.uk Edinburgh EH2 3AB

14 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 Calling all volunteers! After many years of faithful service, Sally Roberts of the Bath, Exeter and ROSL West branches, and Michael Kent of the South Australia 1. British Columbia Branch members celebrate 20 years of the CONTACTS Chan Centre 2. ROSL Chairman Sir David Brewer visits the West Branch, will be stepping down in the coming months. Everyone at Where you are Cornwall Branch 3. New Taunton Branch Chairman Patricia Dixon ROSL would like to thank them both for the many wonderful Alberta: Cynthia Cordery ROSL NEWS presents a gift to outgoing Chairman Maurice Powell events they have organised over the years. [email protected] To volunteer to take their place, please +1 780 477 0001 contact [email protected]. Bath, Exeter and ROSL West: 1 Sally Roberts [email protected] Queen’s Birthday Garden. Only 15 bedrooms are +44 (0)1823 661148 reserved, so please register garden party Bournemouth: Gordon Irving Saturday 24 June, 12.30-2.30pm, interest early with Reception. [email protected] Horton Heights, Wimbourne Edinburgh +44 (0)1258 480887 Annual garden party with buffet Coffee morning Coffee morning British Columbia: Liz Murray ROSL and wine, hosted at the home Saturday 3 June, 10.15am, Saturday 2 September, 10.15am, [email protected] of David and Anne Foster. Over-Seas House Edinburgh Over-Seas House Edinburgh +1 604 922 1564 Coach to depart Hallmark Hotel Speaker Martin Cornish, a Speaker Robert Brechin looks back Cheltenham: at 11.30am. senior auctioneer who oversees on his 40 years working as a vet. Kathleen Northage BRANCHES £10. the valuations department with £5. +44 (0)1242 515540 specialist interest in furniture, Edinburgh: Helen MacPherson Our branches provide an opportunity for contemporary design and [email protected] members in all parts of the world and across Cheltenham Oriental works of art. Exeter +44 (0)131 346 8347 Annual lunch £5. Budleigh Festival Glasgow: Bill Agnew 2 3 +44 (0)141 884 6342 the UK to enjoy a range of social events close to Wednesday 7 June, Matchams, concert and lunch Everyman Theatre London clubhouse visit Saturday 15 July, 12pm, New South Wales: Lily Murray home. To find out more about getting involved, [email protected] Popular yearly get-together Friday 28 July, Budleigh Salterton simply contact your local representative for branch members and their Over-Seas House London ROSL-sponsored concert at Temple New Zealand: Lyn Milne www.roslnz.org.nz guests. Contact Kathleen Make the most of exploring the Methodist Church, featuring [email protected] Northage for more details. galleries and museums, or the winners of the 2016 Pettman Nova Scotia: Liz Stern Price tba. maybe just enjoy the ROSL Scholarship: Aurelian Piano Trio, [email protected] AUSTRALIA CANADA including lunch afterwards. +1 902 678 1975 Guests welcome. Price tba. Ontario: Ishrani Jaikaran South Australia Ontario www.rosl-ontario-canada.ca Antiques Forum Annual lunch [email protected] Thursday 22 June, 7pm, Burnside Thursday 26 October, 12pm, Christchurch UNITED KINGDOM Taunton +1 416 760 0309 Community Centre Hall Royal Canadian Military Morning tea Coffee mornings Queensland: Sharon Morgan Bring in your family's treasured Institute, Toronto Wednesday 14 June, 10am, Bath Wednesday 7, 14, 21, 28 June, [email protected] items or curio to be appraised by Lunch followed by a discussion Holly Lea Village Monthly coffee morning 5, 12, 19, 26 July, South Australia: Michael Kent David Kabbani and Peter Almond on Canada’s 150th anniversary, With speakers from the Wednesday 14 June, 12 July, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August, [email protected] of Small and Whitfield Auctions. celebrated this year. Silversmith’s Guild of 9 August, Abbey Hotel, 10.30am, The Boathouse www.roslsa.org.au $10. Prices tba. Canterbury, which was formed North Parade Join branch members for Switzerland: Jo Brown in 1982 by a group of precious Informal meet-up every second this weekly meet-up. +334 5040 6631 Books for Lesotho metals enthusiasts. Wednesday of the month Guests welcome. Tasmania: Robert Dick Tuesday 1 August, 12.30pm, NEW ZEALAND Guests welcome. $7. for coffee and a chat in the Pay for your own refreshments. [email protected] Public Schools Club, Adelaide beautiful Georgian building Taunton: Neil Milne With guest speaker David Linn, Oamaru Performance of Abbey Hotel. New and Queen’s Birthday lunch [email protected] who along with his wife Liz, Meeting and talk Wednesday 14 June, 10am, potential members welcome. Willingdon Club Wednesday 7 June, 12.30pm, +44 (0)1823 286732 recently visited Lesotho for the Wednesday 27 September, Holly Lea Village Pay for your own refreshments. Mumbai’s prestigious Willingdon Sports Club has returned to Oake Manor Golf Club Thailand: Anna Bunya-Ananta tenth annual book distribution. 7.45pm, St Paul’s Church Performances from the Hillmorton the fold and is once again a reciprocal club you can call your All are welcome for this two- www.roslthailand.com [email protected] $30. Speaker tba. Contact Jenny High School choir and soloists. home-from-home while travelling. Founded by former ROSL course lunch celebrating Queen Lynch-Blosse for more details. Guests welcome. $10. Bournemouth Chairman Lord Willingdon in 1918, the club has provided a Elizabeth’s 91st birthday. Victoria: Ron Williamson www.rosl.org.au Guests welcome. Weekly coffee morning sanctuary from the bustling streets of Mumbai for close to £21. [email protected] Tasmania Mid-winter lunch Thursday 15, 22, 29 June, 6, 13, 20, a century. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, sports +61 (0)3 9654 8338 Queen’s Birthday lunch Wednesday 12 July, 12pm, 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August, facilities, health spa, and formal and informal dining. Just as West Cornwall: Ian Wood Tuesday 13 June, 12pm, Southland Double Tree Hotel 10.30am, Marriott Highcliff Hotel ROSL has a long history of openness and equality, allowing West Sussex +44 (0)1736 333460 RSL Lenah Valley Monthly meeting Join fellow ROSL members for These regular meetings remain women to join from the start, the Willingdon Club has always Queen’s Birthday lunch West Sussex: Marilyn Archbold Annual lunch in honour of Wednesday 7 June, 5 July, a delicious meal overlooking an important part of the been inclusive, allowing Indians to join from its founding, at Wednesday 7 June, 12.30pm, +44 (0)1444 458853 Queen Elizabeth II, attended by the hotel’s moat and award- branch’s events calendar. a time when most clubs only admitted European members. 2 August, 10am, Windsor Hotel, Worthing Western Australia: Tasmanian Governor Professor Southland Club winning gardens. All ROSL and ESU members Visit www.rosl.org.uk/membership/reciprocal-clubs Join fellow members at this Miles Glanville Kate Warner. Speakers tba. Guests welcome. and their guests welcome. to find the full list of reciprocal clubs you can enjoy. two-course lunch with coffee. +61 (0) 417 183 582 $25. $8. Price tba. £3. Guests welcome.

16 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 17 ROSL PEOPLE

REBEL with a CAUSE Gavin Henderson, Chair of the ROSL Annual Music Competition adjudication panel, discusses his lifelong dedication to bringing together different aspects of the arts, the struggle for recognition – and the power of the idea. By Miranda Moore

ooking every bit the school performers as the director of festivals, and again just what the “true master in flannel suit and colleges, theatres and orchestras. As we thinker” can achieve. A force for trademark bow-tie, Gavin talk over tea in the Brabourne Room, innovation, he continually returns to Henderson, Principal of the he suggests that the artist is, by what he refers to as “the power of the LRoyal Central School of Speech and definition, something of a rebel. idea”. “The strength of having some Drama, may not cut the figure of a “The artist at his or her best is sense of an idea is what fascinates typical rebel. Yet that is how the man a totally uncompromising person. people. You have an idea, you share who was running the York Festival The dedication they represent – an idea and you don’t know how and Mystery Plays aged just 23, the the passion that they’ve nurtured – that’s going to go forward, and Brighton Festival by his mid 30s and is quite extraordinary.” Not only do whether one’s techniques, one’s Trinity College of Music at one of the they have to raise enormous sums to abilities, one’s organisational most challenging times in its 145- pay for their instruments before they capacities can deliver,” he explains. year history, has always seen himself. even start out but they are unlikely to “When I was young, I thought Softly spoken and incisive, Gavin ever become high earners. “The artist everything that was a good idea was has consistently taken an innovative – the true thinker – will stand out something that you just had to make approach to the arts, campaigning and do it for nothing. Don’t happen. I think there’s an element of tirelessly for greater support and underestimate the power of the fear in everything but I suppose when recognition. A fine trumpeter and artist,” he warns with a smile. you’re very young, you don’t question, artist himself, who retired from From launching the community- you perhaps rush at things. There playing after 50 years at a concert in based Wilde Theatre as a young was a sort of crassness about it, an St Bartholemew’s Church, Brighton man to founding Youth Music, a urgency and possibly a foolishness in 2014, he has dedicated his life to charity for children from deprived in some respects, but there was a supporting other musicians, artists and backgrounds, Gavin has shown time freshness about it.”

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Headstrong and passionate from an demonstrated what all the partnerships I wonder if his position at Central will be reborn but it will be very early age, this rebellious streak was could be, how this new Europe was restricts him in this struggle? “No different,” he admits. “So along with evident at Brighton College, the private going to be forged,” he says. “I feel matter how far you think of yourself IT'S caring about the seaside heritage, school he attended because his father disappointed that that extraordinarily as being anti-establishment, the WORRYING we have to reinvent the seaside. taught there. “There wasn’t such a thing exciting new Europe has, to all intents establishment creeps in around you, THAT WE ARE Artistic projects are part and parcel STILL HAVING as a school orchestra; to be involved in and purposes, collapsed.” so you get to a point where your ideas of that.” The Jerwood Gallery in TO FIGHT the arts in any way you were a sort of are marshalled,” he admits. However, Hastings and Turner Contemporary POLITICAL sissy,” he says. “I fought very hard – it The good fight he takes heart from recent indications ANTIPATHY in Margate are notable examples. was very embarrassing for my father.” These were very different times, and the that the Government is beginning to BUT WHAT IS Gavin is also increasingly involved His schooling may not have period was marked by unprecedented acknowledge – “with some reluctance” MARVELLOUS with the visual arts, with his current encouraged a passion for the arts but funding for the arts. Gavin was chair – the economic impact of the arts, if IS THAT THERE trusteeships including the Estorick his “very open, liberal, very artistic” of the Music Panel of the Arts Council not the benefits to people’s wellbeing ARE PEOPLE collection, Hawkwood College, and home town more than compensated. when it launched in 1994 and “there and society more broadly. WHO DO GO a “secret garden” behind one of His morning paper round took him to was just a river of money” for capital ON FIGHTING Brighton’s great regency houses, where the homes of Terence Rattigan, investment in the arts. By comparison, The circle of life FOR PEOPLE his old college friend David Nash is Lawrence Olivier, Max Miller and government support for the arts today Now aged 69, Gavin has found himself TO DO THIS creating an installation. “Life is like Flora Robson. Afternoons were spent is at a low. “It’s tough, certainly in moving increasingly back to his roots. some tremendous arc,” he muses. at the Glyndebourne estate, slipping recent years, the whole austerity Since he retired from St Barts, he has “I have started doing a lot of drawing in and out of rehearsals, thanks to a package. Arts subjects within schools been learning the natural trumpet – a and image making, and it’s all about school friend whose father was the are being marginalised. We’re seeing gift from his wife, Mary Jane, on leaving St Barts – that extraordinary building. General Director. At night, he would an enormous division between the Dartington – reluctant to give up It’s entirely personal. But all through sit in the orchestra pit at the Brighton maintained sector and the private playing altogether. “I’ll probably never my life I’ve kept notebooks and Hippodrome with his trumpet sculptor until he accepted a post- “It was a great moment,” he recalls. sector,” he laments. play it publicly but there’s something sketchpads of ideas. teacher, who played in the house graduate travelling scholarship in GAVIN'S “The festival was a manifestation of “Attrition is what makes our physical about playing an instrument “It comes back to this thing of the HEROES band. “It was a wonderful induction America. “It was a great turning point. I where I grew up and my home and creative society so vibrant. But that if you stop, it’s like amputation. idea. The idea is quite a dangerous The great war to a life of professional musicians,” thought I was going to travel across the the seaside, the arts.” Founded by the expecting artists to starve in their It’s like losing an arm or a leg, and I phenomenon and you don’t necessarily poet John Gavin reminisces. “Somehow you States in a Greyhound bus but in fact I Pudney was “doyen of festival directors” Ian Hunter, garrets is invidious,” he continues. can’t surrender to that,” he says. want to release it into society until you grow up and you just think, ‘this is hit Manhattan and never really left,” he probably my it was facing financial difficulties and “In my career I’ve been through many His upbringing in Brighton gave know a bit more about it,” he concludes what life is like’ – I didn’t realise it says. “I met all sorts of incredible artists major mentor. in desperate need of resuscitation, but periods of great troughs when there’s him a lifelong fascination with the with a hint of anticipation, and I can’t was something quite exceptional.” – Andy Warhol and Virgil Thomson, He and his family while others might have been daunted no money and yet it bounces back. British seaside and he has long been help wondering what ideas he has in After school, Gavin was offered a lots of musicians.” He returned to the took me in – he by the magnitude of the task, Gavin It’s a rollercoaster. It’s worrying that associated with saving the nation’s store for the world next. place not only at the Royal College of UK convinced that his life was going to opened all sorts leapt at the challenge. we are still having to fight political piers, currently as Honorary of doors for me. Music and the Guildhall School of revolve around bringing the various art The programme for 1990 was antipathy but what is marvellous is President of the National Piers Likewise, Virgil Music, but also at Brighton College of forms together. “I’d maintained a life Thomson, who I particularly ambitious, focusing on that there are people who do go on Society. “Bucket and spade Art. Though he chose the visual arts as a professional musician and I’d had met in New York the cultures of the emerging Europe. fighting for the opportunities for holidays are finished. – going on to study at Slade School an early life in the theatre. I felt that all in 1969, was a “Absolutely the most vibrant thing people to do this against all odds.” The seaside holiday of Fine Art – he carved a career as a these art forms ought to find a way of great enabler. that happened was the whole issue of professional baroque trumpeter at the combining – and that’s really what One of my great the new economic Europe and I felt same time, something he believes would I’ve been doing for the rest of my life.” heroes was very energised by the fact there was be impossible today. “One can see, year After a short stint at a community the wonderful a cultural Europe that was being on year, remarkable musicians emerging theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, he began trumpet player ignored,” he explains. “I wanted Philip Jones, who and they just get better and better; working as “unofficial assistant” of became very to look at the artistic partnerships, terrifyingly good.” Nowhere is this more the Brighton Festival and was soon involved with which meant Eastern Europe. So I evident than at the ROSL Annual Music appointed Director of the York Festival ROSL. I inherited went round a lot of countries, and Competition, whose adjudication panel and Mystery Plays, going on to become an alphorn from heard a lot of stories. By the time our he has chaired for ten years, and as we Managing Director of the Philharmonia Philip; it's about festival programme was launched, meet on the day of this year’s Over-Seas Orchestra and establishing the Wilde 15ft long but I the whole of Europe had changed, the still play it. Award, he is clearly excited by the Theatre at South Hill Park Arts Centre, walls had come down, the dissidents standard. “The musicians are looking Bracknell, in 1979. and poets we had been talking to were in all sorts of directions; they’re not just Drawn back to music after years now leading their societies, and it was tremoloed by virtuosity,” he enthuses. working mainly in theatre, he thrilling because we were in place.” became Director of the Dartington Politics and the arts collided, and A turning point International Summer School in 1984, Gavin was suddenly being invited to Studying at Kingston College of Art a role he performed for 26 years, and meetings at Downing Street. “We with David Nash, now one of Britain’s Artistic Director of the Brighton were a gateway to making friends with most renowned sculptors, and then at Festival at the same time. It was these people and that was wonderful; Slade, Gavin looked set to become a something he had always wanted to do. suddenly this arts programme

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Q.Why would you recommend the Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series to members? A. I think it’s great that lectures are being revived. There’s a real value in being part of a town hall-style meeting, especially nowadays. When I was young, particularly during general elections, Michael McKay there were hustings and people went along to listen to politicians and debate. From interviewing fascinating personalities I get the impression this happens less on his eponymous radio show to chairing in the UK now. People tend to get most of their information from the television, hard-hitting debates at Over-Seas House, press and social media – even older the Geneva-based ROSL member has a talent people. And the debate, therefore, is often quite narrow. When I read things for drawing out three-dimensional perspectives on Facebook or Twitter, everything and insights, finds Samantha Whitaker seems too condensed, and usually seen down a narrow tube of self-interest. The beauty of the lecture series is that Q. How long have you been I abandoned the master’s idea, joined there’s a diversity of views expressed live a ROSL member? Rothmans and was promptly sent to in the flesh. You can feel the emotion A. Around 20 years. I’ve lived in London to work at their HQ on Baker and tension, if there is any, in the room. Switzerland since 1984, but my Street. My life took a different way. It’s like the difference between cinema children all studied at universities in and live theatre. And it’s fun, of course. and around London, so I used to treat Q. Now you run your own Public debates on topical issues such them to lunch at Over-Seas House. consulting firm? as the arts, politics and international Nowadays, when I’m visiting from A. Yes, but it’s just me. When I look at affairs bring new faces to Over-Seas Geneva, I often use the restaurant the common thread that runs through House and show that ROSL provides for business entertaining and my career over the past 40 years, a high-quality and unbiased platform sometimes stay overnight. I’ve also it’s always been essentially talking, for debate and knowledge-sharing attended some of the events organised communicating and persuading. about important issues. by the Switzerland Branch in Now, as an independent advisor, Lausanne, and when I was chairman I still work with tobacco companies, and we’ll just see what happens?’ something they didn’t mean. I’ve even a country, you’re surrounded by chit- Samantha Whitaker is a freelance of the British-Swiss Chamber but also with banks, insurance So they gave me two microphones recorded a few at Over-Seas House. chat and banter that often references journalist and editor. She previously of Commerce (BSCC) Geneva, companies and other businesses. and a recorder, and off I went. current affairs, so you get a more worked at Sunday Publishing and as I often invited ROSL members in They’re all complex industries with Now I have a 25-minute slot three Q. How did you become involved in three-dimensional perspective. Deputy Editor of Overseas. Switzerland to join us for events. complicated communication issues times a week. It provides some (mostly) the Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series? I also read up about the panellists. where there are few black-and-white serious and intelligent conversation in A. Roddy Porter invited me to chair In October, we had a very interesting Q. You worked for 25 years in the answers, so I have to listen carefully the style of BBC’s Radio 4, and so far the debate on Brexit last October. mix, so I’m excited to see who’ll be tobacco industry. How did you get to the arguments on every side in I’ve interviewed 85 guests – two every I was both surprised and honoured, on the line-up when I host in July for into that? order to find and implement solutions. THE SECRET month. The deal is that I only interview so I immediately agreed. As well as the lecture on the Trump presidency. TUNE IN... A. A lucky break. After completing IS TO ALLOW people who interest me. I’ve spoken to the events I host at BSCC, I also act Search for the ‘Brexit: my studies in Leeds, I started my Q. How did you come to have QUESTIONERS some fascinating people, such as Kate as MC/moderator at other private Q. Do the discussions ever get heated? What Happens Next?’ professional life as a PE teacher in your own radio show, The McKay ENOUGH TIME Adie, Ian Paisley MP, Claire Fox and events, so I have plenty of experience A. The Brexit debate was good- lecture on YouTube Jamaica. Then, in 1972, just as I was TO SPEAK, Sir Jackie Stewart, and covered all kinds in refereeing debates. tempered, generally. The secret is Interview? and Michael McKay’s A. BUT ALSO TO about to begin a masters degree at I pitched the idea to an English- of interesting topics, from climate to allow questioners enough time to radio show at: the University of Houston, I bumped language radio station in Geneva five ENSURE THEIR change and the economic crisis to How do you prepare for a debate? speak, but also to ensure their question QUESTION https://worldradio.ch/ into a friend who was head of PR years ago. I host the speakers and how an international airport is run. A. It’s important to be conversant doesn’t turn into a speech of their own. DOESN'T radio/shows/the- at Rothmans, a British tobacco events programme at the BSCC, and The broadcasts are pre-recorded, but with the current issues, so I try to I also keep things moving along and TURN INTO mckay-interview manufacturer. They were looking for people there had told me they liked I usually do it in one take, as if it were keep up with the British media. I make sure the panellists answer the A SPEECH OF or www.mckays.ch/ young executives to help expand the the sound of my voice and the way live. It helps the people I interview browse the Financial Times, Daily question being asked, rather than the THEIR OWN. index.php/about-us/ company and she introduced me to I deal with people. So I said to the to have confidence in me, because Telegraph and the BBC online – but question they would like to be asked. I KEEP THINGS mckays-interviews the MD. He hired me after 10 minutes. station: ‘Why don’t I go out and MOVING they’re not worried that I’ll edit their that’s just one slice of the UK and it’s Plus, I’m there to inject a little humour I wasn’t even looking for a job. So, interview some interesting people, ALONG responses to make them appear to say not really enough. When you live in if tensions start to rise.

22 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 23 ROSL PEOPLE History tours that sparkle.

Our history tours are led by experts who bring the past to life. From the crowning of the first Holy Roman Emperor to the taking Editor to Editor of Monte Cassino, we examine crucial episodes, analyse the protagonists and explore the locations where events took place. Outgoing Editor Miranda Moore gives newcomer Mark Brierley Tours are all-inclusive, with privileged access at key sites.

the highlights of her long association with Overseas ‘The lectures were treasures, rich in detail and brilliant distillations of the multiple complex histories of political, religious, economic and ith the publication of cultural developments in the region.’ – Participant on The Western Balkans. this edition of Overseas an 18-year career at Tours include: Charlemagne to Charles V | The Age of Bede theW journal draws to a close for Crown & Cromwell | In Churchill’s Footsteps Miranda Moore. She is just the Indian Summer | The Western Balkans | Poets & the Somme tenth editor to take the helm Memories of Monte Cassino | Crécy, Agincourt & Waterloo since its launch in 1915, and the continued success of Overseas Image: diadem of Charlemagne, engraving c. 1880. is thanks to the dedication of Miranda and her predecessors, dating all the way back to Evelyn Contact us: Wrench’s first issue 102 years ago. +44 (0)20 8742 3355 During that time, contributors martinrandall.com have included AA Milne, ATOL 3622 | ABTA Y6050 | AITO 5085 Rudyard Kipling and even Barbara Cartland, but was it the towering literary figures or something more modest that drew her to ROSL originally? “It was December 1999, Pat Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Treasure was Editor and I worked ASI A From: £1795pp for her, joining as Assistant This delightful Rajasthan tour takes you around engage in your style the major cities of Rajasthan- where the royal Editor. It was my first job after been in Ghana doing volunteer After working as a freelance important that we cover it, with forts and palaces still stands amidst the city life, university,” Miranda explains. work for nearly a year and I’d editor, sub-editor and journalist everything that has been going to tell its tale of a bygone era. “The job advert didn’t actually done some other travelling, for several years, while continuing on recently.” Experience the Luxury Kolkata and Darjeeling say what the magazine was, so so the Commonwealth aspect to contribute to the journal as a But ever modest, Miranda The Road less travelled From: £875pp it was only when I went for the of ROSL really interested me. writer, Miranda became Editor says that what has happened off The Spirit of Adventure No other location in India captures the whole interview that I found out more “After a couple of years as of Overseas in 2008. It had just the pages of the journal has been spirit of the colonial era like Calcutta. Explore Centuries of Culture bustling Kolkata before you make way up to about ROSL and that it fitted Assistant Editor I went to undergone a major redesign, and just as rewarding. “It’s always Darjeeling, former summer retreat of the East Call of the wild India Company, which still retains its former very well with my interests. Guatemala and Mexico for a she has since steered it through been a team effort; I have done charms. “The arts and music are year to learn Spanish. Speaking another redesign in 2015 as my bit but it’s really been down Stargazing something that drew me in. I’d another language generally Overseas celebrated its centenary. to the team. The role of the Burma Discovery Spa always written stories and drawn opens you up to other cultures, But have these challenges Editor was often to help nurture From: £1475pp Great rails and cruises Discover Myanmar (former Burma), its cultural constantly, just doodling really, and that understanding of living provided the fondest memories the Deputy Editor, and help gold mine with Bagan plains strewn with and I play the piano. I really want abroad has helped at Overseas of her time in charge? them to progress and learn Small groups thousands of temple ruins; Mandalay and Yangon heaving with colonial buildings and glittering to have a go on ROSL’s Steinway as so many of the members “I got the chance to go to skills. I’ve seen through a few stupas; and rich local life around Inle Lake. but there’s always going to be have lived or still live abroad.” Lesotho and The Gambia to Deputy Editors in my time and You defi ne, we create somebody in earshot. I don’t write about each country, they’ve done brilliantly. I’ve Authentic Bespoke Travel Sri Lanka: want to inflict that on anyone so there’s been some really only played a tiny part in that Experiences Cultural Triangle and Beach From: £1575pp here, it’s bad enough inflicting memorable times. We’ve also but it’s been satisfying to help India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, THE MIGRANT FOCUSED Maldives, Iran, Myanmar A perfect tour if you are sure you want to it on the neighbours!” done some great things recently, support them.” simply explore the key classic sites of the ISSUE LAST YEAR Musical reticence aside, it was such as the short stories, which And with that sentiment, she country followed by relaxing on the beach WAS SOMETHING I'M for a few nights before you head home. perhaps the global outlook and REALLY INTERESTED IN were really fun to work on. The is off to prepare for the interview spirit of international friendship AND FEEL STRONGLY migrant focused issue last year with Gavin Henderson that you If you like the idea of exploring at your own pace in your own style, just amble over to www.indianodyssey.co.uk/rol for more information. that proved to be key for ABOUT, SO I THOUGHT was something I’m really can read on page 18, keen to Miranda as her career with the IT WAS IMPORTANT interested in and feel strongly make her final issue in charge Contact us: 01224313984 or [email protected] journal progressed. “I’d just THAT WE COVER IT about, so I thought it was one to remember.

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orld music’ has the legendary British singer- it arguably has a key role to play in proved a contentious songwriter and producer Peter keeping musical traditions alive all term since it emerged Gabriel; its annual UK event takes over the world, promising a widely several decades ago place every summer, this year on accessible means of communication, – particularly from 27-30 July, but WOMAD now hosts dissemination and preservation. BBC the 1980s onwards, when it came to be festivals all over the world. broadcaster, journalist, club DJ and Playing for used‘ to brand W international artists and “For a long time ‘world music’ as a African music expert Rita Ray notes collaborations for a Western audience. genre was defined as any non-Western that technology only poses a “threat” On the one hand, its sheer breadth has artist, and so artists from all over the to tradition when people don’t know made it tricky to define; on the other, world were being pigeonholed into how best to put it to use – but that it has been criticised as a reductive one category,” explains WOMAD they invariably do learn to use it. ‘exotic’ label. In its most positive Festival programmer Paula “It is important to preserve SURVIVAL sense, however, ‘world music’ is about Henderson. “Now, thankfully, the cultural heritage, but more important championing grassroots talent and concept has evolved and people to keep it alive and relevant,” says Arwa Haider explores the challenges creative connections around the identify with genres within world Ray, while on the road filming her globe, merging a genuine respect for music – desert punk, West African latest project across locations in Mali, for traditional music in a modern world heritage with the scope for exciting soul, reggae – which is fantastic. South Africa and Nigeria. “Culture new possibilities. “Our ability to discover new artists has to evolve, or it becomes irrelevant The success of the WOMAD has become much easier thanks to to everyday life.” (World Of Music And Dance) festival the internet. Gone are the days of a Ray is similarly astute about the offers a convincing – and convivial cassette being sent from Tanzania notion that Western influences form – example, bringing together global and the call to the local post office a “threat” to non-Western traditional artists, traditions, humanitarian in that village to try and track down music. “Modern Western musical organisations and progressive the musician.” influences? Like funk, hip hop, approaches. WOMAD was originally Modern technology is often seen and so on. Don’t all these have founded in 1980 by a team including as a risk to traditional cultures, but roots in Africa?” she says. Indeed,

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Collaboration does not have to mean compromise. Rita Ray’s international experience has highlighted varied projects and institutions which protect traditional music forms: “Mali’s national conservatory focuses on traditional and Western instruments,” she says. “West Africa’s Griot tradition of hereditary musicians also ensures that ancient histories, instruments and melodies are passed on and ever-present. These rituals are part of the rites of passage in everyday life: births, puberty, weddings, death, and so on. “There are examples all over the world. Cape Verde’s government is investing in their musical heritage as a tool for economic development. Elsewhere, Koreans are investing in © Danny Willems Danny © their musical culture and preserving traditions by evolving them; you’ll contemporary Western stars, “As a touring musician, I heard the communicate in Africa itself,” Traore Protest music World circuit: this. The Grammy-winning Tinariwen find their ancient instruments from mainstream rock to hip hop, Buena Vista Social Club album in so told me on board the Africa Express. In contrast with these international (L-r) Malian are local heroes in the band’s base of playing all sorts of genres, Korean singer-songwriter frequently take inspiration from many places,” Diabaté told me, when “You’re hearing something real and harmonies, there are invariably Tamanrasset (on Algeria’s border with and non-Korean. This not only Rokia Traoré; African and Asian roots – and in the he joined AfroCubism in 2010. “I from the heart in this project. I don’t complex challenges that range across Senegalese dance Mali), but they are also international promotes the instruments, but digital age, it is easier to track down thought if the world was open to this think I modernise African music; time the globe. US Professor Ruth Stone, band Orchestra superstars, regularly packing out inspires young Koreans making these sources, and give credit where traditional Cuban music, maybe the does that. I am the result of this contact based at Indiana University’s Baobab; and Western concert venues with their links to their heritage.” it’s due. time would come that Malian music between Africa and Western countries. Department of Folklore and Malian kora player material sung in the Tamashek language Ultimately, the preservation of would be more universally appreciated. PAULA ON Something started decades ago, Ethnomusicology, explains that Toumani Diabaté (with some French). Tinariwen’s traditional music is crucial, both to Global collaborations “Working with AfroCubism, the keys WOMAD when African music started to have a political instability is often a trigger founder, Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, began its local heritage and on a global scale, Global collaborations also have the are the same. Whether you’re in Mali, "When we first European audience – now it’s part of for music as protest: “When people his music career when he built his own as Ray explains: “Knowledge of one’s started there potential to help musical traditions Havana, London or Paris, it’s the same. the industry, not something exotic; cannot say certain things without fear makeshift guitar as a child; the band’s culture provides a foundation for were very few to thrive. Some of these projects have The Cuban musicians don’t speak festivals and we expect a development.” of reprisal, they can, and often do, hypnotic, bluesy rhythms often express understanding and interacting with earned blockbuster status; take the Bambara, and we Malians don’t speak people weren't That spirit is central to WOMAD, too, sing their discontent and express themes of rebellion, and the political new and foreign traditions.” award-winning Buena Vista Social Spanish, so music did the talking – and overly familiar as Henderson explains: “While we love dissent,” she says. struggle of the Tuareg people. “These sounds, instruments and Club album (1997) and film (1999), not just any music, but music with a with artists that discovering a new group of Tibetan Such protest music can take Another acclaimed artist whose expressions are life itself to people,” which was conceived when Havana legend. When the people involved and weren't from throat singers, or Lebanese traditional surprisingly elegant forms. For work places personal heritage and adds Stone. “One of the groups I work bandleader Juan de Marcos Gonzalez the songs we’ve made are as exciting America or musicians, we love collaborations and instance, Bassekou Kouyate’s YOU'RE traditions on a global platform is the with as a consultant is the Liberian the UK. It was and fellow Cuban music veterans as this, I’m proud to be a part of it.” mash-ups equally. This is where tradition excellent third album, Jama Ko HEARING Honduras-born Aurelio Martinez. Women’s Chorus for Change in difficult back recorded with US guitarist Ry Cooder. Africa Express is another project meets modernity, continents collide (which translates as ‘a gathering of SOMETHING His solo recordings (released on labels Philadelphia, PA. These women were then to explain REAL AND This project was sparked by British which celebrates traditional music as what we were and new forms of music are born. people’), was recorded in exceptional including Real World, founded by part of the Liberian National Cultural FROM THE producer and World Circuit record febrile rather than fragile. Helmed by trying to do… “The 2010 Abu Dhabi WOMAD saw circumstances in 2012; on Kouyate’s Peter Gabriel), songs with the late Troupe before dispersing and ending up HEART IN THIS label founder Nick Gold. In fact, British musician Damon Albarn, its Now we're an two specially created collaborations. first day in the studio with his band, Andy Palacio, and mentorship by in the United States. And in their new PROJECT. Gold’s original plan had been to stars are far-ranging musicians from international The first was from the Zawose Family Mali’s President Amadou Toumani Senegalese music legend Youssou setting, they work to combat social I DON'T THINK connect Cuban and Malian across the African continent, as well brand." The (Tanzania) and Rango (Sudan-Egypt), Touré was overthrown by a military N’Dour, have all served to highlight issues affecting displaced people in the annual UK event I MODERNISE musicians, but this was thwarted at as Western pop, rock and dance who mixed their distinctive styles of coup. The backdrop is of crises, the rich music and culture of his urban environment. As people become takes place in AFRICAN the time by visa restrictions. In 2010, scenes, and its global events have Wiltshire, but desert music and wooed the crowd with from power cuts and curfews to the MUSIC; TIME own Garifuna background. ever more mobile, these songs and that plan was successfully revived; the been brilliantly imaginative. In 2012, its international their infectious enthusiasm. The second repression of arts and music heritage DOES THAT. “All the travel made me realise that performances help tie people together AfroCubism supergroup continues Africa Express toured the British festival locations fusion was from the Tuareg rockers by so-called Islamists, but the overall I AM A RESULT my real strength as an artist, our real and keep group identity strong.” to play to acclaim, and has included isles on a Pullman train packed with in 2017 have Tinariwen, who performed hypnotic tone of the music is one of unity OF THIS strength as a culture, lies in Garifuna so far included Malian virtuosos Toumani Diabaté international acts – among them bluesy rhythms with high-energy and beauty. CONTACT communities, in my home village,” Arwa Haider is a freelance journalist, Australia, Chile, and Bassekou Kouyate, who have Malian chanteuse Rokia Traore. Arabic tunes alongside members of the While English remains the lingua says Martinez. “The more I have and music and culture editor. She New Zealand BETWEEN respectively brought traditional kora “I was interested in the concept of and Spain US experimental rock band TV On The franca of mainstream music lyrics, AFRICA AND travelled and seen the world, the works with national and international and ngoni stringed instruments to uniting all these African musicians Radio and Algerian oud maestro Mehdi many successful outfits continue to WESTERN more need I have felt to come back media including The Guardian, the international audiences. who don’t get much opportunity to Haddab. This is what we aim for.” prove that there is a vast world beyond COUNTRIES and to reconnect with my roots.” BBC and The Financial Times.

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1963 1976 1961 John Lill is still tirelessly Melvyn Tan (right) won First Jacqueline du Pré’s career began at active as a concert Prize performing on the Wigmore Hall at the age of 16 (above). She pianist. With a career harpsichord at the age of 20, FINE went on to characterise the 20th-century spanning more than 55 and in choosing to specialise in cellist with the “elegance and ferocity” of years, he was awarded the fortepiano (a bold move in Tuning her playing (NY Times, October 1987). a CBE in 2005. 1980) has enjoyed great success. For 65 years the ROSL Annual Music Competition has launched the careers of young musicians from all over the UK and the Commonwealth, with both financial reward and expert mentoring. Eleanor Rucker Thompson looks back on its humble beginnings and its many successes

t is hard to imagine the Royal Over-Seas League without its Annual Music Competition, a centrepiece of the ROSL ARTS Iprogramme and a gathering point for musicians, members and guests from all over the Commonwealth. But for the first 37 years of the club’s existence, this was precisely the case. One wonders exactly what the members did on a Tuesday night between January and March with no Section Finals to attend. It wasn’t until 1947 that the first sprig of the competition, the Festival of Commonwealth Youth, was founded by members of the club’s Music Circle: the gloriously named trio of Jessica, Lady Forres, Major Kenneth Golightly, and Madge Parsons. Its purpose was to offer a platform in central London to outstanding musicians from overseas to perform recitals at Over-Seas House. Such was the success of this enterprise that in the 1950s many of these recitals, performed in the Hall Far left: A Times review from 1961. Left: The programme of India and Pakistan and St Andrews from the 1979 Grand Final. Centre: Former winners Hall (now Princess Alexandra Hall) Ieuan Jones and Aline Brewer with Dame Eva Turner

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(Clockwise from top) WINNERS 2017 Singers section CONTINUED winner Nicholas Mogg performs in Princess 1983 Alexandra Hall; Susan Bullock is a highly Ensemble of empowerment soprano Lucy Crowe, sought-after UK performer winner of the 2002 and the first soprano to sing MANY OF THE WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN’S FIRST FEMALE ORCHESTRA RISK THEIR LIVES TO Gold Medal; and 2015 four consecutive cycles of ensemble winners, Ferio Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the PERFORM. THEIR CONDUCTOR, NEGIN KHPALWAK, TELLS VICKIIE OLIPHANT WHY IT’S WORTH IT Saxophone Quartet Royal Opera House. ohra, an ensemble of 35 musicians aged At the age of nine, she was living and would not ordinarily have been offered, 13 to 20, packed their suitcases and studying at the Afghan Child Education such as travelling to Davos. 1991 travelled to Davos in January to and Care Organization, an orphanage in “Being Afghan and living here is every Paul Lewis has established Zperform at a meeting of the World Economic Kabul where her father sent her to live so minute dangerous for your life. You don’t himself as the Beethoven Forum. Playing in front of dignitaries, heads she could get an education. Khpalwak know where will be the next blast, and pianist since his ROSL award, of state and thousands of top CEOs from decided to apply to the music school because when… Will it be here?” she said. “Now it’s performing both internationally around the globe, the girls were just one of she had never seen a girl play music in up to my generation to try to do something and locally in equal measure. several acts to take the stage. But for them, just Afghanistan before. She took the entrance for my country, but it will take at least one being able to play their instruments in public, exam without informing her parents, generation to change.” without fear of reprisals, is a huge victory. fearing they would try to stop her, but her It is now 15 years since the end of the 2001 Women in Afghanistan were banned from father told her: “If you want to play music, Taliban regime, but gender parity still Juliette Bausor was recently pursuing a career in music during the you should go to music school.” remains a distant dream. Even now, appointed principal flute with Taliban’s repressive reign of 1996-2001, and By 13, she had been recruited by the conservative towns, like Khpalwak’s the London Philharmonic it is still frowned upon. Each member of the Afghanistan National Institute for Music hometown of Kunar, continue to silence Orchestra and previously orchestra has faced abuse – and even deaths and became the first female conductor in the music. But the girls have vowed to work hard held the position at the threats – from their own relatives, who claim country. Later she set up Zohra, recruiting to bring music back to their country, and to Royal Northern Sinfonia. that female musicians “dishonour” their likeminded women from across Kabul, fight for female empowerment along the way. families. “It’s so hard for Afghan girls. Some fighting discrimination to play together fathers do not even let their daughters go to and fight the system. Violinist Zarifa Vickiie Oliphant is were broadcast live on the BBC World Service 2002 school, not to speak about music school. For Adibam, 18, claims their music has given a freelance journlist throughout the Commonwealth. In 1952, the Soprano Lucy Crowe (left) them, women are to stay at home and clean,” the group another chance of life and allowed and News Reporter demand for musicians to perform had become is a regular on the most said conductor Negina Khpalwak. the women to take up opportunities they for The Express. so great that Joan Kemp Potter, the first Music prestigious opera stages, Organiser, created the competition. There were whose dedication to ROSL ARTS and its including the Royal Opera 100 entries and a first prize of £10. many projects has been rightly extolled. House, Glyndebourne and It was under his direction that the Festival Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Gathering momentum was renamed the ROSL Annual Music has been widely praised for her From these humble beginnings, the Competition in 1985. voice and on-stage charisma. competition seemed to gather an almost irrepressible momentum. The next Music Household names Organiser, Patricia Stammers, realised that And what of the competitors themselves? 2005 financial support was needed to ensure the It is unsurprising to discover that many of the Timothy Orpen is the principal growth of the competition, and joined forces world’s most celebrated musicians in the last clarinet of the orchestra of the with the Gulbenkian Foundation, 65 years have been awarded a prize Royal Opera House, and a which secured a grant of £100 at the ROSL Annual Music founding member of the – mighty riches in 1960. In 1962, SUCH WAS THE Competition – from pianist Geoffrey Aurora Orchestra. the retired concert singer Audrey SUCCESS OF THIS Parsons and his first prize of £10 in Strange was appointed Director of ENTERPRISE THAT 1953, to the £10,000 now awarded. Music, dedicating the next 20 years IN THE 1950s Household names jump out from the 2010 MANY OF THESE to growing the reputation of the roster of winners in every decade. James Sherlock has, in the RECITALS, competition. Some of the changes PERFORMED AT It is particularly fascinating to see relatively short time since included moving the Grand Final OVER-SEAS the trends of instruments through winning the Keyboard prize, to Wigmore Hall in 1972 and to HOUSE, WERE each decade; in the earlier years of collaborated as both an Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1975, BROADCAST LIVE the competition the pianists accompanist and pianist ON THE BBC where it was held until 2015. dominated the ranks, while the with such diverse figures WORLD SERVICE Audrey was succeeded in 1982 by THROUGHOUT wind players bided their time and as Dame Felicity Lott, her assistant, Myriam Ponsford, THE got their revenge in the 1990s and BBC Concert Orchestra and in 1984 by Roderick Lakin, COMMONWEALTH 2000s. Long may it continue! and Dame Shirley Bassey. © Le Marin© Le Productions - Marin Raguz

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EARLY RISERS The Commonwealth Resounds' new Young Musician competition is aimed at finding and nurturing young talent, but doing so inclusively, writes Alison Cox

xcellence in Western Classical that are both fair-minded and inclusive, Cultural considerations music teaching and performance for example by inviting those who teach We are consulting professional and is frequently (and deservedly) or organise musical activity in specific indigenous musicians living and celebrated. However, it is equally countries to nominate deserving young working in different countries, as well as Evital to acknowledge other cultural groups musicians for the role. musicologists all over the world who have which teach, learn and enhance their At worst, competitions can be researched the music of non-Western musical skills in different ways, and to raise demoralising for teenagers, and suggest an cultures and can give advice on specific interest throughout the Commonwealth in intimidating musical hierarchy rather than characteristics and performances. We need young musicians who have a track record in promoting confident, ongoing personal to consider how to compare, for example, their own communities as outstanding solo development. However, they generate a violin performance with the Namibian conservatoires and specialist schools performers, but who may not have had the a productive sense of excitement and okambulumbumbwa, and rethink the to research and transcribe traditional opportunity to perform to wider audiences. involvement for audiences, can feed traditional notion of the concerto finale, non-Western classical music for piano – as this is less relevant here. On the other an absolutely fascinating compositional A hybrid approach hand, it might well be possible for a young exercise. Thanks to support from Roderick In order to begin addressing this, The musician from any musical culture to Lakin and ROSL, all 53 Pianorama pieces Commonwealth Resounds (TCR) is perform as a soloist with an ensemble were performed not only in Trinidad, THE COMPETITION IS A GENUINE launching an inclusive new Commonwealth of their own choice. but also in London and Edinburgh. ATTEMPT TO SUPPORT AND Young Musician competition for musicians TCR’s previous cross-cultural projects A later pan-Commonwealth project, PROMOTE MUSIC TEACHERS under the age of 20. It marks a new direction have shown the exciting work that can created for CHOGM in Malta 2015, AND TEENAGE MUSICIANS from the organisation’s work in running be inspired by tensions between different featured the flute and harp – instruments AROUND THE WORLD, IN A WIDE musical outreach programmes, musical traditions, and it will be which have many variants in a wide range RANGE OF GENRES AND performances and special creative projects interesting to see what instruments and of musical cultures. Pieces representing in countries linked to the Commonwealth INSTRUMENTS FROM MANY collaborations the young musicians every Commonwealth country were Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) CULTURAL GROUPS choose. In 2009, inspired by the annual performed in the beautiful Fondazzjoni in Malta, Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago, Trinibagonian steelpan festival Panorama, Kreattività in Valletta, Malta. Australia and Sri Lanka, as well as in many performers’ aspirations and, at best, TCR created a Commonwealth Pianorama, parts of the UK. genuinely push musical standards to new commissioning short piano pieces Cross-composition In Commonwealth countries where levels, creating valuable educational and from composers in each of the 53 At the Purcell School, during the and steelpan using a mixture of graphic As we work to develop Commonwealth musical competitions are already established outreach work for much larger numbers Commonwealth countries (there are now annual Sound and Music (SAM) Summer and specially created notation which Young Musician, ideas can be drawn from and part of the existing cultural framework of participants. 52 countries). School for Young Composers, I run a suited both musicians admirably. The these initiatives. The competition is a it will be relatively straightforward to Determined to achieve such benefits, The project quickly ran into a cross-cultural composition group, and highly distinguished Indian musician genuine attempt to support and promote identify candidates for the national or TCR is organising this event carefully in predictable hiccup: the piano is not an regularly encounter many interesting Kuljit Bhamra OBE, who is a patron of music teachers and teenage musicians regional prize, for example finding a order to support all those involved; not just instrument featured in the traditional problems, mainly linked to scoring and TCR and works regularly with me on the around the world, and to identify musical Commonwealth Young Musician for the ‘winners’. This will include outreach music of many Commonwealth countries! notation. One year we featured Leeandro SAM course, has invented tabla notation talent in a wide range of genres and Australia. However, in other cultures, work and easily-accessible online advice, In some regions, indigenous composers Noray, a wonderful steelpan player from which works very effectively in tandem instruments from many cultural groups. competitions may not be relevant or and other forms of educational development were not willing to write piano pieces. Tobago, who worked entirely by ear. with Western classical notation. It would desirable. Talented young musicians from for all participants, along with positive, This became a special opportunity for A talented young composer called Mark be very exciting to see more research To get involved in this new initiative, email these regions will be selected by other means encouraging feedback. young composers at the UK’s music Loveless managed to write a duo for tabla along these lines. Alison Cox at [email protected].

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“I believe that orchestras around the world recognise that music can enrich young people’s lives in profound and sometimes transformational ways. Investing in robust music education Orchestrating better opportunities also provides a breeding ground for musicians of the next generation as well as our future audiences for the art form. The sooner MUSIC EDUCATION we can expose young people to the world of music, the better for them, Now a nice-to-have extra on the curriculum, rather than a must-have in many for us, for society,” he explains. “The MAP engages around 60 artists governments’ budgets, young peoples’ music education is under threat. But the annually, including 30-40 indigenous artists. Our NAC Orchestra musicians benefits of a well-rounded arts education go further than you might think. Mark have taught band instruments to students in the Arctic that we work Brierley finds out how Canada's National Arts Centre is filling the funding gap with through our distance-learning studio here in Ottawa. And when the NAC Orchestra tours, we tend to offer But why is music education nothing new, with the gap in access ten education events for every evening so important to young people’s MUSICAL to the arts growing since the 1990s. concert we present – so everyone is DUO development? It’s about more than This problem is shared in Canada, actively engaged. We always seek out Geneviève just finding and nurturing the next home to many isolated rural ways to feature our MAP teaching Cimon, Director generation of musicians; the broader of Music communities and indigenous musical artists with our orchestra when we impact on behavioural and academic Education and traditions which need continued are touring in their communities.” development is one that politicians often Community support from a range of sectors – local, This model is one that many other fail to appreciate. Geneviève Cimon, Engagement; private, corporate, and government – nations around the world have sought Director of Music Education and and Alexander in order to thrive, hence the MAP’s to replicate, with each country learning Community Engagement at the NAC, Shelley, Music decision to focus its efforts in the from one another. “I’ve long admired Director at cannot stress this enough. At MAP the NAC, regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, the work that the UK has pioneered workshops, feedback from teachers have worked Nunavut and Manitoba and, most and led in the area of community is always very positive and powerful. hard to create recently, the four Atlantic provinces. engagement,” says Cimon. “When the an outreach “Preserving and promoting local NAC Orchestra toured the UK in 2014 Wider benefits programme language and culture is at the core we had the opportunity to partner with “We’ve heard over and over again that which both of our mandate,” explains Cimon. many UK orchestras in outreach work.” supports young kids who struggle to communicate “Our activities and events include people's music can find their voices by creating education performances, workshops and artist Filling the gaps lyrics; kids who have difficulty and protects mentoring, featuring hip-hop, folk and Thanks to the efforts of the NAC interacting with their peers often indigenous classical music, as well as indigenous and other likeminded organisations make incredible strides being part musical forms of drumming, throat-singing around the world, young people can of a group that’s creating music; kids traditions. and traditional songs… Our continue to receive an absorbing music he story of music education fenced, and even receiving £18 million a well-rounded education to their who have behavioural challenges – organisation has been immeasurably education, despite the gaps in state in schools, and arts funding for school “music hubs” over this youngest generation, also cutting often very serious ones – discover enriched by working with and learning provision. After all, it provides so more widely, has been one period, Ofsted, the school inspection KIDS WHO funding for the arts. The only way for that they can focus and channel their from indigenous artists and educators.” many more benefits than the ability of sorry decline in many body, reported that just 7% of schools STRUGGLE TO most children to continue to receive energy into music in a positive way.” This approach to music education to play an instrument. Tcountries globally following the provided “outstanding” music COMMUNICATE this kind of education is for other Evidence like this makes the is supported by the NAC Orchestra, “One of the great joys of our life financial crash of 2008. Despite the education, while a massive 61% were CAN FIND THEIR institutions to step in as the state argument for well-funded arts whose Music Director, Alexander is music,” agrees Shelley. “Music has return to economic growth, arts deemed “satisfactory or inadequate”. VOICES BY steps away. education even stronger, but the Shelley, is also the Chief Conductor of a transformative power, and with CREATING LYRICS; funding has often been the first on the This is clearly not enough to stem the KIDS WHO OFTEN One such example is the National challenges of fighting declining state the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, programmes like Music Alive, we chopping board, giving today’s young decline in quality music education. HAVE DIFFICULTY Arts Centre of Canada (NAC), whose funding is widespread. Taking the US as well as Principal Associate can harness that power to raise people a far less well-rounded arts INTERACTING Music Alive Programme (MAP) as an example, 2008 data showed that Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic social awareness on the issues education than previous generations. Global challenge WITH THEIR encourages active participation in students in schools serving poorer Orchestra in London. This directly impacting students in their In the UK, arts funding has been hit This phenomenon is by no means PEERS MAKE music by providing resources in areas and students from minority international experience means he is community. For me and for my BIG STRIDES particularly badly, with a near 30% cut limited to the UK, with many other BEING PART OF schools and local communities that backgrounds were two times less likely more aware than most of the challenges colleagues, it is an enormous privilege in government aid from 2011 to 2015. wealthy Western nations, those you A GROUP THAT'S bring quality arts education to to have access to arts programmes than facing many countries when it comes to work with youth and make music Despite music education being ring- would assume could afford to provide CREATING MUSIC Canadian schoolchildren. their white peers. This phenomenon is to funding arts education. a vibrant part of their lives.”

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1 JULY 1867 20 JULY 1871 7 NOVEMBER 1885 11 DECEMBER 1931 1954 27 JUNE 1959 independence from Great The British North America British Columbia joins Canada The Canadian Pacific Railway The 'Statute of Westminster Sir Evelyn Wrench visits The St Lawrence Seaway opens, Britain for the first time, Act creates the Dominion as its sixth province. (right), stretching from coast 1931' removes the power of the Alberta and sets up the first a joint project between Canada although Queen Elizabeth II of Canada by joining New to coast, is completed and British parliament to pass laws ROSL branch in Canada, and the US. remains Head of State. Brunswick and Nova Scotia 1 JULY 1873 becomes the longest railway without the consent of the which is followed by branches with Ontario and Quebec. Prince Edward Island follows in the world. Canadian parliament, taking in British Columbia, Nova 27 APRIL 1967 20 JULY 2005 British Columbia to become the country one step closer Scotia and Ontario. The World’s Fair ‘Expo 67’ Canada becomes just the fourth 11 OCTOBER 1869 the seventh province. 1 SEPTEMBER 1905 to full independence. opens in Montreal as part country globally to legalise The Red River Rebellion, led by The Northwest Territories are of the country’s centenary same-sex marriage, following a group of Métis, form the Red 26 MARCH – 3 JUNE 1885 partitioned to remove Alberta 10 SEPTEMBER 1939 celebrations. the Netherlands, Belgium and River Colony in present-day The North-West Rebellion, and Saskatchewan, which Canada declares war on Spain. The nationwide law Manitoba in protest against again led by a group of Métis, become the eighth and ninth Germany one week after Great 20 MAY 1980 follows provincial legalisation Canadian intrusion, before this time joined by Cree Canadian provinces. Britain and France, entering A referendum on Quebec in Ontario, British Columbia eventually succumbing to fighters, establish the the Second World War (right). independence ends with 59.56% and New Brunswick over the government pressure and Provisional Government of 4 AUGUST 1914 of voters choosing to remain preceding two years. returning to federal control the Saskatchewan, which is again Great Britain declares war 24 OCTOBER 1945 part of Canada. A second following May. The province defeated during the siege of on Germany, bringing Canada 24 MAY 1918 Canada joins the United referendum 15 years later sees 29 JUNE – 1 JULY 2017 of Manitoba is formed and Batoche. This defeat began a into the First World War. Women gain the right to vote Nations. that majority reduced to 50.58%. The Prince of Wales and becomes the fifth province long-standing animosity by The Battle of Vimy Ridge in federal elections, although The Duchess of Cornwall will of Canada in the immediate the Francophone population in 1917 becomes a national universal suffrage is not achieved 31 MARCH 1949 17 APRIL 1982 tour Canada as part of the aftermath of the rebellion, with against the Anglophone symbol of achievement until 1940, when Quebec grants Newfoundland becomes the The Constitution Act comes celebrations, culminating land rights granted to the Métis. establishment. and sacrifice. women the right to vote. tenth Canadian province. into force, giving Canada full in Canada Day on 1 July.

To commemorate Canada's sesquicentennial in 2017, we look back at some of the defining moments that have influenced the nation's development.

1 July 1867 marked the day the Dominion of Canada came into being, uniting the British colonies of Canada with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In the 150 years that have followed, the four initial provinces have become the ten provinces and three territories we recognise today. The melting pot of indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis aboriginals, British and French settlers, plus the keenly felt influence of the country’s southern neighbour, have shaped the nation’s culture into something uniquely Canadian. The Battle of Vimy Ridge by Richard Jack commemorates one of Canada's defining moments

© Library and Archives Canada

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LONDON & EDINBURGH highlights

LONDON HOKUSAI: BEYOND Secret THE GREAT WAVE © Phil Rowley Until 13 August, British Museum SOUNDS A look back at the last 30 LONDON Britten Theatre DAYS AWAY Completed in 1986, the Royal College years of the life and career LES BALLETS C DE LA Director of Arts Geoff Parkin reveals of Music’s Britten Theatre is a treasure, of one of Japan’s most B: NICHT SCHLAFEN his choice of lesser-known concert hidden behind the grand Victorian influential artists. 30 June - 1 July, Sadler’s Wells façade of the original college building £12. Alain Platel’s contemporary halls in and around London on Prince Consort Road. Designed www.britishmuseum.org ensemble performs Nicht by Sir Hugh Casson in the style of an Schlafen to the sounds of SNAPE MALTINGS, Italian opera theatre, the space gives EDINBURGH African chanting, sleeping SUFFOLK snapemaltings.co.uk perfect sight-lines and excellent BEYOND CARAVAGGIO animals and startling imagery, Composer Benjamin Britten's acoustics for 400 people. 17 June - 24 September, all inspired by the music of link to Suffolk is epitomised www.rcm.ac.uk Scottish National Gallery Gustav Mahler. by this exceptional concert The first ever exhibition of Prices vary. hall. Originally a malthouse from the mid-19th century, the works of Caravaggio and www.sadlerswells.com the converted building his followers, the so-called complements the atmospheric, Caravaggesque painters, LONDON almost bleak, setting of the to be held in Scotland. CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA Alde Estuary, helping to explain the unique voice in £12. 16 July, Southbank Centre Britten’s music. www.nationalgalleries.org Europe’s original all-Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) LONDON orchestra will return to the SERPENTINE PAVILION Southbank Centre as part of BY FRANCIS KÉRÉ the Africa Utopia season. Conway Hall 23 June - 8 October, £9-£60. www.southbankcentre.co.uk e are very lucky at ROSL Wilton’s Music Hall (above) JACQUELINE DU PRÉ Built in 1929, Conway Hall is hidden Serpentine Gallery to have a dedicated concert A must visit for anyone, this gem, MUSIC BUILDING, OXFORD away in the corner of Red Lion Square, Burkina Faso’s renowned hall, refurbished some years situated close to Tower Bridge, is one jdp.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk Holborn. It has excellent acoustics architect Francis Kéré EDINBURGH agoW with excellent acoustics, an of the world’s oldest surviving music Hidden within the grounds of and holds a regular Sunday chamber becomes the first African THE ROYAL St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and exceptional Steinway Model D piano halls. Recently refurbished, Wilton’s named after Honorary Fellow concert series, as well as lectures to design the Serpentine’s EDINBURGH MILITARY and a modern aesthetic. I think still retains its crumbling charm and of the college (and ROSL and community events. summer pavilion, using TATTOO Princess Alexandra Hall deserves plays host to a range of performances Annual Music Competition conwayhall.org.uk references from his home 4-26 August, Edinburgh Castle 1961 winner) Jacqueline village of Gando. With performers from all over to feature on any list of ‘hidden gem’ from cabaret to classical music. du Pré, the Music Building music venues, but where else could wiltons.org.uk opened in 1995 and includes Free. the globe, this year’s theme, you go for a great musical experience the superb 200-seater Edward www.serpentinegalleries.org Splash of Tartan, promises to in unique surroundings? Here are a Boyle Auditorium. be one of the most colourful few of my top recommendations. © Kevin Moran tattoos yet. Prices vary. Wigmore Hall Leighton House www.edintattoo.co.uk Originally built by the Bechstein The home of Frederic Leighton, piano company, whose offices were President of the Royal Academy of EDINBURGH next door, Wigmore Hall is one of the Arts 1878-96, Leighton House hosts DUNEDIN CONSORT

BRIGHTON DOME © Rafa Esteve finest international chamber music concerts promoted by the Kensington brightondome.org 5 August, The Queen’s Hall venues, offering a year-round and Chelsea Music Society. This Built as the stable block for St Bartholomew the Great The recently rediscovered programme from the world’s best unique building, with its renowned the Royal Pavilion, Brighton This jewel of a church is the oldest work by Claudio Monteverdi, Dome is now a major arts classical performers. With almost double-height Arab Hall, is open daily centre. You will usually find a in London, founded in 1123. With Il Combattimento, is perfect acoustics you can check the (except Tuesdays) with a wonderful ROSL prizewinner performing regular Friday lunchtime concerts, premiered by one of the hall out on 17 July at ROSL’s annual collection of art, including Burne- as part of the Brighton you can combine end-of-week music UK’s most respected early Festival in May and the centre music groups. presentation of prizewinners from Jones, Millais, Charles Fairfax Murray has a year-round programme with the visual marvels of its interior, the Annual Music Competition. and much of Leighton’s own work. of concerts, including a and even a Damien Hirst sculpture. £9-£32.50. © Kéré Architecture www.wigmore-hall.org.uk © Peter Dazeley kcmusic.org.uk wonderful Sunday series. www.citymusicsociety.org www.eif.co.uk/2017/dunedin

40 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 41 ROSL ROSL London ARTS Scotland Group Members’ Younger ROSL EVENTS Events Members Just some of the highlights over the next few months, followed by the full calendar For booking information see page 50.

MUSIC @ 100 PRINCES STREET Monday 7 - Friday 18 August No summer season would be complete without ROSL’s annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme. Since 2000, ROSL ARTS have run a successful concert series in the Edinburgh clubhouse during the Festival Fringe. Over a two week period, ROSL members and Friends, and classical music aficionados, support ROSL alumni, past and present, as they perform at breakfast, after lunch, at teatime and in late-night concerts. Breakfast, Beethoven for Breakfast, Chopin The concert programme is an important after lunch, Gershwin after lunch, Mozart platform for ROSL prizewinning and at Teatime, Brahms at Teatime and Bach at scholarship musicians, enabling them to Bedtime. Planned and programmed to act raise their profile, form new partnerships as a deep breath within the bustle of the and develop their relationship with ROSL. city, the programme offers audiences an Event It also supports our aim to position the hour of beautiful music performed by young Edinburgh clubhouse as an arts centre. musicians in the centre of the city. Set in a With the planned refurbishment of the prime location, with a relaxed atmosphere, Lakin Room, it will become a sought-after refreshments and inspiring music from highlights performance venue, popular all year round. ROSL’s exciting creative talent, the series As ROSL celebrates the 70th anniversary of Indian independence, This year’s concerts offer up Bach for promises to enhance the Fringe experience. our top summer events include a Bollywood-inspired ball and an exciting Edinburgh Festival programme But don’t take our word for it, ne of the most traditional Indian storytelling three of the country’s finest India returns to the country’s here’s what the critics say… enduring by Peter Chand. musicians: Debapriya and fantastic culinary traditions. “Bach for Breakfast is quite the Orelationships The three-course dinner that Samanwaya (Dev & Sam) A summer wine tasting on preferable way to do mornings… it is between two nations has follows fuses British and Indian providing vocals and sitar, Friday 14 July will explore a performance that gracefully sends been that of the UK and India, cuisine. Afterwards, members while Madhurijya Ranjan the pairing of sweet wines “One can relax and enjoy a selection us off to the breakfast room, which so to mark the occasion of and their guests will have a Barthakur plays the tabla. The with Indian food, plus our of the best music from the classical has a stunning view of the castle, for 70 years since independence, chance to try out modern event on Friday 30 June will wine experts Martin Everett repertoire, featuring some of the top pastries, coffee and tea, and to ponder ROSL has planned a summer Indian dancing; cameras at the reveal the depth and diversity and Sophie Balanger will young musicians from the United the exceptional talent just witnessed, of Indian-themed events ready everyone! Those looking of classical music in India. seek out the perfect red Kingdom and the Commonwealth.” as well as how good life can be with to suit all tastes. for a slightly more sedate Of course, it’s never long and whites to complement EDINBURGH GUIDE music like this in the world.” The biggest has to be after-dinner experience can before any conversation on spiced dishes. EDFEST MAGAZINE ‘East Meets West: ROSL’s retire to the Duke of York Bar We conclude this series media and society, the first Indian summer ball’ on and listen to the sounds of with two lectures from in the series, ‘India Renewed’, Saturday 17 June at Over- world-famous sitar player India-based CEO and will focus on how the country “The ROSL’s 60-year-old record for Seas House London. This Jonathan Mayer. founder of the India is changing and its place supporting prodigious young artists “The best place to spot future event will celebrate the Later in June, the Debating Union, on the world stage. The bears enormous fruit… it attracts the International Festival talent is UK-India Year of Culture by music continues Abhaey Singh. second, ‘Demystifying India’, cream of the young musical crop… undoubtedly the Royal Over-Seas giving members a chance to with a concert of Exploring the seeks to deconstruct myths a feast of new talent” League music series” enjoy a champagne reception Indian classical shifts in Indian about India by exploring THE SCOTSMAN THE HERALD in the ROSL Garden with music from politics, Hindu philosophy.

42 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 43 ROSL ROSL London ARTS Scotland Group Members’ Younger ROSL calendar Events Members ROSL calendar EVENTS For booking information see page 50. EVENTS

JUNE which would obsess him listening to traditional folklore modern and traditional for the last dozen years of stories from India’s colourful music from the world-famous SOLD OUT his life. past. After a three-course sitar player Jonathan Mayer. LONDON GROUP TROOPING This lecture by Ross King, menu fusing British and Indian Don’t miss out on what SUMMER DINNER THE COLOUR author of Mad Enchantment: cuisine, there will be Indian- promises to be the highlight Wednesday 21 June, 7pm, Major General’s Review, The painting of Monet’s water inspired entertainment, of the ROSL calendar. Hall of India and Pakistan, Saturday 3 June; Colonel’s lilies, will tell the story of including mehndi artists. £110; £1,000 table of 10. Over-Seas House London Review, Saturday 10 June; Monet’s Grande Décoration: Try your hand at a variety of Includes three-course Join London Group members Queen’s Birthday Parade, the immense canvases of his Indian dances or retire to the fine dining menu and for a summer celebration, Saturday 17 June, 10am, water lily garden that he bar and indulge in a mix of champagne reception. including a drinks reception Horse Guards Parade, London hoped would be his greatest and delicious three-course Impressive displays of legacy. The event has been meal with wine. After dinner, pageantry in celebration of organised by the London Catherine Baxendale, author The Queen’s Official Birthday. Events Volunteer Fundraising of the recent report on £7/£15/£45. Committee to raise money attracting civil service for the Art Fund. recruits from business and £22. Includes post-talk commerce, will give a talk wine and nibbles. on ‘The background to the CLAUDE MONET Baxendale Report’. AND THE PAINTING £50; £45 LG members. OF THE WATER LILIES Monday 5 June, 6.30-8pm, EAST MEETS WEST: Over-Seas House London ROSL’S INDIAN In Association with the Art SUMMER BALL Fund. By the outbreak of Saturday 17 June, 6.30pm, war in 1914, Claude Monet Over-Seas House London © Lottie Davies, Viola as Twins, 2009 was France’s most celebrated ROSL’s annual summer ball will painter. However, the death celebrate the 70th anniversary of his wife in 1911 and of Indian independence and problems with his vision the UK-India Year of Culture. CYNTHIA CORBETT a selection of works from emerging talent and offer left him despondent. Against Starting in the beautiful ROSL ANNUAL MUSIC COMPETITION GRAND FINAL GALLERY BRINGS a wide range of emerging opportunities early in the this backdrop, he began his Garden, members will enjoy a Wednesday 7 June, 7-10pm, Cadogan Hall, London YOUNG MASTERS and established artists. The careers of international most ambitious project, champagne reception while The winners of the Wind and Brass, Singers, Strings, and TO ROSL exhibition will include work young creatives. Works by Keyboard sections compete for the Gold Medal and £15,000 Thursday 29 June – Friday by the 2017 winner of the entrants past and present, prize. The ROSL Annual Music Competition grew out of a 8 September, daily 11am-6pm; Young Masters Art Prize, varying in age and series of concerts inaugurated at Over-Seas House London MENTORS, NETWORKS Private View Thursday 29 June, which celebrates artists experience, will be included, in 1947 under the banner ‘Festival of Commonwealth Youth’. AND FUNDING: 6-8 pm, Over-Seas House who pay homage to the skill covering a variety of media Over the past 65 years, it has grown in scope and prestige, A PROFESSIONAL’S London and traditions of the past. and subject matter. and now awards in excess of £75,000 annually for solo PATHWAY TO SUCCESS ROSL ARTS are proud This not-for-profit prize Free. Register for the Private performers, accompanists and chamber ensembles. Thursday 22 June, 6.30pm, to work with the Cynthia aligns with ROSL’s ethos, View via www.rosl.org.uk; The Grand Final is the culmination of the competition, Hall of India and Pakistan, Corbett Gallery to present as we aim to support includes a drink. judged by eminent musicians and industry experts, and Over-Seas House London featuring the winners of all four disciplines: Mathilde Abhaey Singh, real estate Milwidsky violin, Nicholas Mogg baritone, Dominic CEO and founder of the Degavino piano and James Buckle bass trombone. Indian Debating Union, growth, where to find our beautiful clubhouse. The evening will also include performances by winners will share his insights into mentors and how he became SCOTTISH Dinner will be followed of the two ROSL Ensemble Prizes: Bertram Lynette Duo how entrepreneurs can a Chief Executive at the MEMBERS DINNER by a talk on ‘Remembering (piano duo) and Kabantu (world music ensemble). achieve success. The aim age of 30. Friday 23 June, 7pm, the Past, Creating the £20; £15 members, Friends of ROSL ARTS and Encore of the evening is to help £10. Includes refreshments. Over-Seas House Edinburgh Future’ by Dr Donald Smith, members; £10 students. Book from Cadogan Hall: attendees understand what Season ticket £20, also Enjoy views of Edinburgh Director of the Scottish www.cadoganhall.com or +44 (0)20 7730 4500. makes a successful business, includes entry to Abhaey’s Castle as you dine with Storytelling Centre. how to maximise funding two-part India lecture series. fellow ROSL members in £30; £35 guests.

44 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 45 ROSL ROSL London ARTS Scotland Group Members’ Younger ROSL calendar Events Members EVENTS For booking information see page 50.

JULY

INDIA RENEWED: THE CHANGING FACE OF 21ST-CENTURY INDIA Thursday 13 July, 6.30pm, Princess Alexandra Hall, Over-Seas House London Join us for the first half of a two-part lecture series by the founder of the Indian Debating Union, Abhaey Singh, exploring the diverse culture and history of India. celebrations of the 70th ‘India Renewed’ will explore HOUSE OF LORDS anniversary of Indian the tectonic shifts in Indian AFTERNOON TEA independence, and the politics, media and civil EVELYN WRENCH Tuesday 27 June, 3.30pm, UK-India Year of Culture. society, and what this means how to find the perfect red £10-£20. Book from Wigmore LECTURE SERIES. House of Lords, London Debapriya and Samanwaya for the future. and white for exquisite Hall: www.wigmore-hall.org.uk THE POST-TRUTH The Rt Hon the Lord Luce, (Dev & Sam) are two of India’s £10. Includes refreshments. spiced dishes. or +44 (0)20 7935 2141. PRESIDENCY ROSL President, invites finest classical musicians. Season ticket £20, also £20. £15 Younger Members. Thursday 27 July, 6.30pm, members to ROSL’s annual Learning with the celebrated includes entry to Abhaey’s Includes six tasting glasses Princess Alexandra Hall, afternoon tea in the maestros of India, their other lecture on India and his of wine and Indian nibbles. Over-Seas House London Cholmondeley Room and unique combination of vocal entrepreneur talk. VISIT TO GUILDHALL Our expert panellists will Terrace at the House of and sitar music displays their Thursday 20 July, 10.30am, explore the events that Lords. As ever, this popular deep understanding and BATTLEFIELD TOUR: Line, and explore the Guildhall have unfolded since ROSL favourite promises to knowledge, musical subtlety FROM THE SOMME battles at Arras and MONDAY PLATFORM: The Guildhall is located in Trump’s inauguration. sell out fast. and broadness, technical TO CAMBRAI Bullecourt. This visit also SUGAR AND SPICE: ALEXANDER SOARES the heart of the City, which What does the UK’s £39.50. richness, and aesthetic Friday 7 – Monday 10 July, includes the opportunity AN INDIAN SUMMER AND CONSONE was the capital of Roman 'special relationship' wisdom. Joined by special Arras, France to see Wellington Quarry, WINE TASTING QUARTET Britain in AD100 and then look like now? Will Trump guest, tabla player Madhurjya Don’t miss out on ROSL’s an astonishing underground Friday 14 July, 6.30pm, Garden, Monday 17 July, 7.30pm, governed by the City of succeed in ‘making Ranjan Barthakur, the group 2017 Battlefield Tour as we complex dug by New Over-Seas House London Wigmore Hall London Corporation, which America great again'? DEV & SAM INDIAN will improvise, experimenting continue to mark the First Zealand engineers. On Continuing our celebrations Two of ROSL ARTS’s fantastic developed a model of How have fake news, CLASSICAL MUSIC with new approaches while World War by studying the our last day, we will visit for the 70th anniversary of recent prizewinners, municipal democracy. alternative facts and social Saturday 30 June, 7-9pm, preserving the tradition of campaigns of 1916 and 1917. Cambrai and marvel at Indian independence and the Alexander Soares piano Built between 1411 and media changed politics? Over-Seas House London ‘Ragas and Talas’, in a moving Travelling by coach, we will tank D51 Deborah. The UK-India Year of Culture, our and the Consone Quartet, 1440, Guildhall has been The discussion will Join us for an entrancing and beautiful performance. visit Vimy Ridge, where the tank was knocked out in summer wine tasting will perform a varied and exciting home to the corporation provide insight into the evening of Indian classical £15; £12 Friends of ROSL Canadian Corps led the the battle and buried for explore the pairing of sweet programme in the world- for more than 800 years. decisions and actions of music as we continue our ARTS. British advances at the 80 years; it is now preserved wines with traditional Indian famous recital hall. It remains the civic and the president – separating Battle of Arras in 1917. at Flesquières Museum. food. Our wine connoisseurs, Alexander won the Gold ceremonial centre of the fact from fiction – and Moving to the Somme, £795; single supplement Martin Everett and Sophie Medal in the 2015 ROSL City, and has entertained reviewing his impact on we will investigate £100. Includes all Balanger, will show members Annual Music Competition; heads of state and recently the USA and the world. this pivotal battle and accommodation, coach while the Consone Quartet, hosted The Queen’s 90th The panel will be explore how the South travel, guiding by expert violinists Agata Daraskaite birthday celebrations. moderated by ROSL Africans, Australians, military historian Michael and Magdalena Loth-Hill, After a 60-90 minute tour member and broadcaster New Zealanders and Orr, all entrance fees and violist Elitsa Bogdanova and by a City Guide, members Michael McKay. Canadians contributed. meals. Limited drinks per cellist George Ross, were will have an opportunity Champage reception and On Sunday, we will trace meal. Secure your place awarded the ROSL Strings/ to watch the Court of lecture £25; £30 guests. the operations of Spring with a £100 deposit via Piano Ensemble prize in 2016. Common Council in action Reception, lecture and 1917 as the German Army [email protected] The programme includes or to visit the Guildhall two-course buffet with withdrew to the Hindenburg or +44 (0)20 7016 6906. works by Dutilleux, Messiaen, Art Gallery. wine £50; £60 guests. Beethoven and Haydn. £14; £12 LG members.

46 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 47 WINE TOUR ROSL ROSL London ARTS Scotland Group IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE, WINE WAS THE POPULAR DRINK OF Members’ Younger ALL SOCIAL CLASSES IN WINE-GROWING REGIONS, BUT ROSL calendar Events Members WAS USED FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES ELSEWHERE AND EVENTS For booking information see page 50. ENJOYED BY THOSE WHO COULD AFFORD IT. (SEE 19 AUGUST)

PENCIL POLITICS LUNCHTIME CONCERT: BLACK-TIE DINNER Thursday 20 July, 6pm AURELIAN PIANO TRIO IN THE TOWER MEDIEVAL WINE TOUR OF LONDON Britain’s leading authority Monday 31 July, 1pm, Friday 4 August, 6.30pm, Saturday 19 August, 2pm, meet outside Guildhall on political cartoons, St Martin-in-the-Fields Tower of London Challenge your perceptions of life in the Dr Tim Benson, will be Winners of the 2016 Pettman/ Our popular black-tie dinner Middle Ages and quench your thirst for discussing how political ROSL ARTS Scholarship, is back with a twist this August. knowledge with this immersive wine-tasting cartoons work in our violinist April Ju, pianist As well as a three-course meal tour. Acclaimed historian and broadcaster increasingly political Delvan Lin and cellist Matthias in the Fusiliers’ Mess and Dr Matthew Green will guide you through environment. From cartoons Balzat, perform Beethoven’s the Ceremony of the Keys a stark medieval world, from the neglected printed in newspapers to Piano Trio in E flat Op 1 and performed by Yeoman Roman walls to the wine-importing district graffiti appearing on the Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor. Warders, members will have where Chaucer’s father lived, and beyond streets, Benson will be Presenting chamber music in the unique opportunity to have to the ancient port at Queenhithe. discussing the power of a stunning setting, this recital a private viewing of the crown With a glass in hand, you will be treated to a the pencil in politics. by talented young musicians jewels and learn about their series of musical and theatrical performances, overlooking the Thames in the last of three Free. London Group members is sure to inspire. history from the Duty Exhibitor. which bring to life the sights and sounds of tavern stops. and overnight guests at Free. £145. Guests £150. Includes medieval London: a perfect pairing for any £30. Includes three glasses of wine. Over-Seas House only. sparkling wine reception, wine. Finish the tour drinking malmsey wine Transport not included. and three-course dinner AUGUST with wine and port.

SCOTTISH MEMBERS’ for Breakfast, Beethoven for development from a rural LONDON VISIT FRIENDS OF ROSL ARTS GARDEN PARTY DEMYSTIFYING INDIA: Breakfast, Chopin After Lunch, LORD’S CRICKET pastime to a modern, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 July, Wednesday 26 July, 6pm, Over-Seas House London REDISCOVERING Gershwin After Lunch, Mozart at GROUNDS & MUSEUM increasingly international, Over-Seas House London The annual Garden Party events and invitations THE WORLD’S Teatime and Brahms at Teatime. Friday 18 August, 10.45am, sport. Follow in the footsteps Join fellow Edinburgh Branch is exclusive to Friends of to private views. Friends CIVILIZATIONAL With the prime location, relaxed Lord's, Marylebone, London of many famous cricketers as members for a weekend ROSL ARTS. A drinks may attend only one of FOUNTAINHEAD atmosphere and refreshments Our tour begins in the MCC you walk through the heart at the London clubhouse, reception will take place the two ROSL ARTS Thursday 3 August, 6.30pm, included in the ticket price, Museum, home of the famous of the Pavilion to the famous exploring the varied and in the Garden, followed by Garden Parties in 2017 Princess Alexandra Hall, ‘Music @ 100 Princes Street‘ Ashes urn. The museum Long Room, with panoramic inspiring galleries and an hour-long concert by (see 6 September for the Over-Seas House London enhances the Fringe brings the fascinating story views of the pitch. The tour museums the capital has to talented ROSL prizewinners. second event). To celebrate the 70th experience and presents ROSL of cricket to life. Paintings, will be taken by a Grounds offer – or maybe just enjoying Commonwealth wines, Friends of ROSL ARTS only. anniversary of India’s ARTS’s exciting, creative talent. photographs and artefacts, Guide and lasts up to 1 hour the beautiful ROSL Garden canapés and sweet pastries Joining the Friends costs independence, Abhaey Singh’s £15; £12 concessions. covering 400 years of cricket and 40 minutes. at the height of summer. will be served afterwards. £30 for ROSL members; second lecture on India will history, reveal the game’s £14; £12 LG members. Price tba. Friends’ benefits include £35 for non-members. focus on deconstructing MUSIC @ 100 regular mailings, discounted Register via rosl.org.uk or myths about India. The real PRINCES STREET tickets to all ROSL ARTS +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x213. estate CEO and founder of Sunday 6 - Saturday 19 August, THE PALACE OF the Indian Debating Union will Over-Seas House Edinburgh WESTMINSTER LUNCHTIME CONCERT: explore Hindu philosophy, the ROSL ARTS returns to the Thursday 17 August, 6pm, AURELIAN PIANO TRIO foundations of Dharmic culture, Fringe for the 18th year of Over-Seas House London Friday 28 July, 1.10pm, and India’s groundbreaking ‘Music @ 100 Princes Street’. Built in 1016 the Palace of St James’s Piccadilly civilizational contributions. The critically acclaimed Westminster has been the ROSL brings international This wonderful lecture will concert series presents ROSL residence of kings and the musicians April Ju violin, show the effects of a resurgent prizewinners and scholars. The meeting place of politicians Delvan Lin piano and India on the world, and why it visual arts component of our for centuries. Dr Mark Collins, Matthias Balzat cello to matters to people in Britain. work will be represented by Estates Archivist at the Houses our local church, as they £10. Includes refreshments. an exhibition in the clubhouse of Parliament, will discuss the visit the UK as winners of Season ticket £20, also includes throughout the festival. history of this beautiful building. the 2016 Pettman/ROSL entry to Abhaey’s other These popular concerts, Free. London Group members ARTS Scholarship. lecture on India and his hosted in the intimate setting and overnight guests at Free. entrepreneur talk. of the clubhouse, include Bach Over-Seas House only.

48 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 49 ROSL ROSL London KIRKER HOLIDAYS ARTS Scotland Group Members’ Younger for discerning travellers ROSL calendar Events Members EVENTS For booking information see below. Spring and early summer is the perfect time of year for a rejuvenating short break. Kirker Holidays provides carefully crafted tailor-made holidays to over 140 destinations in 40 countries - whether you are seeking early summer sunshine or a few days in a classic European city.The Kirker Concierge can arrange opera and ballet tickets, pre- book museums, galleries and private guided tours, and reserve a table for a delicious CONTACT DETAILS AND dinner at a recommended restaurant. FIREWORK CONCERT Sit back and enjoy as they AND MEMBERS-ONLY transform our beautiful BOOKING INFORMATION We also organise a series of escorted Cultural Tours & Music Holidays, DINNER Garden into the Sicilian Visit www.rosl.org.uk/events for more including our own exclusive Music Festivals on land and at sea. port of Messina, where our Monday 28 August, 6.30pm, information on the full programme of events Prices are per person include flights or Eurostar, return transfers (excluding Bruges), accommodation Over-Seas House Edinburgh dashing heroes, Don Pedro, with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of Enjoy a beautiful fireworks Claudio and Benedick, ROSL ARTS the Kirker Concierge to book expert local guides, exhibition or concert tickets or reserve a table for a display and thrilling concert return from wars abroad to +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x219; [email protected] delicious dinner. against the backdrop of the merry war of the sexes. Edinburgh Castle with this £50; £55 guests. Includes ROSL SCOTLAND Seville Berlin Rome popular members-only event. two glasses of prosecco. +44 (0)131 225 1501; [email protected] Doña Maria **** De Rome ***** Deluxe Capo d’Africa **** Superior With the chance to make Europe’s warmest city is perfect The De Rome is located in the Located five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum, the Capo d’Africa the most of the last of the MEMBERS’ EVENTS for a spring short break, and heart of Berlin, close to Museum is truly in the heart of ancient Rome. All 65 bedrooms are furnished summer sunshine, this event Book online at www.rosl.org.uk this characterful hotel has a roof Island. It has 145 bedrooms, with great taste in a very comfortable contemporary style. The promises to be one of the FRIENDS OF ROSL ARTS To reserve a ticket for popular events or if you have terrace with a swimming pool a restaurant and a spectacular attractive bar serves drinks and light snacks, whilst the breakfast offering spectacular views of the roof terrace with views over the room on the third floor has a large summer biggest on the Edinburgh GARDEN PARTY trouble booking online, contact Jessica Harris-Edwards: cathedral and Giralda. historic centre of Berlin. The terrace and solarium. 2017 calendar. Wednesday 6 September, 6pm, [email protected]; +44 (0)20 7016 6906. jewel vault has been transformed £80. Includes prosecco Over-Seas House London To pay by cheque, send separate cheques (sterling) 4 nights for the price of 3 for into an extensive spa with an 4 nights for the price of 3 all year reception and four-course The annual Garden Party for each event, payable to ‘ROSL’, to Members’ events, Sunday arrivals until 20 June indoor swimming pool. - price from £748 until 30 June, buffet with wine. is exclusive to Friends of Marketing Department, Over-Seas House, Park Place, - price from £648, saving £95 saving £140 ROSL ARTS. A drinks 3 nights for the price of 2 for St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. - price from £679 in July & reception will take place Sunday arrivals - price from £747, saving £171 August, saving £118 SEPTEMBER in the Garden, followed YOUNGER MEMBERS by an hour-long concert For members aged 35 and under. Book online at Includes entrance to Seville Cathedral and the Giralda or Includes tickets for the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel by ROSL prizewinners. www.rosl.org.uk/events. Inter-Club events must be the Alcázar Includes a 72hr museum card or Villa Borghese SHAKESPEARE IN THE Commonwealth wines, booked independently via www.inter-club.co.uk. GARDEN: MUCH ADO canapés and sweet pastries For information about the ROSL YM programme join the ABOUT NOTHING will be served afterwards. Facebook group facebook.com/groups/roslym or contact Venice Paris Bruges Palazzo Sant’Angelo **** Superior Grand Hotel du Palais The Pand **** Deluxe Friday 1 September, 7pm, Garden, Friends of ROSL ARTS only. Jessica Harris-Edwards: [email protected] Joining the Friends costs £30 Located between the Rialto and Accademia Bridges, the Sant’Angelo Royal ***** A member of the prestigious Over-Seas House London or Ross Lima: [email protected]. Join our Shakespeare acting for ROSL members; is a grand Venetian palazzo, lovingly transformed into a charming Just a few minutes’ walk from ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the boutique hotel with 28 bedrooms, some of which overlook the Grand the Louvre, this 18th century World’, this is a beautifully troupe as they return to ROSL £35 for non-members. LONDON GROUP Canal. All the rooms are decorated in a rich, traditional Venetian style building combines classical restored 18th century mansion and perform their rendition Register via rosl.org.uk or For London Group members, their guests and ROSL and have luxurious Italian Carrara marble bathrooms. architectural features with stylish, located just two minutes’ walk of Much Ado About Nothing. +44 (0) 20 7408 0214 x213. members staying at Over-Seas House London. No booking modern design. There are 68 from the Market Square. There is required for talks. To book outside visits, send a cheque 4 nights for the price of 3 for bedrooms, a popular bar and are 24 bedrooms, a cosy bar, a stylish lounge and an attractive payable to ‘London Group, Royal Over-Seas League’ and Sunday or Monday arrivals excellent restaurant. breakfast room. a stamped, addressed envelope to Maureen Howley, until 1 July - price from £978, 3 nights for the price of 2 until saving £180 London Group, c/o Porters’ Desk, Over-Seas House, 8 May and 16 July - 31 August 4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £760, saving £222 Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. 3 nights for the price of 2 for - price from £667, The London Group is a voluntary organisation and midweek stays from 3 night price from £994 from saving £156 9 May - 15 July including a unfortunately cannot take bookings by email or telephone. 2 July - 3 August Kirker clients receive a - price from £698, saving £126 complimentary room upgrade, complimentary guided tour Confirmation is sent approximately 10 days in advance. saving £140 Cancellations and refund requests must be made at Transfers not included least two weeks before the event. Contact Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine [email protected]; +44 (0)20 8789 8506. water taxi transfers cruise & carnet of Métro tickets Includes a 72hr museum pass To attend London Group events you must be a London Group member. To join, speak to the Membership Team on +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214/216 or email Speak to an expert or request a brochure: [email protected]. 020 7593 2283 quote code GRO www.kirkerholidays.com 50 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2017 ART • ARCHITECTURE • ARCHAEOLOGY • HISTORY • MUSIC • NATURAL HISTORY

UZBEKISTAN: CITIES OF THE SILK ROAD SEPT 8–19, 2017; £2450

Worldwide Cultural Tours Exclusive access – Expert leaders – Small groups Indulge your cultural passions with an illuminating tour led by an arts specialist Over 180 tours from £440 – highlights include:

AQUILEIA: CITY OF ANTIQUITY SWEDISH PALACES & CASTLES SERBIAN MONASTERIES WEXFORD OPERA FESTIVAL

Request a free brochure 01223 841055 [email protected] aceculturaltours.co.uk

ACE CULTURAL TOURS

PROVIDING EXPERT-LED TOURS SINCE 1958

Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge, CB22 5BP