rncm news spring 2009

NEWS

Spring 09

If you’ve got something you’d like to see featured in RNCM News why not get in touch E [email protected] or T 0161 907 5379

I hope you enjoy reading our latest edition.

Edward AppleyardEditor

ContentsSir Willard Whitepage 4

Chris Crakerpage 6

Supporting RNCM Studentspage 7

Piano Competitionpage 8

Music, Health and Happinesspage 9

Newspage 10 > 11

Alumni Newspage 12 > 13

Friends Newspage 14 > 15

Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learningpage 16

Community Outreachpage 17

Eventspage 18 > 20

Welcome

Welcome to the spring edition of RNCM News. Since taking up the post of Principal back in August 2008, so much has happened in the life of the College. The remarkable array of events witnessed is a reflection of the vitality of our staff and students, and their pursuit of excellence. The College is a place brimming with ideas, energy and enthusiasm and I hope this magazine gives you an insight in to the special character of the Institution.

The busy events calendar dazzles with its imaginative programming and breadth of offering. Highlights included the first RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition; a farewell to the visionary composer Karlheinz Stockhausen including the outstanding UK première of Luzifer’s Tanz given by the RNCM Wind Orchestra; and not forgetting the sparkling sell-out RNCM production of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus in the RNCM Theatre, and the acclaimed RNCM Chamber Music Festival, Vienna: From Schubert to Schoenberg, devised by artistic director, Alasdair Tait.

Our collaboration with resident chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata reached new heights with the superb co-production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in association with BBC Radio 3, and amongst our busy schedule of performances, RNCM researchers found time to host two international and highly successful conferences focusing firstly on Adorno and Performance, and then Music, Health and Happiness, attracting delegates from around the world.

There has been much happening behind the scenes as well. The distinguished bass baritone Sir Willard White was appointed President of the RNCM and, on the occasion of his first visit, delighted a capacity audience with his masterclass showcasing four of our talented singers. I am also delighted to announce that Chris Craker, RNCM alumnus and former Senior Manager and Vice-President for Sony BMG, has stepped into the role of Chair of our new Development Board. Chris’ insight and knowledge of the music business will be of enormous value to us in the pursuit of our goals.

I hope you enjoy our latest edition of RNCM News.

Jonty Stockdale RNCM Principal

On 12 February 2009, Sir Willard White made his first visit to the RNCM since being appointed the College’s new President in September last year. Described as having ‘a mesmerising stage presence’, the Jamaican-born singer studied at the Jamaican Music School before he went on to the Juilliard School in New York. His exquisite baritone voice has taken him around the globe since his début with New York City Opera; he’s sung regularly at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and has performed with most of the world’s famous opera companies, his repertoire spanning right through from Handel to Gershwin. He is no stranger to the concert platform either, having appeared many times at the BBC Proms and performed with the Hallé, London Symphony, and Berlin Philharmonic orchestras to name but a few. In 1995, he was awarded a CBE, and in 2004 was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

On the announcement of his new position as President, Sir Willard commented:

‘I am very honoured and look forward to my term of Presidency at the RNCM. I have, over the years, admired the work of the RNCM through my association with colleagues who have had only good words for their experiences at the College. I wish at this time for a wonderful continuation and broadening of the College’s aims under the new leadership of Professor Jonty Stockdale and his team of supporters, board members and staff.’

Jonty Stockdale, RNCM Principal said:

‘We are very pleased and fortunate to have Sir Willard White as our new President. Sir Willard is a highly distinctive artist with a long and illustrious career, and continues to perform at the highest level around the world. Willard has an informed understanding of conservatoire education and training, and his insight and experience will be an inspiration to our students. We look forward to welcoming him to the College.’

NEWS

4 RNCM News Spring 09

Sir Willard White

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RNCM News Spring 09 5

Sir Willard’s very busy day at the College began with a tour of the buildings, meeting students and staff and dropping in for a short while on rehearsals for the College’s spring opera production, Katya Kabanova. He then gave an interview for the BBC before being taken to a reception and lunch with governors, senior staff and invited guests.

Host Professor Jonty Stockdale was delighted to take the opportunity to announce the launch of the RNCM Opera Studio, a new initiative which, as part of the Graduate School, is aimed at bridging the gap between Higher Education and the profession by offering intense opera role study, vocal consultancy, language coaching, and stagecraft. Stefan Janski, RNCM Director of Opera Studies, said:

‘The Opera Studio is a unique innovation by a UK conservatoire and the RNCM stands out as the only one to offer this form of advanced postgraduate training. Our record is impressive but it needs to be built upon and enhanced using the College’s excellent facilities – our Opera Theatre and Studio are envied by our competitors in the UK and abroad. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first Opera Studio students in September 2009.’

Helen Sherman, a postgraduate student from Australia, will be one of the first students to join the new the RNCM Opera Studio; she captivated guests by singing both at the launch and again afterwards at an evening public Masterclass, given by Sir Willard.

The evening began with Sir Willard being awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the RNCM. The presentation was made by Director of Opera Studies, Stefan Janski, who paid tribute to Sir Willard’s distinguished career.

The masterclass was then introduced by Head of the School of Vocal and Opera Studies, Alec Crowe. The packed audience included many RNCM vocal students, and in thanking Sir Willard, Alec was keen to ensure that they had listened and would remember all the advice and encouragement he had given. In addition to Helen, the Masterclass featured postgraduate students John Pierce, Nadine Livingston, and Kathryn Rudge. They performed music by Mozart, Massenet, Puccini and Tosti accompanied by staff pianist Roderick Barrand.

The Masterclass ended with a lively question and answer session, involving the whole audience in a uniquely magical occasion and leaving no-one in any doubt why Sir Willard White has been described as “… one of those performers who can captivate an audience even when standing still.”

Helen Sherman writes about her experience of the day:

‘On Thursday 12 September I had the great privilege of singing at the launch of the new RNCM International Opera Studio. It was wonderful to meet and speak with some of the College’s greatest supporters, including Sir Willard White. Nervously beginning my chat with Sir Willard during the photo call, he quickly made me feel at home by talking about current affairs in my home country of Australia. I then had the privilege of talking with him on a more personal level, about the challenges, in life and on stage, of being a performer. His advice was wise, considered and most sincere. At the beginning of the lunch Sir Willard himself performed and what a tremendous experience it was. There was no doubt in my mind that we were in for a treat in the masterclass that evening.

We all met in the concert hall before the masterclass started and Sir Willard made us all feel most at home and relaxed about the whole experience. He, of course, understands the pressure of performing and workshopping repertoire, not only in front of someone of great renown but in front of a large audience. I gained so much from working with him. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience to know how to produce the vocal and dramatic intensity required to engage an audience and do justice to the music.

I consider it to be a great honour to have been able to meet and work with Sir Willard White. The experience was in entirety, uplifting and inspirational.’

Chris CrakerChairman, RNCM Development Board

NEWS


As Chris Craker explains:

‘The idea is to put together a collection of people to think strategically outside of the main Board about possibilities and directions that the RNCM could be pursuing, and to help the College to seek new finance and sponsorship deals to support these ideas and make them a reality.’ Marian Blaikley spoke to him recently about his role on the main Board at the RNCM, which he sees as providing a reality check for the RNCM and its aspirant musicians about what working in the music industry is really like:

‘What I hope I bring to the Board is a 360º knowledge about every aspect of the music industry. Even as a student

here myself back in the late 70s I used to think it was odd that so many students were being trained up to be performing musicians when it was obvious (when you realise there are only so many orchestras, and only two or three clarinettists in each orchestra for example) that there were simply not enough jobs to go around! By default there is a certain wastage and aspiring young musicians need to be very flexible. This is something the RNCM has realised for some while, of course, in the way that it places such an emphasis on ‘the portfolio career’ – thanks to initiatives developed under the leadership of Linda Merrick and others. That really is the only way forward.’

With his connections and understanding of the music business, Chris can provide insights to help ensure the RNCM keeps on the right track with the training and opportunities it provides for its students.

As to the future hopes of anyone studying at the RNCM today, Chris Craker has one key piece of advice:

‘You need to be incredibly aware of the music market: how it is evolving, how you as a musician might integrate in that world, how orchestras are changing, how their business models change, how the whole scene changes, from year to year

– and be totally aware of the way that people consume music these days... You need to be really clued up about what is going on, and how that is relevant to you.’

Chris also has a book coming out in 2009 entitled How To Succeed in the Music Business – certainly one to look out for! Details will be available on Chris’s website: www.chriscraker.com

For the full-length version of this article by Marian Blaikley, including a look at Chris Craker’s meteoric career, go to www.rncm.ac.uk and click Alumni and then Read the Success Stories.

Chris’s brief for the Development Board is extremely wide-ranging and he is absolutely delighted that retiring President of the RNCM, The Duchess of Kent, has agreed to join him to take this forward.

There will be a full feature on the exceptional contribution made to the College by Katharine Kent over the past 35 years in the next issue of RNCM News.

Chris Craker (clarinet 1981), the internationally renowned record producer who joined the RNCM Board 18 months ago, has been named as Chairman of the newly established RNCM Development Board.

E [email protected]

NEWS


Supporting RNCM studentsThe RNCM School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, headed by Paul Goodey, has received two substantial legacies this year.

Mr John Alan Fewkes has left a legacy of £1.5 million to be used to help British-born students. In time, this gift will generate up to £75,000 annually to be awarded in Scholarships to be known as the John Fewkes Leicestershire Instrumentalist Scholarships.

Professor Jonty Stockdale commented, ‘This legacy is a substantial boost for our School of Wind, Brass and Percussion and will be used to provide valuable scholarships for study at the College. Students and their families already make substantial sacrifices to pursue and enable training for a career in music, and these scholarships will provide much-needed financial support to assist with the contribution to fees and the purchase and upkeep of musical instruments.’

John Fewkes, who died in April 2007, attended Rossall School in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Discouraged from studying music at school, he went into business with his brother Roger and they jointly owned and ran a school outfitters manufacturing company in Leicestershire. Although he had no direct link with the RNCM, John Fewkes contacted the Secretary of the RNCM, Colonel George Cauchi, in the 1990s and it was through this connection that John decided to honour the RNCM with his legacy.

After the College was notified of the bequest, John’s brother Roger Fewkes was invited to visit the RNCM and meet Jonty

Stockdale. During the conversation, they established mutual links with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and spent some time talking about John’s life and interests.

‘John did not attend a music college to further his love of music and it was not until after he had retired that he learned to play the saxophone and later the keyboard. He had no direct family descendents to whom he could bequeath his estate and so he determined that his bequest to the College should be used for British-born students to enjoy, study and play music to the highest standards.’

After John Fewkes retired he was able to indulge in his passion for music and went on to run a very successful dance band, which included among its members Miss Betty Jackson, the only woman and founder of the 1970s Best of British Jazz, who was married to the composer Jack Peberdy.

Without the generosity of music-lovers such as John Fewkes, the RNCM could not offer the essential financial support which the majority of music students need to complete their studies. In time, John’s bequest will help dozens of students become successful musicians and, because the scholarships are named, both the man and his generosity will be remembered.

The legacy from Gordon Lyth received earlier this year has been left to the RNCM specifically for clarinettists. Mr Lyth left the bequest in the name of his father, Mr Giles Thomas Lyth, a Hulme-born professional clarinettist. During his career, Giles played at the Alhambra Theatre and

was musical director for HD Moorhouse Cinemas in Manchester during the days of silent film. He also played with the BBC Northern Orchestra, as it was known then, and at the Theatre Royal in Bolton. Music ran through the family as Giles’ father and his brother were also both professional musicians. Gordon Lyth, who was also born in Manchester, decided he wanted to use his bequest to encourage young clarinettists in memory of his father and acknowledge his pride in his Manchester connections.

Those receiving help from the bequest this year are Paul Vowles, who has been offered the Giles Thomas Lyth Junior Fellowship, together with three postgraduate clarinettists, Zonghan Li, Alexander Roberts and Tom Verity.

The first annual reception for those who have arranged to leave a legacy to the RNCM was held on Saturday 29 November in the Lord Rhodes Room ahead of the Concerto Final of the RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition. It was an opportunity for the College to thank those whose generosity and foresight will ensure that future generations of music students will be supported throughout their studies.

For further information about leaving a legacy to the RNCM, please contact Christine Henstock in the Development Office E [email protected]

RNCM James MottramInternational Piano Competition

77 applications were received from 27 countries, including students from The Juilliard School, Moscow Conservatoire, Paris Conservatoire, Royal Academy of Music, Yong Siew Toh Conservatoire and Central Music School Beijing as well as the RNCM. The 31 contestants who were selected came from Europe, America and Asia.

The highly esteemed panel of judges representing seven countries consisted of Dimitry Alexeev (Russia), Peter Donohoe (UK), Michael Beroff (France), Jerome Lowenthal (USA), Fou Ts’ong (China), Matti Raekallio (Finland), Piotr Paleczny (Poland) and Graham Scott (UK, Chair).

The idea behind the competition was to develop the all-round learning experience for young pianists and this was enriched by a rolling series of masterclasses, additional workshops and concerts given by international pianists.

The two categories, under-18s and under-26s, culminated in concerto finals accompanied by the RNCM Symphony Orchestra.

The final of the under-18 category treated the audience to both Liszt piano concertos: the first from Nansong Huang and the second from Alexander Ullman; and we heard the delightful Mozart Concerto No 23 in A major played by Asagi Nakata.

As well as Beethoven’s fourth concerto, stylishly played by Sascha Grynyuk, the second final saw two contrasting renditions of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor, first from Alexei Tartovski, and then from Kateryna Titova, to bring the competition to a close. All four concertos were accompanied sympathetically by the RNCM Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Clark Rundell.

The winner of the under-18 category was Nansong Huang, who studies with Jin Zhang at the Junior Middle School of Music, attached to the Central Conservatory of Music in China. He has won numerous competitions, was a Yamaha Asia Music Scholar in 2006, and has given recitals in the USA and China.

The winner of the under-26 category was named as Kateryna Titova, who is

studying at the Carl Maria von Weber College of Music in Dresden. She has won various competitions including the Eighth International Russian Music Piano Competition and is also a recipient of several scholarships, including one from the Lutz-E Adolf Foundation. As well as substantial prize money they will both benefit from scholarship and performance opportunities.

The buzz created during this competition and its all-round success leaves us looking forward to the next, with the incredibly high standard of performance promising even greater things to come.

The RNCM was delighted to welcome some of the finest young piano talent from across the world to participate in the first RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition from 25 > 29 November 2008. The competition, focusing on the works of Domenico Scarlatti, Chopin and Debussy, is made possible by a bequest from the late James Mottram who wanted to ‘encourage and reward skill in performing’ the music of these composers. Keyboard student Gemma Salmon tells all...

NEWS


Under-26 winner Kateryna Titova with the judging panel

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Music, Health and Happiness Conference Music, Health and Happiness Conference

The conference was organised by Jane Ginsborg and Antonia Ivaldi of the RNCM in collaboration with Aaron Williamon from the Royal College of Music. The three keynote lectures were given by Kris Chesky (University of North Texas) on health promotion, specifically in relation to the prevention of music-related hearing loss, for music students, Leslie Bunt (University of Western England) on music therapy, and Eckart Altenmueller (Hochschule für Musik, Hanover) on health problems and solutions for musicians.

Over the course of the conference delegates attended a poster session and 14 parallel sessions of presentations on topics ranging from musicians’ health to music therapy via health issues in instrumental teaching and learning, the therapeutic functions of music in everyday life and an invited symposium entitled Chariots of Fire: the multifaceted effects of music on sport and exercise, which kicked off with an energetic exercise routine for all.

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine provided a valuable information session for delegates, as well as a training session for its own members; massage for musicians was on offer, and a range of musical events for all tastes. The RNCM String Ensemble’s lunchtime concert of music by Mendelssohn, and Alice

Zawadski’s Spotlight concert with her Quintet, were particularly well received.

Overall, however, the success of the conference was in the opportunities for delegates to meet and network. It generated a wealth of thought and open-mindedness to the various approaches to the theme, as well as the opportunity to meet people and learn about their innovative ideas, the vital and varied atmosphere of exploration and co-learning.

Comments from the delegates

‘The conference was very fine indeed: content, vibe, environment, cuisine and fellow participants all. I was delighted to share so much in the musing, and can now enthusiastically look forward to continuing communications with various delegates’

‘The conference was a great advert for your institution’

‘Really good idea to look at musicians’ health alongside music for health’

Esmée Fairbairn FoundationWe are delighted to announce that the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has recently confirmed three year support of the RNCM Music for Health programme. Esmée Fairbairn is one of the largest independent grant-making foundations in the country and its primary aim is to improve the quality of life throughout the UK. The Foundation is happy to support activities at organisations such as the RNCM that have the ideas and ability to achieve change for the better.

A total of 118 delegates from Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Lithuania, Norway, Switzerland and the USA as well as the UK attended this highly successful conference at the RNCM in November 2008.

E [email protected]

Honorary Degrees and Fellowships

STUDENT AND STAFF NEWS


December 2008 saw the annual Congregation of Awards ceremony take place, with Dr James MacMillan CBE representing the President. Two Honorary Members, five Fellowships and one Companionship were conferred at the ceremony.

Marian Blaikley was the first to be presented with an Honorary Membership of the RNCM for her work at the College during the 20 years she served here. Marian led the RNCM Marketing team through two re-brands, several prospectuses and brochures, and countless programmes and direct mail letters. Her commitment to the College never faltered and her calm countenance and ‘get-on-with-it’ attitude earned her universal respect. Marian retired from the College in Summer 2008.

Roger Goddard was the second to be awarded an Honorary Membership. He has served on the RNCM Board of Governors for nine years, and as an excellent accountant he has had a watchful eye over the College’s finances. Though not a musician himself, his skills and dedication to the College are irrefutable.

Rob Buckland, tutor of saxophone, was conferred as a Fellow of the RNCM. Not only has he become a world-renowned performer as a soloist, with his jazz groups, and with orchestras, but, since 1997 alongside Andy Scott, he has established the UK’s largest and most active saxophone programme here at the RNCM.

Emma Ferrand was awarded a Fellowship of the RNCM and is a cello tutor here. She has travelled widely as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist. Emma has frequently broadcast on radio and appeared in some of Europe’s finest venues. She also has a long-standing association with Lake District Summer Music.

Steven Mead’s pioneering work with the euphonium has gained him recognition as one of the world’s leading euphonium players. He is in demand as both a recitalist and clinician and is credited as a pioneer in euphonium education and repertoire. He has taught euphonium at the RNCM since 1991 and has been a professional euphonium soloist for 18 years. He was awarded a Fellowship of the RNCM.

Mark Shanahan is a visiting tutor in conducting at the College and was conferred as a Fellow of the RNCM. His musical roots lie in Manchester as he was a pupil at Chetham’s School of Music. He has since worked around the world with many orchestras and opera companies.

Professor John Wallace was awarded a Fellowship of the RNCM. He was appointed Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2002. A virtuoso trumpet player, he has performed with leading orchestras and conductors throughout the world. After the honorary degree presentations he was asked to respond on behalf of the honorands.

Finally, Emeritus Professor Edward Gregson received the honour of Companion of the RNCM. Having retired as Principal of the College in July 2008, Edward Gregson’s service to the College is unquestionable. The face of the RNCM changed dramatically under his leadership, establishing it as one of the finest music conservatoires both in the UK and internationally.

Adam Gorb has won a British Composer Award The award was presented to RNCM Head of Composition at a ceremony hosted by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. His work Adrenaline City won in the Brass and Wind category.

Louise Lansdown gains PhDLouise Lansdown, RNCM Tutor in Viola, has recently gained her PhD from the University of Manchester.

The title of her dissertation is The Young Paul Hindemith: Life, Works, Relationships, Influences and Musical Activities until 1922.

Renna Kellaway MBE Renna Kellaway (Lady Manduell) received an MBE for services to Music in the recently-announced New Year Honours. Renna served the RNCM for many years firstly as a tutor of piano, and subsequently as Head of School of Keyboard Studies from 1992 until her retirement in 2000. Her contribution to the College and to the education and training of generations of fine pianists has been remarkable, having taught many of the leading names in the professional world of piano playing and in piano pedagogy. Her long association with Lake District Summer Music, of which she is artistic director, continues to this day and it remains a jewel in the crown of musical activities in the North West of England.

Renna was made a Fellow of the RNCM in 1997 and continues to support the College in many ways.

Staff Updates


Postgraduate student Matthew Moss has been awarded the first Yamaha Vocal Scholarship.

The tenor has performed in several RNCM Operas of late, including Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Matthew is ‘delighted at being the Yamaha Vocal Scholar ... [it] will enable me to continue my development at the RNCM and I hope to achieve greater things in my career’. Matthew took a principal role in this Spring’s RNCM Opera production, Leoš Janácek’s Katya Kabanova.

Students from the RNCM have been working with Start Manchester, part of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust’s arts and wellbeing service, on the creation of Held, an exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.

Duo Twelfth Day (Esther Swift on harp and voice, and Catriona Price on violin and voice) will be performing at the exhibition featuring animation, ceramics, mosaics, painting, photography, sculpture and textiles. More than 50 people from across Manchester have produced artworks which explore how creativity and the arts are integral to maintaining a healthy mind

and body in a busy and stressful world. Other RNCM students will be working alongside Ros Hawley, RNCM Music for Health Training Officer, as a small group of roving musicians move around the gallery, creating improvisations around artworks chosen by the Start project participants.

Nestor Bayona Pifarré is one of six artists to receive the Philip and Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists, a scheme run by Making Music.

The artists are chosen annually by audition and are publicised to a network of over 2,600 Making Music member groups, through which they may be offered professional engagements whose fees are subsidised by the scheme. They will also be offered a broadcast opportunity with Classic FM. Nestor is a student in the School of Keyboard Studies and is completing his Masters Degree. He was awarded an RNCM Gold Medal last June.

Following three days of intense auditions, Australian born Dane Lam was appointed the new RNCM Junior Fellow in Conducting. He is currently on the graduate conducting programme at the Juilliard School in New York where he studies with James DePriest. He’s conducted many orchestras in the past, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Symphony. He will join the RNCM in September 2009.

It was with great regret that the College learned of the death in November of Eileen Henry, the former Director of Development. Eileen was appointed to the College staff in April 1990 as its first ‘official’ fund-raiser. She quickly established her credentials in the role by securing, within her first twelve months in post, the first major brand-naming within the College (the Royal Insurance Concert Hall) as well as attracting corporate sponsors for the College’s major concerts. Her work in securing sponsors for, in particular, College operas helped to protect production values for many years.

Ably (and willingly) accompanied by her husband, Ivor, Eileen wasted no opportunity to ‘work the room’ at sponsors’ events in a constant, and frequently successful, quest for fresh sources of support for the College’s work.

Eileen formally assumed the title of Director of Development in 2001 following a restructuring within the Promotions Department.

Although ill-health began to overtake her, Eileen refused to give in. As former Principal, Professor Edward Gregson remarked during his address at Eileen’s funeral: ‘She would still turn up at the College looking immaculate, not wanting to centre a conversation on herself, but on you!’ Eileen took early retirement from the College in March 2007.

Our condolences go to Ivor, and her son Gareth, of whom she was so proud.

Colin Beeson

Eileen Henry1943 to 2008

STUDENT AND STAFF NEWS

Student Updates Dane Lam announced as new Junior Fellow in Conducting

ALUMNI


In September 2008, the complete recording of the Saint-Saëns Piano Concertos by RNCM alumnus and International Chair of Piano Studies Stephen Hough was voted the most popular classical CD of the last thirty years and recognised with a Gold Disc at the Classic FM Gramophone Awards.

This inaugural award which, in the words of Gramophone’s Editor James Inverne, ‘consolidates both critical and public opinion’, is the most recent in a string of plaudits and honours for Hough which include the prestigious $500,000 MacArthur Fellowship that recognises exceptional creativity. A new Daily Telegraph blog (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/stephen_hough) and a 2009 Grammy Nomination for his recording with the Takács Quartet on Hyperion provide further proof that Stephen Hough is one of the most well-respected and admired musicians working today; musician – as opposed to pianist – as Hough is not only a revered instrumentalist but also a prolific composer and music writer, not to mention poet and artist.

Hough’s international renown belies his North West roots. He was born in Heswall, Cheshire and his mother was from

Liverpool. He attended Chetham’s School of Music and then joined the RNCM, from which he graduated in 1981. Hough’s many international commitments have not prevented him from continuing to play an important role in the musical life of his Alma Mater. In 2003, Hough became an RNCM International Chair of Piano Studies which includes a commitment to masterclasses and recitals, the most recent of which was held in aid of the Mark Ray Memorial Fund, established following the death of the RNCM’s Head of Keyboard Studies. ‘The idea of giving a memorial concert was one of the first things to come to my mind after hearing the shocking news of Mark Ray’s sudden death’ said Stephen. ‘To remember someone in music when words seem so inadequate is the musician’s best offering.’

As an International Chair, Stephen continues his performing and pedagogical links with the College. Not only do the students of the School of Keyboard Studies have access to his musical insights as one of the most distinctive pianists of his generation, they also have the opportunity to learn about life on the international concert circuit and the challenges of adapting to new performance venues and different

instruments: something that Stephen Hough describes in a recent blog post following his visit to the basement of Steinway Hall in New York to ‘test-drive’ a selection of Steinways prior to a Carnegie Hall recital!

In the meantime, Stephen Hough’s musical life continues at frenetic pace with concerto performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, and a return to the North West to celebrate Chetham’s 40th Anniversary. In spite of Hough’s globe-trotting schedule, he most certainly remains a firm part of the Manchester music scene and we look forward to seeing him at the RNCM again soon.

To find out more about International Chairs at the RNCM and ways in which you can support this work, please contact Kate Seeckts, Director of Development.

Alex Mayer

Alumni FocusStephen Hough (Piano 1981) ‘Britain’s Favourite Pianist’

E [email protected] T 0161 907 5393

ALUMNI


Aron Rozsa (SKS 2007) was a prizewinner in the 15th Vienna International Music Competition in 2007, which led to a number of international engagements including performances with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. He has now released a CD/DVD on the Swiss-based IPA label which was recorded in the Bosendorfer Hall in Vienna.

Darren Hargan (SKS 2004) has started a new contract at the Opernhaus Zurich. He has also worked as a guest conductor at the Wexford Opera Festival.

Tim Benjamin (SCCM 1998) is a member of Radius, which performs contemporary repertoire. Their début was at Wigmore Hall in 2007 where they have since returned, and will again on 18 June 2009 to perform a concert celebrating the birth of Charles Darwin. They have also performed at the Purcell Rooms, and went on tour last summer. They gave three performances of Tim’s opera, The Corley Conspiracy, which was commissioned by the London Design Festival in 2007; it was given the accolade of Première of the Year in Classical Music magazine.

Phil Lawrence (SWBP 1981) is now a composer. His first feature film, S.N.U.B, premièred at the AM Film Festival in Los Angeles at the end of October under the Sony DVD Home Entertainment banner. Phil was nominated for British Academy Composer of the year (2004) in conjunction with BBC Radio 3 for his trumpet concerto Blaze (Doyen SP&S). Two of Phil’s works for brass band were featured at this year’s RNCM Festival of Brass performed by the Fairey band.

Alexander Grove (SVOS 2002) performed Count Danilo on tour with Scottish Opera. He has also recently performed two title roles in their innovative Five:15 project. Last year he débuted in the lead tenor role of Magnus Gabrielle de la Gardie for Foroni’s bel canto opera. In addition he has toured with Beverley Knight, Lee Ryan and Beardyman at some of the UK’s largest venues for Young Voices Concerts introducing over 7000 children at each venue to new styles of music. Alexander and Beardyman (UK beatboxing champion) are now collaborating on a new track fusing opera and beatboxing.

Dominica Matthews (SVOS 2005) spent two years on the Opera Australia Young Artist Programme (2006-2007). She is now a full-time principal artist with Opera Australia. In 2009 she will be very busy with the role of Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuletti e i Montecchi, a co-production with Opera North. Other roles include Third Lady in The Magic Flute, Sonyetka in Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana and Pitti Sing in The Mikado. A highlight for last year was singing in Opera Australia New Year’s Eve Concert at the Sydney Opera House.

Chris Turner (SVOS 2006) went on to study at the National Opera Studio in London when he left the RNCM and is now a Young Artist with English National Opera, where he made his début as Bebbe in Pagliacci.

Gabriella Lambert-Olsson (SVOS 1999) sings in an opera trio called Divine, having sung for the Royal Family of Sweden, at big events and galas, and in theatres. Their first CD will be released on 30 March.

Meriel Price (SWBP 2004) has been playing Webern’s Second Cantata and Stockhausen’s Gruppen for three orchestras with the Berlin Philharmonic under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. She plays the saxophone and after the RNCM went to study at the University of the Arts, Berlin. She is now studying on the soloists programme.

Nicole Molumby (SWBP 2000, pictured above) is now Professor of Flute at Boise State University in Idaho, and has also been principal flute with Classical Music Festival Orchestra in Eisenstadt, Austria since 2002. Nicole performed John Corigliano’s Pied Piper Fantasy for solo flute and orchestra on 19 October 2008 with the Boise University Symphony Orchestra.

Maire Leese (Northern School of Music 1969) is teaching at Université Lyon 2 in France, in the Music department.

Claire Gallant (SS 2004) is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, working with Zuppa Circus Theatre. All their performances are entirely original, and she both acts and plays cello on stage. A big change from strictly classical work.

Aaron Tindall (SWBP 2007) won the 2008 Indiana University Concerto Competition, playing Martin Ellerby’s Euphonium Concerto. He also recently won second prize on tuba in the WAMSO Minnesota Orchestra Solo Competition, as well as the Tuba Fellowship for the Aspen Music Festival this summer. He has recently performanced on NPR radio in New York City.

Robert Ogden (SVOS 1997) met his wife Lucy Brown on the opera course at the RNCM in 1995. They have just had a boy, Ralph, who was born in March 2008. Lucy is an opera agent at Athole Still Management, and has managed artists including Bruce Ford and Il Divo. Robert sings opera, most recently roles for the Norwegian National Opera and Scottish Opera, but also set up a classical record label, Landor Records, three years ago. The 2007 Landor Records competition was won by RNCM graduate James Barralet (SS 2003) whose début solo cello CD is due for release in April.

Gerard McChrystal (SWBP 1987) has performed in 30 countries including Indonesia, Korea, Azerbaijan, USA, South Africa, Malaysia and New Zealand since leaving the RNCM. He is now Professor of Saxophone at Trinity College, London.

Chris Illingworth (SKS 2007) has set up a jazz trio with Finlay Panter (SWBP 2007) and Grant Russell (SS 2009). They recorded an album of original works in College and had the album launch in the refectory.

Alumni Updates

E [email protected]

Sing the Messiah from Scratch 5 September 2009

In October 2009 it will be 10 years since the Friends and alumni organised a Messiah from Scratch. This one day event, the brilliant idea of Dr Colin Beeson, brought together past and present students, playing in the orchestra, singing in the choir and sitting in the audience. It was a huge undertaking, but brought so many people together that we should love to do it all over again. If you’d like to join in, please contact the Friends’ Administrator, Lisa Mildenhall.

2010 Trip to Guernsey

As many of the Friends know, Russell Medley, of the School of Vocal and Opera Studies, and I take a large number of singers from choirs around the country each year, named the Northern England Chorale, to perform concerts overseas. The soloists are chosen by Russell from the RNCM students and graduates. We are planning to visit Guernsey in 2010 where there are several alumni working in the music services. The Friends will be invited to join us, either as choral singers, or audience members, so if you are interested, please let me know.

2008 Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the RNCM was held on Wednesday 22 October 2008. The Friends were pleased to be addressed by their new President, the Principal of the RNCM, Professor Jonty Stockdale and by the Librarian, Anna Wright before the formal business of the meeting. Those attending were delighted to be entertained afterwards with recitals by Lady Groves Travel Award winners Ana Kim and Zara Benyounes.

At the Meeting, the Trustees of the Friends of the RNCM were confirmed as:

Joyce Lindley Parker chairman Gerry Cambridge honorary secretary Eric Waite honorary treasurer Ian Anderson Gray Toby Smith David Woolf

Lisa Mildenhall took over as Friends’ Administrator in May 2008.

The Andrew and Matthew Scrivener Bursary

At the meeting of the Trustees for the RNCM Friends on Wednesday 22 October, prior to the AGM, I was able to hand over a cheque to create a bursary for students most in need of help, to be awarded in the names of Andrew and Matthew Scrivener. This bursary will be awarded by the RNCM Friends, and, although it won’t come into action until the end of this current academic year, it will be available as needed.

An award in both Andrew and Matthew’s names is something that I feel quite strongly about, as it links up with Andrew’s work with children in Zanzibar whilst he was a member of the BBC Philharmonic First Violin section before his tragic death in Colombia. With the approval of his parents Yvonne and Robert Scrivener, I feel that this is a way for the Friends of the RNCM to keep the names of both Andrew and Matthew, as alumni of the RNCM, in the memory of all of us. Matthew is currently leader of the English National Ballet Orchestra.

FRIENDS


From the Chairman of the Trustees Joyce Lindley Parker


FRIENDS


Forthcoming Friends Events

Wednesday 22 April 7.30pm Musical Castaway Jonty Stockdale in conversation with Stefan Janski

Saturday 2 May 4pm Junior RNCM Big Band Jazz Concert

Thursday 18 June 7.30pm Lieder Recital Vocal students Terence Ayebare and Laura Sheerin with the John Wilson Junior Fellow in Accompaniment, Malcolm Forbes-Peckham

The RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments is essentially an amalgamation of two collections originally assembled by Dr Henry Watson (1846 to 1911), and a smaller collection by Josiah Thomas Chapman (1843 to 1907).

The collection now comprises some 315 instruments and includes: European and ethnic woodwinds, brasswinds and percussion instruments; European bowed string instruments and bows; keyboard instruments; mechanical instruments and other miscellaneous articles.

Why do we need help?

We are working towards gaining Accredited Museum Status for the Collection and as part of that there are several initiatives in progress. We would like to:

Open the Collection to visitors on a more regular basis (at present the Collection is open by appointment and on a number of occasions prior to concerts and events).

Instigate a programme of basic housekeeping.

What help do wo need?

We are looking for:

Volunteer Room Stewards – This will involve being on a rota to staff the Collection area whilst it is open and be on hand to answer questions from visitors about the Collection and its history.

Volunteer ‘housekeepers’ – This will involve assisting with the basic tasks of cleaning instruments and display cases. Initial training will be given by a trained conservator from Renaissance North West and all equipment will be provided. This work may be quite delicate and ‘fiddly’ and would suit those with patience and an eye for detail.

How to Volunteer

If you would like to register your interest in becoming a volunteer, or to get further information about the scheme, please get in touch with Anna Wright, RNCM Librarian.

To see when the Collection is open to the public for viewing, go to www.rncm.ac.uk – click on Research & Collections, and then Discover our Historic Instrument Collection.

As a member of the RNCM Friends, you will receive invitations to exclusive events and get an insight into the training of musicians at all stages of their development. Subscriptions, donations and fundraising events, together with contributions from the 200 Club, are used to finance awards and prizes which benefit junior, graduate and postgraduate students as well as the wider work of the College.

To join the Friends and help make a real difference to the next generation of music makers, contact the Administrator, Lisa Mildenhall T 0161 907 5338 or online at www.rncm.ac.uk and click Supporters.

RNCM Collection of Historical Musical Instruments Opportunities for Volunteering

Join the Friends

I would like to apply for:Annual Membership at £20Life Membership at £200I am interested in the 200 club, please send detailsPersonal Details

Title

First nameSurname

Address

PostcodeTelephone

Mobile

E-Mail

Please return to: Lisa Mildenhall, Friends Administrator RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD.

T 0161 907 5338 E [email protected]

The Friends of the RNCM is a group of more than 700 people united by a

love of music and of the students who make it. Through Awards such as

that established in memory of Lady Groves, who served as Chairman for six

years, funds raised by the Friends make a real difference by helping the next

generation of music makers.The Friends act as goodwill ambassadors for the RNCM both in the UK and

overseas and provide valuable links with alumni including those from the

founding Colleges, the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern

School of Music.Friends are involved in both RNCM-promoted concerts as well as an exclusive

annual programme of events. These have included celebrity concerts, opera

dress rehearsals, talks and presentations involving students, staff and alumni

which give a better insight into the training of young musicians at all stages of

their development. Donations and fundraising events, together with significant

contributions from the 200 Club, are used to finance awards and prizes for

graduate, postgraduate and Junior students as well as to the wider work of the

College.

As a Friend, you may also be invited to take a more active part in the work of

the College, for example by assisting with the collection of historic musical

instruments.Friends receive copies of the RNCM Events Guide and RNCM News,

and are also entitled to a discount on RNCM-promoted concerts.

Join the Friends of the RNCM

I would like to apply for:Annual Membership at £20Life Membership at £200I am interested in the 200 club, please send detailsPersonal Details

Title

First nameSurname

Address

PostcodeTelephone

Mobile

E-Mail

Please return to: Lisa Mildenhall, Friends Administrator RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD.

T 0161 907 5338 E [email protected]

The Friends of the RNCM is a group of more than 700 people united by a

love of music and of the students who make it. Through Awards such as

that established in memory of Lady Groves, who served as Chairman for six

years, funds raised by the Friends make a real difference by helping the next

generation of music makers.The Friends act as goodwill ambassadors for the RNCM both in the UK and

overseas and provide valuable links with alumni including those from the

founding Colleges, the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern

School of Music.Friends are involved in both RNCM-promoted concerts as well as an exclusive

annual programme of events. These have included celebrity concerts, opera

dress rehearsals, talks and presentations involving students, staff and alumni

which give a better insight into the training of young musicians at all stages of

their development. Donations and fundraising events, together with significant

contributions from the 200 Club, are used to finance awards and prizes for

graduate, postgraduate and Junior students as well as to the wider work of the

College.

As a Friend, you may also be invited to take a more active part in the work of

the College, for example by assisting with the collection of historic musical

instruments.Friends receive copies of the RNCM Events Guide and RNCM News,

and are also entitled to a discount on RNCM-promoted concerts.

Join the Friends of the RNCM

Become part of the RNCM and

help make a difference to

the music-makers of tomorrow...

Become part of the RNCM and

help make a difference to

the music-makers of tomorrow...


Over the course of a five-day tour to the Channel Islands, the Benyounes Quartet performed three schools concerts, entertaining and educating over 400 children with workshops based around the Ravel String Quartet. The sessions involved many children using movement, art, and imagery to evoke imaginative and emotional responses to the music. The feedback from the school children and teachers on all the islands was overwhelmingly positive.

Alongside the educational workshops the Quartet were interviewed for BBC Radio Guernsey and gave public concerts at St James’ Place (Guernsey), Island Hall (Alderney) and the Jersey Arts Centre.

The Quartet were accompanied on the trip by Deputy Director of Chamber Music Jeremy Young, who commented ‘this was a wonderful trip and a real highlight of the year’. Sara Roberts added ‘this was really positive for our Quartet. It’s really important to gain experience on this level. In one day we had a Radio interview, a schools’ concert, gave masterclasses and a formal public recital... a challenge we enjoyed and something that we wouldn’t normally experience in our day-to-day life at the RNCM’.

The Benyounes String Quartet was formed in 2006 by Zara Benyounes and Emily Holland (violins), Sara Roberts (viola) and Kim Vaughan (cello), all RNCM postgraduate students.

Benyounes Quartet TourCENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING


The Junior RNCM provides specialist training to musically gifted children and young people between the ages of 8 and 18 on Saturdays. The school has a tradition of nurturing young composers and recently two young students have achieved great success.

Joni Fuller, a 17-year old from Lytham St Annes who has attended Junior RNCM since she was eight, recently performed on BBC’s Breakfast News and won the 2008 Make it, Break It song contest. Her song America was shortlisted from hundreds of entries down to the final 10 in her age group. The judges included Chris Martin from Coldplay, BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe and Steve Levine, PRS Director and music producer. Joni performs all over the world and has been supported by Phil Collins’ Little Dream Foundation since she was 11 years old.

16-year old Will Marshall, who lives in West Kirby, has retained his place as Young Composer with the National Youth Orchestra and as leader of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. His piece The river is the unconscious thief and destroyer of its surroundings

was broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Hear and Now programme, performed by the RLPO Ensemble 10/10. He wrote the piece when he was 14 and in May 2007 it won first prize in the under-16s section of the Hampstead & Highgate Festival Competition for young composers.

Sophie Ryder, who joined the RNCM from Junior RNCM this September, has composed a piece, commissioned by the Ida Carroll Trust, which was performed by the Wind Orchestra in the Junior RNCM Performance Day on Saturday 6 December 2008.

Emily Howard who graduated from RNCM in 2004 with a MMus in Composition, and now teaches at Junior RNCM, has just won a Paul Hamlyn Foundation award. This award is probably the most prestigious award available for composers in the UK. Three are awarded annually, worth £45,000 each.

Mark Simpson, winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year 2006 and Joint Young Composer of the Year 2006, studied at Junior RNCM and is now reading music at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.

Junior RNCM Leverhulme BursariesThe Junior RNCM received a major financial boost this year when the Leverhulme Trust confirmed a three-year grant towards bursary support. The bursaries are aimed at JRNCM students with specific financial challenges, for example those who travel significant distances, students whose siblings already attend Junior RNCM, as well as those who play ‘endangered species’ instruments such as the bassoon or viola. These bursaries will have a major impact on the recipients and their families, adding to those generous donors who already support the Junior RNCM’s gifted young musicians.

E [email protected]

Junior RNCM composers achieve huge success


EVENTSCOMMUNITY OUTREACH

The groups are made up of 13 > 19 year olds who have taken part in past and present RNCM Outreach projects and who wanted to be involved in more musical opportunities. They meet weekly and are working towards public performances in June. They will have the opportunity to work with some of the best musicians, choreographers and dramatists in a workshop series as well as having weekly rehearsals taken by a musical director and RNCM students.

The groups are also providing a training ground for RNCM students interested in becoming vocal animateurs, workshop leaders, directors and producers. The students have been given an experienced mentor to work with them each week and they are also trained by visiting artists. They are taking a hands-on approach with the groups and are expected to lead them, take sectional rehearsals, and be involved in the planning stages so they get a rounded experience and build a skill base that will enhance their employability, as well as enabling them to see the benefits they are having on the young people they work with.

The groups are funded by Aimhigher Greater Manchester, whose aim is to raise aspirations and attainment in young people who have no experience of going on to higher education. These groups aim to build confidence among the young people that we hope will translate into raising their aspirations and consequently their drive to achieve. We hope that working with higher education students from the RNCM will inspire them to follow a similar path.

The Performance Club Supporting the RNCM

Whether you’re a regular or occasional visitor to the RNCM, would you like the opportunity to get more involved?

Through membership of The Performance Club, you can make a gift to whatever area you enjoy most. In return, you’ll receive invitations to members-only events as well as special ticket offers and behind-the-scenes access.

For more information, to obtain a leaflet, or to speak to someone about The Performance Club: E [email protected] or T 0161 907 5338

In an exciting new move, RNCM Outreach is setting up three new performing groups for young people:

RNCM Youth Sing, RNCM Youth Perform, RNCM Youth Beat

Bronze Club Membership£120 annual donation• Invitation to an Annual Receptionhosted by the Principal

• Priority booking for exclusivebehind-the-scenes events• Special offers on RNCM events• Regular copies of RNCM News with insiderinformation on RNCM students, alumniand staff

• Acknowledgement on the RNCM websiteSilver Club Membership£300 annual donation• all of the above, plus:

• Opportunities to attend RNCM studentcompetitions and rehearsals not opento the public

• Annual tour of opera set and backstage

Gold Club Membership£600 annual donation• all of the above, plus:

• An invitation to the RNCM ChamberMusic Festival reception hosted bythe Artistic Director

• An invitation to the opera dressrehearsal and pre-productionpresentation, with an opportunityto meet the Director and Set Designer• Regular invitations to masterclassesnot open to the public• Acknowledgement in the RNCMAnnual Report

A name to remember.The perfect giftDo you have a favourite place in the RNCMTheatre or Concert Hall? For £600 you cannow name a seat, in perpetuity, for yourself,for a friend or perhaps in memory of aloved one.

Depending on your level of support,you can enjoy the following benefits:

The Performance ClubThe RNCM is one of the finest conservatoires in the world, and unique in also providing

a venue for some of the most exciting artists in hugely diverse areas of the performing

arts. At the core, we provide an excellent musical education and specialist training from

some of the finest teachers and musicians from the UK and abroad. As a result, we

attract passionate and ambitious students committed to their training, who are offered

unrivalled performance opportunities and who work with other professional partners,

schools and the wider community.

Whether you are a regular or occasional visitor, there are opportunities to get more involved.

Through membership of the Performance Club, you can make a gift to whatever area

you enjoy most. In return, you will receive invitations to Members-only events as well

as receive special ticket offers and behind-the-scenes access to this amazing place.The Performance Club

Supporting the RNCM

EVENTS


Art of Sound : Sound of Art

Following the success of Shattered Sounds, a multimedia event staged at the Imperial War Museum North in 2007, this year the RNCM took over the Whitworth Art Gallery for a collaborative evening of new work, fi lling the gallery’s many interconnecting spaces with a rolling programme of art and music.

Among the 18 specially-commissioned installations, the fi rst everyone saw was by Anne Fox-Kelly, who created an ice sculpture in the shape of a burial boat. This was designed to melt while an RNCM chamber group played Gavin Bryars’ The Sinking of the Titanic for 2 hours 40 minutes, the exact time it took for the Titanic to sink, giving the world première of this new, longer version of Bryars’ work. The chamber group comprised two violas, a cello, double bass, horn, bass clarinet, synthesizer and percussion.

Simon Jones created a work which resulted in a harpist, RNCM postgraduate student Rhian Evans, performing Arvo Pärt’s haunting Spiegel im Spiegel while surrounded – trapped even – by hundreds of miniature listening fi gures.

Naomi Kashiwagi’s piece, entitled ||: Repetition :|| Fugue No 1 in QWERTY for 8 Typewriters was performed with due solemnity by some of the College’s top pianists.

A strict timetable and repeat performances ensured that the audience was able to sample all the events taking place simultaneously during the course of the evening. More than 175 RNCM performers performed, with another 40 students taking on a range of production and behind-the-scenes roles.

This year, RNCM performers will be taking over Manchester Piccadilly railway station in an even larger event on Saturday 4 July. For more details as they’re announced, see the events section on the website www.rncm.ac.uk.

EVENTS


‘…an inspirational weekend in the company of some of the finest soloists, bands and conductors the British brass band world has to offer’ This year’s RNCM Festival of Brass focused on the music of Gilbert Vinter, marking his centenary, as well as on John McCabe and Philip Wilby. The line-up, as ever, was epic with appearances by Black Dyke Band, Leyland Band, Foden’s Band, The Fairey Band (making a welcome return), Desford Colliery Band, and the Brighouse & Rastrick Band; with guest soloist appearances from legendary US virtuoso trumpet player Rex Richardson, and premières of works by Peter Meechan, Andy Scott, and Philip Wilby amongst others.

Amongst the seven major concerts during the Festival, the highlight of the weekend for many was the performance from Foden’s Band on Saturday evening. Iwan Fox, of definitive banding website 4BarsRest, described the performance as ‘truly memorable – playing of the highest calibre from start to finish... Those who were lucky enough to be there soaked up the six major works – all delivered with a sound quality that no other band can match at present’. The band performed two world premières, alongside a UK première by Bramwell Tovey, Nine Daies Wonder, featuring violinist Mark Fewer.

The RNCM Festival of Brass 2009 attracted a range of new supporters including the PRS Foundation for New Music and York Brass, as well as continued support from Yamaha and World of Brass. We were particularly delighted that York will be a Principal Sponsor of the RNCM Festivals of Brass until 2011. As exclusive provider of instruments to the world-renowned Black Dyke and Cory Bands, York Brass is one

of the most important brands in brass and the RNCM is looking forward to working with them again in future festivals.

The success of the Festival pays tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm that artistic director Paul Hindmarsh and event administrator Philip Biggs put into the Festival. This year’s Festival was Philip’s last; the RNCM would like to thank him for organising what has become one of the most important events in the banding world’s calendar.

Now in its 11th year, the RNCM Chamber Music Festival in January focused on Vienna: From Schubert to Schoenberg. Most thoughts of Vienna bring to mind the usual suspects – Mozart, Haydn and a plethora of Strauss waltzes to name a few – but this year, between the title composers Schubert and Schoenberg, we presented everything in between: from rarely heard gems by Hans Gál and Victor Ullmann to better known works by Mahler and Webern.

It is estimated that out of this ‘cultural melting pot’ of a city, 297 chamber works were written between 1850 and 1889 alone. At first the city seemed divided between the compositional conservatism of Brahms, to the musically liberal such as Schoenberg. Alasdair Tait, artistic director, presented all at the Festival and brought the works together with the thought that ‘though the two periods seem to us a world apart, this new language is still rooted in that same fine Viennese elegance and refinement of texture and nuance, previously perfected by Schubert’.

Chamber groups featured in the Festival included the renowned Endellion Quartet, the Vertavo Quartet (welcomed to the RNCM for the first time), Ensemble 360, Heath and Navarra Quartets, and the Rhodes Piano Trio; as well as RNCM ensembles and students from the European Chamber Music Academy, Chetham’s School of Music and the Junior RNCM.

Guest soloist Jane Manning performed and gave a talk on Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire, perhaps one of the most influential pieces of the 20th century. Paul Driver praised her performance in an article for The Independent:

‘Probably nobody knows the work better, and it was a privilege to hear her thoughts on it both discursively...and in the authorative, if subdued, account she gave with the RNCM Chamber Ensemble under Eduardo Portal’

‘She avoids stridency and finds in the work a low-voiced, intimating quality rather than the familiar overt expressionism’.

The final performance of the Festival brought together two of the most controvesrsial chamber works of all time: Beethoven’s Große Fugue and Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht. The latter was inspired by Richard Dehmel’s powerful poem of the same name. He himself wrote to Schoenberg on hearing his piece saying:

‘I should consider it a sin of omission if I failed to say a word of thanks to you for your wonderful sextet. I had intended to follow the motives of my text in your composition; but I soon forgot to do so, I was so enthralled by the music’.

The audience at this final concert were equally enthralled at this perfect ending to a mighty weekend, Paul Driver remarked:

‘This was, I think, the College’s most stimulating chamber fest so far’.

The RNCM would like to thank Jane Thompson for all her hard work on this and many RNCM Festivals over the past years.

RNCM Festival of Brass 2009

Vienna Forever

Foden’s Band with Mark Fewer (violin) and Bramwell Tovey (conductor)

Photo Ian Clowes, www.goldysolutions.co.uk

124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD T 0161 907 5200 F 0161 273 7611

[email protected] www.rncm.ac.uk

EVENTS


Coming Soon

May to June 2009

HAYDN THE INNOVATOR

The RNCM, Manchester Camerata and BBC Philharmonic have joined together to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of Franz Joseph Haydn. The celebration will include the annual RNCM Keyboard Weekend (8 > 10 May), and a Chamber Music Day (31 May), as well as a selection of his best symphonies performed by the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata; plus study days, masterclasses and more.

For more information and tickets visit: www.haydntheinnovator.co.uk

Were you at the RNCM between 1975 and 1985?

We’re planning a get-together... a rare chance to catch up with old friends and fellow students on Sunday 6 September 2 > 5pm at the RNCM.

There will be music followed by refreshments, and an opportunity to chat. The Café will also be open for drinks and snacks.

If you’d like to come along, please e-mail us at one of the addesses below. We hope to see you there!

Claire Frazer (Wilson) [email protected]

Helen Spiroc-tica (Yorke) [email protected]

Friday 19 June 7.30pm The Bridgewater Hall

RNCM Symphony Orchestra with Mark Shanahan

Arthur Honegger Pacific 231 Maurice Ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Richard Strauss An Alpine Symphony

Mark Shanahan conductor Daniel Browell piano

Pacific 231 transforms the orchestra into a steam engine, starting off with jagged chords slowly staggering from a standstill to becoming a well-oiled machine – a sonic train tearing through the night. There is a similar energy in Ravel’s concerto, its jazz-inflected rhythms and sweeping harmonies were written for Paul Wittgenstein, a remarkable Austrian pianist who lost his right arm in the First World War.

Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony has been described as a kind of ‘1913 version of the television show 24’ – a vigorous climb and exhilarating descent of a mountain taking place in one day, squeezed into an hour of edge-of-your-seat drama…

Tickets £20 £18 £14 £10 concessions available

Box Office 0161 907 5555 www.rncm.ac.uk

Thursday 25 June 7.30pm RNCM Theatre

Michael Berkeley and Ian McEwan’s For You Music Theatre Wales

Michael Berkeley and Ian McEwan’s new opera for Music Theatre Wales is a thrilling tale of dark obsession and misplaced passion. Coming to Manchester after sell-out shows in London, at the centre of For You are Maria and Charles: she, the deluded Polish housekeeper – all disquieting diligence and dangerous desire; he, the maestro – charismatic, egocentric and completely oblivious to the growing turmoil around him and the utterly operatic chaos about to be unleashed at the very heart of his household...

‘Pithy, witty stuff... McEwan skewers these characters to his blackly comic canvas in typically concise fashion’. The Times on For You

Tickets £15 £12 concessions available www.musictheatrewales.org.uk

Box Office 0161 907 5555 www.rncm.ac.uk

rncm news spring 2009

Documents

rncm alumnus

rncm researchers

rncm theatre

rncm wind orchestra

latest edition of rncm

supporting rncm studentspage

spring edition of rncm

new heights