RNCM News April 2014

24 Pages·2014·1.88 MB·English

RNCM NEWS
Spring 2014
A Year to Remember
Alexandra Dariescu’s incredible year in music
News
Solem Quartet page 4
3 Sell-Out Success for Gluck
4 Three in a Row for RNCM Ensembles
5 RNCM Record Breakers
6 Students Reach BBC Brass Final
7 Siblings Head Home for Celebratory
Concert
8 Clonter Opera Prize for RNCM Tenor
S
T
N 9 RNCM Welcomes Henk Guittart
E
T as New International Tutor
N
O
C 10 RNCM Announces New Junior Fellow
22 in Conducting
Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice page 3
Features
Nemtsov Duo page 7
12 A Year to Remember
Kang Wang page 8
15 Project Jam Sandwich
A Quintet Making a World of Difference
16 RNCM to Host 2015 EDCOM Conference
17 RNCM to Benefit from Doctoral
Training Partnership
RNCM Record Breakers page 5
Alexandra Dariescu page 12
Alumni News
18 Courtney’s Bite of the Big Apple
19 Memories of Manduell
20 Celebrating Crosskey
21 Scott Brothers Pull Out All the Stops
Project Jam Sandwich page 15
RNCM Friends
22 Take Your Seat
23 RNCM Benefactors’ Evening
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RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester. M13 9RD Courtney Lewis page 18
rnCm makeS StudentS
Compete for
roSl HiStory
BBC title
Second year undergraduate Toby Hughes
has made history by becoming the first ever
double bassist to win the Strings Section Final
Toby Hughes of the Royal Over-Seas League ARTS competition. S
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Now in its 62nd year the ROSL have made history this year. I’m Adding to the Colleges’s 3
ARTS, the arts division of the very much looking forward to success in this year’s ROSL
Royal Over-Seas League, has competing in the finals in May!’ ARTS competition, first year
developed a diverse portfolio undergraduate Dominic
of arts activities in music, visual Chris Hoyle, Head of the Degavino was one of two
arts and literature. It is devoted School of Strings, added: ‘This RNCM students to compete
to the career development of is further exciting news for the in the Keyboard Section Final.
talented young professional RNCM’s flourishing double In acknowledgement of his
artists and musicians from the bassists, and bravo to his outstanding talent, the 18-year- One student from the RNCM
UK and the Commonwealth, teacher Jiří Hudec, Principal old, who studies with Helen and four from Junior RNCM
and also presents readings and double bass with the Czech Krizos, was recognised as the have been selected to compete
literary events at its central Philharmonic.’ competition’s most promising in the category finals of the
London headquarters. pianist, receiving £1000. 2014 BBC Young Musician
In addition to winning £5000 of the Year Competition.
On his win Toby, who is currently Toby now has the opportunity
studying for a BMus with Jiří to compete for the Gold Medal Undergraduate pianist Hayley
Hudec and will soon tour Italy, and First Prize in the ROSL Parkes, 18, will participate in
Spain and France with the Annual Music Competition the Keyboard category, while
Chamber Orchestra of Europe, held at Queen Elizabeth Hall, saxophonist Jessika Gillam, 15,
said: ‘It was a great experience Southbank Centre, on Tuesday trombonist Lewis Bettles, 18,
competing in this year’s Royal 6 May alongside alumnus Huw and percussionists Jess Wood,
Over-Seas League to such an Wiggin (saxophone, 2008) who 16, and Elliott Gaston-Ross,
experienced and insightful panel won the Wind and Percussion 15, all students of JRNCM, will
of judges, and it’s amazing to Section Final (see page 20). Dominic Degavino take part in Woodwind, Brass
and Percussion respectively.
Sell-out SuCCeSS Talking of this year’s event,
Competition Manager Kerry Clark
for GluCk said: ‘The category finalists show
a remarkable level and breadth
of talent. We’re looking forward
RNCM Opera presented Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice and The Drunkard Cured
to continuing to work with these
(L’ivrogne corrige) to sell-out audiences at the Studio Theatre in March.
outstanding young musicians
over the coming months and
The production, which was double cast and watching their progress through
directed by Stefan Janski with set and costume to the 2014 final.’
design by David Cockayne and lighting by Paul
Botham, received fantastic reviews from regional A total of 450 entries were
and national press. received from musicians aged
eight to 18, with five going
The Times awarded it an impressive 4*s and through in each category. The
Robert Beale stated in the Manchester Evening category finals, semi-finals and
News that the singers ‘gave some of the best final can be seen on BBC Four
performances I’ve seen in an RNCM opera.’ Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice between 18 April and 18 May.
platform tHree in a row for
StrenGtHenS
rnCm enSemBleS
It’s a hat-trick for RNCM ensembles as the Solem Quartet makes
it three wins in a row at the Royal Over-Seas League ARTS competition.
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4 Solem, comprising violinists and 2013 graduates Solem Quartet
Michael Jones and Catherine Landen, postgraduate
violist Alistair Vennart and fourth year cellist
Stephanie Tress, won the Ensemble A Section
Following the launch of The Final of this year’s competition, continuing
Platform last year, the School the success of the Aurora Percussion Duo and
of Vocal Studies and Opera has Tempest Flute Trio who won the Ensemble B
embraced its new partnership with category in 2012 and 13 respectively.
Edvard Greig Kor, the ensemble
of Bergen Opera and the Bergen Michael said: ‘The competition was an extremely
Philharmonic Orchestra. enjoyable experience as we entered the process
with no expectations of reaching the final and were
In October and November absolutely gob-smacked when the adjudicators
sopranos Catriona Hewitson announced that we had won! We programmed music
(supported by the Mona McGlone for each stage that showed off our strengths, and I
Award) and Catrin Woodruff think that our passion for performance shone through.’
(supported by the Richard Alongside the prize money and a performance
Newitt Fund), and baritones The Quartet’s performance of Haydn’s String Quartet at Queen Elizabeth Hall, it’s a platform for
Graham McCusker and Steven in D major Op 20 No 4 and Three Divertimenti international exposure which is very, very exciting!’
Griffin took part in the College’s by Benjamin Britten secured them £10,000 and a
inaugural engagement with the performance opportunity at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Jeremy Young, Head of the RNCM’s International
organisation, travelling to Norway Southbank Centre, during the finals in May. Chamber Music Studio, added: ‘I’m delighted that
for rehearsals and performances the Solem Quartet are winners of this significant
of Bach Motet Jesu meine Freude Alistair, who is supported by the Headley Trust, added: competition. The RNCM Chamber Music Department
and Mozart’s Requiem. Bergen ‘I t was a real pleasure to get to the final and the is one of the most prestigious and active in Europe
Opera also awarded a chorus audience was extremely receptive and supportive. and Solem have made much of their opportunities
contract to alumnus Matthew It means a great deal for us to win the competition. whilst students here. I congratulate them warmly.’
Moss (tenor, 2010) for its
production of Beethoven’s Fidelio.
firSt for Simon paSSmore
Additionally, The Platform
also boasts new partnerships
with Northern Ballet and the
Simon Passmore has become the first Simon Passmore
Academy of St Martin in the
British pianist to win the Grand Prix
Fields, both of which offer
performance and educational Pianos Maene in the 18-24 category.
opportunities for students. The
partnership with the Academy of Simon, currently in his fourth year studying with
St Martin in the Fields launched Murray McLachlan, was one of 24 pianists
officially at The Bridgewater Hall – and the only UK entrant – to take part in
in January when violinist and the biannual competition, held in Brussels,
director Joshua Bell took part in Belgium. The success comes just months after
a Q&A with other members of the 23-year-old won a prize at the 21st Chopin
the organisation. Festival in Maxovia, Poland.
CHauHan iS CBSo’S firSt
rnCm
reCord
ConduCtinG fellow
BreakerS
Postgraduate conductor Alpesh Chauhan has been appointed the
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural Conducting Fellow.
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Alpesh, aged 23, is currently conducts the Bournville String In January 16 students broke 5
studying for an MMus in Solo Orchestra and is Assistant the world record for the most
Performance (Conducting) with Conductor of Birmingham musicians to play the same
Clark Rundell after joining the Schools’ Symphony Orchestra. piano simultaneously.
RNCM as an undergraduate cellist
in 2008. The year-long position CBSO chief executive Stephen Sponsored by International
means that he will now gain Maddock said: ‘The CBSO has Piano magazine and in aid
access to some of the world’s best a long-standing reputation for of Your RNCM, the students
conductors, artists and musicians discovering and developing young performed Ticcatoccatina, a
as he works alongside CBSO conductors including current short work for 32 hands by
Musical Director Andris Nelsons. Music Director Andris Nelsons, postgraduate composer Tom
Associate Conductor Mike Seal Harrold (winner of the Patricia
Talking of the Fellowship and previous Music Directors Sir Cunliffe Composition Award),
Birmingham-born Alpesh said: Simon Rattle and Sakari Oramo. beating the current record set
‘I am very excited at the The conducting fellowship is the by 15 musicians in Vallouise,
announcement of this prestigious latest initiative by the CBSO to France on 13 June 2004.
post with the CBSO and to be the Alpesh Chauhan offer outstanding opportunities to
first person to take it up. Not young professionals wishing to
only is it a total joy and thrill to Alpesh has a long association with work with one of the best
listen to the Orchestra – both in the CBSO. In 2005 he joined its orchestras in the world.
rehearsals and performances – Youth Orchestra, quickly
but it also serves greatly in my becoming Principal cellist, and in ‘ We’re thrilled that Alpesh is the
own development as a young 2007 participated in conducting first person to be offered and to
conductor. I feel extremely masterclasses as part of the Youth take up this new role that we Record Breakers
privileged to hold this position of Orchestra Academy with Associate hope, will in turn, inspire a whole
learning, developing and working Conductor Michael Seal. Now, new generation of talented and Talking ahead of the event, Tom
alongside my home team!’ in addition to his studies, he passionate music professionals.’ said: ‘I am really excited to be
attempting to break this world
record. The sound of 16 people
panfilov winS
playing a single piano at one time
should be really intriguing, and I
worSHipful award am looking forward to (hopefully)
breaking a world record!’
Postgraduate pianist and Leverhulme Scholar Alexander Panfilov has
Taking place in the Carole Nash
won the Worshipful Company of Musicians Maisie Lewis Young Artists’ Award. Recital Room and screened live
in Manchester city centre, pianist
Established in 1969 by Sir Edward Lewis in Alexander Panfilov Murray McLachlan confirmed
memory his wife, the Award provides funding that all stipulations were met
for the Musicians’ Company Concerts. As a during the performance and
result, Alexander, a pupil of Graham Scott the RNCM now awaits official
who is also supported by Liberty Living Plc, confirmation from Guinness that
now has the opportunity to perform at it’s the proud owner of the new
Wigmore Hall during the 2014/15 season. World Record.
newS in Brief StudentS reaCH
BBC BraSS final
Technical and Production
Manager Nick Ware was
successful in the recent ballot
for the nomination of a member
of Support Staff to join the
Board of Governors. He succeeds
Anna Wright, who served in this Third year students David Gillson and Ryan Watkins were two of
position for seven years.
four musicians to reach the finals of the 2014 BBC Young Brass Award.
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Postgraduate mezzo-sopranos
E
N Heather Lowe and Emma
6 Stannard, and soprano Bryony Cornet player David and
Williams have been chosen to trombonist Ryan performed in
join the Glyndebourne Chorus the semi-finals of the annual
this summer. competition in January, and
competed for the final award at
Postgraduate tenor Stuart the BBC Philharmonic Studio at
Overington was recently the end of March, accompanied
appointed Director of by Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
Chetham’s Chamber Choir.
The Young Brass Award was
Tutor in Vocal Studies Jeffrey originally launched as the Young
Lawton has been appointed Brass Soloist Award in 2004
President of the Manchester- and has gained a strong track
based Wagner Society. record for spotting talent. The Finalists (L-R) Grant Jameson, Matilda Lloyd, David Gillson and Ryan Watkins
RNCM has featured prominently
The Virr String Quartet (violinists throughout the decade, hosting BBC Radio 2’s Young thus far has gone on to do great
Charlotte Moseley and Emily with past winners including Brass Award. It is so important things in their chosen careers,
Mowbray, violist Emma Alexander, alumni Katrina Marzella to support and nurture young and no doubt taking part in the
and cellist Polly Virr) and the (Solo baritone, Black Dyke musical talent and I’m proud Young Brass Awards has given
O’Brien Piano Trio (violinist band), Lewis Musson (Solo the station gives these emerging a great impetus to their futures.
Anna O’Brien, cellist Michael euphonium, Central Band of the stars the chance to shine and It’s a joy to be involved.’
Newman and pianist Jeremy So) Royal Air Force), Ben Thomson be heard.’
were announced joint winners (Principal tuba, Orchestra The RNCM prides itself of
of the 2014 Nossek Prize, while of The Royal Opera House), Frank Renton, conductor and offering exceptional tuition and
the Diaphane String Quartet and Matthew White (Solo presenter of Listen to the Band, performance opportunities to
(violinists Luke Coomber and euphonium, Cory Band). added: ‘It’s wonderful that yet brass students from all over the
Clemence Hazael-Massieux, violist again Radio 2 is searching out world. In September, this will
Benoit Morel and cellist Alistair Talking ahead of the the best young brass players in enhance further with the launch
Howes) won this year’s Weil Prize. competition, host Ken Bruce the UK and providing a stage for of the brand new Philip Jones
said: ‘It’s an honour to be them. Every one of the winners Centre for Brass.
Mezzo-soprano Michaela Parry,
whose studies are supported by
HiCkS Bound for new york Tom Hicks
a Drapers’ Scholarship, will give
a recital at the Oxford Lieder
Festival as one of the singers Third year pianist Tom Hicks is one of 22 young musicians selected
on its Young Artists Platform. to compete in this year’s New York International Piano Competition.
Jessika Gillam, a Junior RNCM Open to pianists aged 16 to 21, will compete for cash prizes and
saxophonist and BBC Young the week-long event is dedicated concert appearances in addition
Musician of the Year finalist, to providing professional artistic to having the opportunity to
presented a talk at the Manchester development. Tom, a student engage in networking sessions,
round of the world-famous TED of Murray McLachlan, will exchange information and
Talks, held at the University of travel on an all-expenses paid cultivate a support system that
Manchester in March. trip to New York in June and will aid his pre-professional years.
BBC performinG artS
SupportS rnCm outreaCH
RNCM Outreach was one of 58 community organisations to
be awarded a grant from the 2013 BBC Performing Arts Fund.
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A total of £5000 was given to Outreach Manager Fiona community groups and emerging 7
the department to support its Stuart said: ‘We are delighted talent. The money is made
Youth Perform project; a musical to receive this funding and available through phone voting
theatre group established in grateful to the BBC for their on BBC 1 entertainment shows,
2009 to provide performance support. It will be invaluable in and we have an open applications
opportunities for children from encouraging and developing process. It’s been an amazing year,
families with no history of Higher young performers to achieve looking at the breadth of theatre
Education. The funding marks the highest standards, and will happening around the country.’
the second time RNCM Outreach enable them to work alongside
(which also runs weekly open leading theatre practitioners and Over the past 10 years the
access sessions supported by RNCM students, staging events Performing Arts Fund has
the Eric and Margaret Kinder both within our own professional contributed over £4 million to RNCM Youth Perform
Charitable Trust) has benefitted venues and also out in the the UK’s performing arts sector,
from the organisation, and will be community.’ through its annual awards of have both benefitted individually,
used to help recruit new members grants for theatre, dance and with Carlos winning a 2013 BBC
from hard to reach communities Miriam O’Keeffe, Director of music. In addition to RNCM Music Fellowship to work as
across the city, and work with the Fund, added: ‘I think the arts Outreach, Carlos del Cueto, Assistant Conductor with English
them on more challenging are really important, socially. As a former Junior Fellow in Touring Opera and Kathryn a 2007
repertoire to develop their skills a society it is something that can Conducting, and alumna Kathryn Education Bursary to complete
and confidence as performers. bring people together. We support Rudge (mezzo-soprano, 2011) her studies at the RNCM.
SiBlinGS Head Home
for CeleBratory ConCert
Russian siblings Mikhail and Elena Nemtsovi returned to their home city of
Nemtsov Duo St Petersburg recently to present a celebratory concert on behalf of the RNCM.
Known collectively as the Nemtsov Tatyana Yekimova, Head in providing such a stunning 2009, so I was really looking
Duo, postgraduate cellist Mikhail of International Relations at venue for the performance.’ forward to the concert and to
and pianist Elena, who graduated the RNCM, said: ‘It was an showing people how good music
in 2011, performed works by immense pleasure to be part of The children of concert pianist education at the RNCM is.’
British composer Benjamin Britten the UK-Russia Year of Culture’s Lydia Lisovskaya, both Mikhail
and Russia’s Dmitri Shostakovich extensive programme of events and Elena studied at the Rimsky- Mikhail, who is supported by the
at Sheremetev Palace in March. and we were delighted to offer Korsakov Special Music School Haworth Trust, added: ‘Elena
The special concert was offered this celebratory concert as a gift in St Petersburg before moving and I have performed together
as a gift from Manchester to to St Petersburg, the cultural to the UK. Returning to their since we were very young and
its twin city of St Petersburg, capital of Russia and a twin home city was something both it was great to be able to study
highlighting the official year of city of Manchester. We were looked forward to. As Elena said: together in Russia and the UK.
UK-Russia Culture; a year when also grateful to the Sheremetev ‘It was very exciting for us to be This concert gave us the chance
both countries celebrate their Palace, and St Petersburg able to go home to St Petersburg to show the unity of the two
diverse and rich heritage and External Relations and Culture and perform there again. The countries and of Manchester
long-standing cultural links. Committees for their kind support last time I played there was in and St Petersburg in particular.’
Zoltan kiSS royal alBert Hall déBut
announCed
aS new for SeSSion orCHeStra
international
tutor in
tromBone
The RNCM Session Orchestra made its Royal Albert Hall début in
November, performing as part of the Music for Youth Schools Prom.
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8 Led by Andy Stott, Course Director for the
College’s BA (Hons) Degree in Popular Music
Performance, the 35-piece orchestra and vocalists
presented Elbow’s One Day Like This, bringing a
touch of Manchester to the world-famous London
venue. The students also participated in Karl
Jenkins’ new massed ensemble piece, Out of
Zoltan Kiss Essex, for 600 children and young people, funded
by the ICAP Charity Day with The Classic FM
The Philip Jones Centre for Foundation. RNCM Session Orchestra
Brass at the RNCM is delighted
to announce the appointment of ‘ It was the experience of a lifetime to perform Jenkins piece in the presence of the composer…
Zoltan Kiss as its International at the Royal Albert Hall on the world’s most a beautiful day!’
Tutor in Trombone. famous stage with the RNCM Session Orchestra,’
explained Andy. ‘The scale and quality of Music Supported by the ABRSM alongside Media
Zoltan visited the RNCM at the for Youth’s production is something to behold and Partner Classic FM, the Music for Youth Proms
beginning of March and made an to be a part of it was a great honour - topped was established in 1995 to provide performance
immediate and striking impression off by performing the world première of a Karl opportunities for young musicians across the UK.
with a recital delivered to a
capacity audience and two days of
teaching. Zoltan, who was born in Clonter opera priZe
Hungary, enjoys wide international
for rnCm tenor
acclaim for his virtuosic solo
playing, commitment to teaching,
and membership of Mnozil Brass. Tenor Kang Wang has won the 2013 Clonter Opera Prize.
His appointment as International
Tutor replaces that of Christopher Flinn, the 25-year-old, who us received great feedback from
Houlding, who taught trombone recently completed his Master the panel. It was a wonderful
at the RNCM for almost 30 years. of Music Studies at Queensland experience for me, and I feel very
Conservatorium Griffith honoured to receive the prize as
Talking of Christopher’s departure, Kang Wang University, performed to high an RNCM student.’
John Miller, Head of the School praise, securing the £2000 prize
of Wind, Brass and Percussion, Kang, who joined the College in and the Audience Prize. Now in its 40th year, Clonter
commented: ‘Christopher 2013 to study for an International Opera provides the highest
Houlding started teaching at the Artist Diploma and starred On winning Kang, who is quality training and performance
RNCM in 1986 and did much as Nemorino in the recent supported by a Zochonis opportunities for young singers
for almost 30 years to maintain production of Donizetti’s L’elisir Scholarship, said: ‘In competitions with the aim of bridging the
a wonderful standard of brass d’amore, was one of several like this I only ever seem to win gap between conservatoire
playing in his many capacities. young singers chosen from UK the Audience Prize because the and professional work. To date,
All the brass tutors at the RNCM conservatoires and music colleges music I choose is often very numerous RNCM students and
wish him well and I personally to compete for the annual award. deep and moving. I’m still really alumni have benefitted from
send immense thanks to Chris surprised to think I won both its Opera Studio, established
and a very enthusiastic welcome Singing to a distinguished at Clonter. Everyone who took through the Clonter Farm
to Zoltan.’ panel of judges and host Isobel part sang so well, and each of Music Trust (CFMT).
rnCm welComeS Gala dinner
raiSeS fundS
for ConCert
Henk Guittart aS new
Hall CampaiGn
international tutor
The College is pleased to welcome Dutch violist and conductor December saw the triumphant
return of the RNCM Gala Dinner;
Henk Guittart as its new International Tutor in Strings Performance
a spectacular evening of fine
and Pedagogy, commencing in September.
dining and music which raised SS
WW
over £20,000 for the Concert
EE
Hall campaign. NN
Founder and former member of 2006 and 2010, and served as 99
the acclaimed Schoenberg Quartet, Director of Fall and Winter Music Taking place on the stage of
Henk is recognised worldwide Programs from 2010 until 2013. the RNCM Theatre amid the
as an exceptional tutor, chamber stunning set of Donizetti’s
music coach, and conductor. To On being offered the position L’elisir d’amore, the event
date he has held positions at he said: ‘I’ve enjoyed coming to was compered by Classic FM’s
the Royal Conservatory of the the RNCM and working with its Jamie Crick and began with a
Netherlands, Rotterdam Codarts talented students in the past, champagne reception on the
Academy of Music, and Maastricht and I very much look forward to Henk Guittart concourse and introductory
Academy, in addition to being contributing to the special care fanfare from our brass students.
Guest Conductor and Professor offered to them. I’m honoured to widen the expertise of our
at music academies in Budapest, to be added to the list of team of International Tutors. From the outset, guests – including
Princeton, Los Angeles, Dresden, wonderful International Tutors In his new role he will work representatives from Barclays,
The Hague, Amsterdam, Cologne, the College already boasts.’ with all our string players on Cheetham Hill Construction,
Moscow, London and Stanford. matters of performance and PricewaterhouseCoopers,
Henk worked as a special guest Chris Hoyle, Head of the interpretation, drawing on his Edmundson Electrical, KPMG
faculty and artistic advisor at the School of Strings, added: ‘I am vast experience of teaching and the media - were immersed
Banff Centre in Canada between delighted that Henk will join us and performing worldwide.’ in a range of performances from
members of the College’s vibrant
opera cast and chorus, the
Harwood SuCCeSS Candela Salsa Band, Project Jam
Sandwich and Zelkova Quartet.
for meZZo emma
Commenting afterwards, journalist
and Northern Soul webzine editor
Postgraduate mezzo-soprano Emma Stannard has won
Helen Nugent said: ‘I had a
Emma Stannard the 2014 Elizabeth Harwood Memorial Award for Singers. splendid time, what a wonderful
way to showcase the work done
Emma, who is studying for an MMus in Solo ‘ This year’s Harwood Award included some by the RNCM and its students.’
Performance with Peter Wilson, performed pieces by beautiful expressive singing and playing from
Handel, Mozart, Dvořák, Donizetti and Elgar to secure all involved. It was clear that a high level of In addition to the entertainment
the Award, accompanied by Robin Humphreys. preparation had gone into all performances, and and a three course meal, Key
I offer congratulations to both Emma and Meinir 103 presenter Darren Proctor
On winning, she said: ‘It was an honour to perform on their success. presented an auction where
in the final alongside so many talented students. prizes included a bespoke
To finish my degree having received this award is a ‘ College competitions are very important for young composition created by the
dream come true, providing a wonderful platform singers and musicians, and the RNCM is extremely RNCM’s Head and Deputy Head
for me to step from the RNCM into the profession.’ grateful to the Elizabeth Harwood Memorial Trust of the School of Composition,
for its generosity and continued support.’ Adam Gorb and David Horne,
Talking of the competition, which also awarded an exclusive singing lesson with
a second prize to soprano Meinir Wyn Roberts, The Award is administered by the Elizabeth soprano Lynne Dawson, Head
Lynne Dawson, Head of the School of Vocal Harwood Memorial Trust in accordance with the will of the School of Vocal Studies,
Studies and one of the evening’s adjudicators of the late Elizabeth Harwood and enables students and a behind-the-scenes tour
alongside Susan Bullock and Isobel Flinn, added: to continue their studies after leaving the College. of the Classic FM studios.
Jette parker SuCCeSS
for rnCm Junior fellow
Jonathan Santagada has been announced as the new Opera
Conductor/Repetiteur on the prestigious Jette Parker Young Artists
Programme (JPYAP), based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
S Jonathan Santagada
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10 Jonathan, the RNCM’s Sir John a recitative, demonstrate their worked as a member of the School of Vocal Studies and Opera
Fisher Foundation Junior Fellow facility with language, and coach a music staff on RNCM Opera over the last 12 months. He has
(Repetiteur) within the School of singer on repertory given to them productions, including Paradise contributed hugely during his time
Vocal Studies and Opera, was one 30 minutes prior to audition. Moscow, L’elisir d’amore and in Manchester and we all wish
of 12 from almost 100 candidates the recent Gluck double-bill him every success at the Royal
selected for the first round of Talking of the experience, of Orfeo ed Euridice and The Opera House, Covent Garden.’
auditions, and one of five for Jonathan said: ‘It was a Drunkard Cured.
the second and final round. challenging process, but I received The JPYAP seeks to find
a lot of help from the RNCM as I Kevin Thraves, Head of Music extremely gifted individuals at
Presenting to a panel which prepared for the audition, which Staff (School of Vocal Studies the start of their professional
included the Royal Opera House’s helped enormously. The experience and Opera) said of Jonathan’s careers, with a music degree and
Head of Music, David Syrus, was fantastic, especially as I got success: ‘This is an incredible some experience in performance.
and Music Director, Antonio to audition for Antonio Pappano achievement for Jonathan and Commencing in September,
Pappano, candidates were asked in the final round, and I’m he is fully deserving of this Jonathan now has the opportunity
to prepare – as conductor and thrilled to have been selected.’ fantastic opportunity. It has been to join the music staff at the
coach – excerpts from four operas invaluable to have had such an Royal Opera House on a two
and a complete act from an opera During his time as Junior Fellow exceptional Junior Fellow working year contract, working on their
of their choice, to sight-read, sing (Repetiteur), Jonathan has alongside the music staff in the forthcoming opera productions.
rnCm announCeS new
Junior fellow in ConduCtinG
The RNCM is delighted to announce that Harish Shankar
is the new Junior Fellow in Conducting, commencing in September.
Malaysian-born Harish was Rundell, Mark Shanahan and impression on me and the
one of 13 candidates chosen visiting conductors, as well as feedback the panel offered was
to attend the live auditions conduct the RNCM Symphony invaluable.
in early March, selected from and Chamber Orchestras and
over 100 applications. Two benefit from the College’s ‘ Being elected Junior Fellow
candidates made it through to strong links with the Hallé, is a great honour for me and
the final round conducting the BBC Philharmonic, Royal a thrilling new beginning. I’m
RNCM Symphony Orchestra in a Liverpool Philharmonic and so grateful for the opportunity
performance of Sibelius’ Second Manchester Camerata. to work with and learn from
Symphony, following four rounds Sir Mark Elder, Clark Rundell
featuring chamber ensemble, Harish, who resides in Germany, and Mark Shanahan and hope
a concerto, contemporary and said: ‘The auditions were an that their guidance will help
chamber orchestra repertoire. adventure! The conducive, me develop as a musician and
Harish will now receive tuition comradely and exciting build a bridge to an artistically
from Sir Mark Elder, Clark atmosphere made a deep fulfilling career as a conductor.’
Harish Shankar