RCM Annual Review 2011/12 by Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music Annual Review 2011 I 2012

Contents

Page

Chairman’s message

Director’s report

Progress of the RCM’s Strategic Plan 2007 to 2017 Never standing still

Inspirational teaching Delivering excellence

Musical performance Bringing the score to life

Research and innovation Integrating theory and practice

Celebrating success Shining examples

Leading the way Career support

Learning for all Including everyone

Playing our part Caring for the environment Improving fair access

Fundraising Transforming lives

Facts and figures Student profile

Facts and figures Financials

Governance

Opposite RCM singer Morgan Pearce in Great Expectations

Chairman’s message

Despite continuing uncertainties in the higher education funding environment, it has been a focused, productive and successful year in which the Royal College of Music has taken a leading role as advocate and lobbyist for the sector. I am confident that the visibility of conservatoires has now increased radically within political circles. In his keynote speech at the HEFCE Annual Conference held at the RCM in April, Universities Minister Rt Hon David Willetts said: ‘We are very fortunate that our higher education system includes specialist institutions like this one. And the conservatoire is a fascinating type of educational institution, with training at its heart. It is a good example of what we mean when we talk about the diversity of our higher education system.’ It is gratifying to have our achievements recognised in this way, especially in a year where we have achieved exceptional prominence in other arenas. RCM Junior Department student Laura van der Heijden was named BBC Young Musician 2012. She follows in the footsteps of the 2010 winner and fellow RCM Junior Department alumna Lara Melda, who progressed to us as an undergraduate in autumn 2012.

The Royal College of Music Chamber Choir achieved worldwide press coverage by entertaining the crowds at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant celebrations, despite having to sing in torrential rain. It provided the grand musical finale to the entire pageant, singing in front of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family, including our President, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The 25th anniversary of the opening of the Britten Theatre was celebrated on a number of occasions during the year, most memorably with a dinner in the theatre itself. It was an honour to have among us Leopold de Rothschild, former Chairman of the RCM Council, and a leading light in the Centenary Fundraising Campaign which funded the theatre. Sadly Leo died only a few weeks later, but his legacy remains alive in the activities of the countless organisations in which he was involved. Sir George Blunden, a member of Council from 1983 and Deputy Chairman from 1990–97, also died this year. Both were true friends to the RCM for many years and we remember both with gratitude and affection.

It has been a focused, productive and successful year

Professor Lord Winston Chairman

Opposite Vladimir Jurowski conducts the RCM Symphony Orchestra

Director’s report

As we approach the mid-point of our ten-year strategic vision, I can report that 2011–12 was a year of consolidation, review and planning, punctuated by a range of events, episodes and successes; all in all, one of the most memorable years to date of my Directorship. During the summer months we began the reconfiguration of the RCM Museum. As part of our commitment to the wider community and to life-long learning, the newly refurbished museum focuses upon the creation and performance of music, the narrative illuminated by instruments, and documents and works of art from the RCM’s Special Collections. This exercise has served as a dry run for a more ambitious long-term project we are developing, one which aims to bring together and make accessible some of the most important items in the collections. The increase in fees has so far had little impact on the Royal College of Music, but we continue to monitor the attractiveness to applicants of financially favourable alternatives, such as the major European conservatoires. Recruitment of overseas students and provision of local audition opportunities remain a vital part of the RCM’s sustainability strategy, and auditions were held in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Indiana, Boston, New York and China.

The RCM was successful in being made a strategic partner of the Tri-Borough Music Education Hub, a three year initiative starting in September 2012 and supported by Arts Council England. Our role will be to ensure that every child, aged 5 to 18, in the London boroughs of Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, has the opportunity to sing and learn a musical instrument. Arts Council England announced a nationwide network of 122 music education Hubs, which will see a significant shift in the way music education is delivered to children. The Tri-Borough Hub will be allocated £1.3 million by the Department for Education through Arts Council England to help deliver the work. I am continually impressed at the musical impact made by our students and graduates, whether on concert platforms, in competitions, in schools or in the community. With more of our performances out and about, and the developing reach of RCM Sparks, our learning and participation programme, the RCM is increasingly seen as a key music provider at both regional and national level. Our gifted and hardworking students and staff are a source of great pride to us all, and I offer them my congratulations on their achievements.

I am continually impressed at the musical impact made by our students and graduates, whether on concert platforms, in competitions, in schools or in the community

Professor Colin Lawson Director

Opposite RCM musicians perform at the Palace of Versailles as part of the 24 Violons du Roi’ project

Progress of RCM Strategic Plan 2007 to 2017

Never standing still Mission and principal objectives The Royal College of Music provides specialised musical education and professional training at the highest international level for performers and composers, within an environment that stimulates innovation and research. This enables talented students from all backgrounds to develop the musical skills, knowledge, understanding and resourcefulness which will equip them to contribute significantly to musical life in this country and internationally. Strategic plan In setting the RCM’s objectives and planning its activities the Council has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Our Strategic Plan identifies priority areas for the period 2007 to 2017: • access to an inspirational learning experience • artistic vision • research and innovation • communications • people • technology

Outlook for 2012 to 2013 The overall economic outlook continues to be uncertain and there are likely to be on-going cuts in public spending over the life of the coalition government. The RCM is determined to achieve a sustainable surplus and has set targets for income, savings and surplus as a percentage of turnover. The targets for 2012/13 have already been exceeded. The RCM’s five-year financial forecasts were updated in June 2012, tested using sensitivity analyses for a range of potential risks. Set against an uncertain economic background, applications to study at the RCM in 2011 were higher than ever, as were registrations for 2011/12. Applications for 2012 are also robust. The RCM is charging £9,000 for UK/EU undergraduate students in 2012 and the extra income from higher fees will partly compensate for the reduction of the government teaching grant. The Universities Minister and HEFCE have committed publicly to recognising the additional high costs associated with study at music conservatoires, the first time there has ever been so public a commitment. These high costs are currently recognised through HEFCE ‘exceptional funding’ and HEFCE is currently reviewing this funding for 2013/14 onwards.

We are very fortunate that our higher education system includes specialist institutions like this one Universities Minister Rt Hon David Willetts

• estate • finance In order to realise the Strategic Plan 2007 to 2017, these priority areas are complemented by detailed strategies for specific areas. The RCM has established key performance indicators, in order to measure achievement against these objectives and the RCM’s performance against its benchmarks is reviewed each year by the Council.

Opposite RCM harpist Cecilia Sultana de Maria Above Royal College of Music

Inspirational teaching

Delivering excellence Curriculum development Inspired by the desire to capitalise on the professional excellence of our artistic programme, the business and outreach skills of the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre, the research resources represented by the Centre for Performance Science (CPS) and Special Collections, the RCM launched a new strategy to enhance its learning and teaching. Setting out targets for different areas of the RCM’s educational provision up to 2015, the strategy is designed to encourage students to become entrepreneurial, resourceful, flexible, and articulate musicians, who can be advocates for their art. As an example of the specific steps proposed within the strategy, the RCM will develop online learning portfolios for all students, helping them to chart their own development as musicians.

Programme development September 2011 saw the first cohort on the RCM’s new MSc programme. Applications for 2012/13 remained buoyant confirming the demand among musicians for this kind of scientific investigation of performance, as related to the RCM’s Centre for Performance Science. The development of a CPS-related MEd programme is planned for launch in September 2014, with the enhancement of pedagogy training for all RCM students a declared aim of the new learning and teaching strategy. September 2011 also saw the launch of the collaborative BMus programme between the RCM and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Singapore. September 2012 sees the first students on this degree engaged in a specially designed placement at the RCM. Doctoral programme review In March 2012 the review of the RCM’s doctoral programme approved the addition of PhD and MPhil qualifications to the RCM’s existing DMus qualification. This addition sets out a clear choice of dissertation-based or practical portfoliobased options for research students, and clarifies the research goals and research training relevant to each student’s interests. Fifteen students have been accepted onto the doctoral programme from September 2012, representing a significant increase in student numbers from previous years.

This collaboration is a significant milestone in the history of arts education in Singapore Mr Choo Thiam Siew, President of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Opposite Piano masterclass with Lang Lang Above Saxophone lesson with professor Kyle Horch

Musical performance

Bringing the score to life A highlight of the 2011/12 season was undoubtedly the RCM Chamber Choir’s performance in the Thames Pageant, the centrepiece of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Watched by the Queen and an international audience of tens of millions, the choir has since appeared on TV and in newspaper articles worldwide. RCM performers also featured heavily throughout the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Many recent graduates acted as drum leaders in the opening ceremony, while RCM pianist Nicholas McCarthy performed alongside Coldplay as part of the Paraorchestra in the closing ceremony of the Paralympics. Opportunities to perform in London and beyond have become a regular feature of the performance schedule. Our ‘24 Violons du Roi’ project saw RCM students join forces with French musicians for a series of high-profile concerts and broadcasts across France and the UK, culminating in a performance at the BBC Proms conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. Orchestral and festival highlights • The RCM’s contribution to the Philharmonia Orchestra’s yearlong celebration of the music of Béla Bartók included orchestral and chamber concerts as well as the first complete UK performance of Bartók’s Mikrokosmos, given at the Southbank Centre by RCM senior and Junior Department pianists. • Vladimir Jurowski conducted the RCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus as part of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s celebration of the music of Prokofiev.

•F ête Française, a term-long celebration of French music, included two Debussy world premieres as well as residencies from composers Pascal Dusapin and Jérôme Ducros and a five-day keyboard extravaganza. • A focus on contemporary music included performances of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians and Cage’s rarely heard HPSCHD. • Musicians from the string faculty demonstrated their talent at our annual music marathon, Super String Sunday, and at a showcase at Wigmore Hall. • The RCM Festival of Percussion returned for a second year, this time featuring legendary rock drummer Stewart Copeland. Opera productions • The RCM International Opera School performed Bizet’s Le docteur Miracle and Djamileh and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro in the Britten Theatre, as well as working in collaboration with English Touring Opera for a grand festival of baroque music and the London Handel Festival in a performance of Riccardo Primo. • RCM performers and composers created and performed a series of brand new operas as part of Great Expectations, a unique collaboration with Tête à Tête. Masterclasses • The RCM welcomed illustrious visitors such as Alfred Brendel, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Emanuel Ax, Lang Lang, Alison Balsom, Alina Ibragimova, Natalie Clein, Daniel Hope and Michael Collins.

On twitter Nice work RCM Chamber Choir and particularly in spite of the rain! @RCMLatest Who knew that Roger Norrington was such a comedy genius?! Fabulous fun at #BBCProms Saturday Matinee Had a fantastic time on great expectations – this is the sort of stuff music college should always be about! @RCMLatest

• Bernard Haitink conducted the RCM Symphony Orchestra in Bruckner’s 8th Symphony. Opposite RCM musicians perform at the Palace of Versailles, part of ‘24 Violons du Roi’ project Above RCM Chamber Choir

Research and innovation

Integrating theory and practice Research environment The Royal College of Music’s profile as a place of interaction between performance theory and practice was enhanced by a series of events in 2011/12. The ‘Brahms in the Home’ conference attracted a group of international participants, with presentations that will be captured in a book under contract with Cambridge University Press. The RCM’s regular Grove Forum series has been enhanced by using the RCM’s newly furbished museum space, with its exhibition facilities and its interactive Discovery Zone. These are designed to showcase research relating to the RCM Special Collections, the subject of an RCM professors’ conference in 2012. A newly formed ensemble, Variable Geometry, has provided an enhanced opportunity for performers and composers to foreground their research into new music and new media. Externally funded projects During 2011/12 the RCM has been successful in attracting two grants from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Assistant Head of Programmes, Natasha Loges, has been awarded research leave to explore the poetry of Brahms’s song-settings, while two of the RCM’s Research Fellows, Tania Lisboa and Ingrid Pearson, and the lecturer Ivan Hewett are being funded to collaborate with the Open University on a Listening Database project. A further application to the AHRC has been submitted in collaboration with University of Cambridge to investigate the use of genetic analytical methodologies to track the variance in sources in 17th-century keyboard repertoire. The RCM has also received funding from the European Union to collaborate with institutions in Vienna, Paris and Schwerin in performing and studying the music of émigré composers.

Preparation for submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) In 2012, the RCM prepared a mock REF submission with external consultants to ensure that mentoring of staff researchers and internal professional development is undertaken to maximum effect. The RCM also consulted with the University of London Computing Centre on the most effective means of setting up a repository for the RCM’s research outputs. Centre for Performance Science In spring 2012 the Centre for Performance Science (CPS) launched its new strategy document, setting out its field of operation, key collaborations, and the remit of a new advisory group. In conjunction with the Conservatoires UK Research Forum, the CPS submitted a large-scale bid to the AHRC entitled Musical Impact, designed to be the first large-scale longitudinal study of health and well-being in conservatoire students. Further collaborations involve development of a ‘Performance Simulator’ (with ARUP acousticians and Imperial College), and a Music and Science exhibition (with the Science Museum).

We are glad to be working with the RCM because of its innovative approach, artistic competence and forwardlooking concepts Jeunesse Musicale Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, coordinator of the two year project on the music of émigré composers

Opposite RCM singer Peter Kirk performs in What a Life! by émigré composer Hans Gál at the Neustädtisches Palais, Schwerin, Germany Above Members of the contemporary ensemble Variable Geometry

Celebrating success

Shining examples In our endeavour to help exceptionally talented students achieve their full potential we treat each as a unique musician. We help each student to develop a sense of direction and provide the means for each to transform his or her dreams into reality, and a livelihood. Success at the RCM takes many different forms, from a small improvement discerned in an aspect of technique to the light-bulb moment which catapults a performer to international recognition. Each RCM student has individual successes to report, some very personal, others more public. We celebrate them all. BBC Young Musician 2012 On the public competition front it has been another exceptional year for RCM students. In May, RCM Junior Department cellist Laura van der Heijden was crowned BBC Young Musician 2012. The 15-yearold cellist triumphed with a mesmerising performance of Walton’s Cello Concerto at The Sage Gateshead. Laura follows in the footsteps of 2010 winner and fellow RCM Junior Department student Lara Melda, who commenced her BMus studies at the RCM in September.

Competition successes Other competition successes included wins for sopranos Louise Alder in the 2012 Maggie Teyte Competition (with her prize including the chance to perform at the Royal Opera House) and Abigail Mitchell in the Bellini International Vocal Competition (Sicily); guitarists Laura Snowden and Tom Ellis in the Liechtenstein International Guitar Duo Competition; and composers Arne Gieshoff in the Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize and Adrian Gaglianello in the Serocki International Composition Competition (Warsaw). Album releases Several RCM students released albums this year, including soprano Laura Wright, whose best-selling album Glorious rode high in the charts, and cellist Yuki Ito, who recorded an all-Rachmaninov disc with RCM alumna Sofya Gulyak. In addition, four RCM musicians were offered the chance to record their debut album with EMI Classics as part of their new Digital Debut series. Violinist Mari Poll, oboist Suzanne Thorn, pianist Elmar Gasanov and countertenor Christopher Lowrey each recorded EP-length albums, which are available on iTunes. EMI Classics celebrated the release with a launch event at the RCM that was streamed live to a global audience via Facebook.

…mesmerising performance of the rarely-played Walton Cello Concerto… Richard Morrison reviews Laura van der Heijden’s performance at BBC Young Musician

The voice is extraordinary Daily Express review of Laura Wright’s album Glorious

Opposite Christopher Lowrey, Laura van der Heijden, Laura Wright, Laura Snowden and Tom Ellis Above EMI Classics Digital Debut series

Leading the way

Career support Through the Royal College of Music’s pioneering career support service based in the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre, RCM students (and graduates for five years after leaving) can access career advice, guidance, opportunities, networks and professional experience – the whole range of professional skills that musicians need to thrive in a highly competitive, fast-moving environment. Professional Engagements Service Central to the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre’s comprehensive offering is access to the RCM’s Professional Engagements Service, whereby specially selected and prepared RCM musicians perform in external recitals, concerts and other events. Taking complete responsibility for their performances, the student’s gain real-life experience as musicians, a crucial aspect of professional musical training at the RCM. One-third of current students and more than 200 RCM graduates regularly participate in a wide range of performance opportunities. In 2011/12, there were more than 750 such performances, with more than 270 students and 200 graduates involved.

Performance highlights The range of performances promoted by the Woodhouse Professional Development Centre in 2011/12 was extensive. Among the highlights were regular recital series at several of London’s museums and galleries including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. Of particular interest were fortnightly Friday evening recitals at the National Gallery in which musical programmes were devised by RCM performers in response to certain works of art in the room. The performers spent a preparation day with an artist, being introduced to the artworks and the resulting programmes were extraordinarily personal and varied. Performances were a tremendous success and well received by audiences. A recital series at the Royal Academy of Arts, supported by the Chairman of the Royal Academy, was repeated this year to great acclaim. In addition to recital performances, RCM musicians were involved in engagements at Buckingham Palace, Mansion House, City Hall, the House of Lords, Spence House, the Supreme Court, embassies, banks, clubs, television, hotels and schools. These performances help to prepare musicians for a successful career.

The three musicians invested bags of energy, commitment and creative courage into a truly unique collaboration that attracted a new audience for us Karen MacDonald, Salisbury Arts Centre’s Visual Arts Manager

Opposite Music Off Canvas, formed at the RCM, performing at Salisbury Arts Centre Above RCM musicians at the National Gallery

Learning for all

Including everyone RCM Sparks RCM Sparks, the Royal College of Music’s groundbreaking Learning and Participation programme, enjoyed a successful year. In the autumn, teenagers participated in a film music workshop, which included a viewing of The Matrix at the Royal Albert Hall. This partnership continued later in the year with a families’ weekend of activities that involved a tour of the Royal Albert Hall, a viewing of West Side Story and a series of creative workshops. As part of the RCM’s access initiative, 60% of tickets were available free of charge to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds. RCM Sparks also offered subsidised tickets to encourage participants and their families to attend concerts at the RCM. Summer Music, an annual series running alongside the BBC Proms, saw more than 200 young people take part in live music-making events. Almost half of the participants performed at BBC Proms Plus Family Introductions and attended a BBC Proms concert. In addition, 25 teenagers participated in a composition course, more than 60 music lovers of all ages took part in Discovery Sessions and 80 family members enjoyed tours of the Royal Albert Hall. Working alongside professional workshop leaders, more than 120 RCM students developed their skills by assisting at these creative sessions. RCM Sparks also led the College’s role in the new Tri-Borough Music Hub, supported by Arts Council England. The hub comprises three strategic partners: the RCM, the Royal Albert Hall and the Aurora Orchestra, who will provide music services to children in three London boroughs: Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster. As strategic leaders, the RCM will work to ensure that every child aged 5 to 18 has the opportunity to sing and learn a musical instrument, develop their skills, and to play with other children as part of an ensemble or choir.

RCM Junior Department In a year of considerable public success for Junior Department students, cellist Laura van der Heijden followed in the footsteps of Junior Department pianist Lara Melda two years earlier by winning the coveted title of BBC Young Musician 2012. Performance remains central to Junior Department provision. During the year there were more than 80 large-scale events, including the Mayor’s Jubilee Brass Band for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, Royal Albert Hall Coffee Morning Concerts, LSO Brass Academy and a sixhour performance of Bartók’s Mikrokosmos at the Southbank. There were also performances in Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Essex and Powys as well as regular events at the RCM. Close collaborations with the Young Place (Sound Moves) and English Folk Dance and Song Society (Living Song) continue to provide innovative approaches to composition and performance. The Junior Department has more than 300 musicians of school age who benefit from specialist teaching and the support of the wider RCM family. Most progress to the RCM and other conservatoires as undergraduates as well as to universities as music students. The RCM is grateful to the Music and Dance Scheme and other grant providers for delivering financial support to individuals to support this training. Sparks Juniors, a scheme for local primary school children and supported by EMI Sound Foundation and J Paul Getty Jnr Trust, completed its third successful year. A new cohort of young bassoonists and saxophonists joined the programme in September 2012 and were involved in choral and instrumental performances with the wider Junior Department. The final-year Sparks Juniors marked their time at the RCM with a special graduation event. As they proceed to secondary school many of this group will join a new Sparks Juniors extension programme which secures highquality tuition for a further three years.

EMI are delighted to continue to support Sparks Juniors as it provides an incredible opportunity for local young children to access the amazing musical skills of the RCM Janie Orr, on behalf of EMI

Opposite RCM Sparks Gamelan Workshop Above Sparks Juniors

Playing our part

Caring for the environment

Improving fair access

The Royal College of Music is fully committed to its responsibility for minimising the environmental, social and economic impacts of its operations. As a small higher education institution, the RCM aspires to be a centre of excellence in environmental management. In 2012 we were awarded a 2:1 rating by the People and Planet Green League and for the third year running are proud to be recognised as the UK’s greenest conservatoire.

Since its establishment, the Royal College of Music has been committed to widening participation. The founding principle that no talented musician should be excluded on financial grounds is still upheld today.

In 2011/12 we implemented the following environmental improvements: • achieved Fairtrade university status • signed up to the Sustainable Fish Pledge and received a Good Food on a Plate Award • recycled 93% of construction waste generated between August 2010 and February 2012 • participated in a confidential waste recycling programme which equated to saving 21 trees • implemented intelligent monitoring of printing which resulted in a reduction of 12,000 pages in the first three months. The RCM informs staff and students about environmental progress through termly e-newsletters, and promotes awareness through a range of initiatives. Environmental factsheets have also been created and are displayed on the RCM intranet. By the end of 2011, the RCM achieved an 8% reduction in total carbon emissions. In July 2012, the RCM also received a BREEAM (British Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method) In Use accreditation. This framework will be used to drive forward the environmental agenda for new building projects, refurbishment of existing buildings and operation of the estate.

In 2011/12 the RCM Scholarship Fund provided more than £1.4m through a mixture of recurrent donations and endowed awards to support nearly 300 students, representing some 40% of our student body. This funding allows us to attract the very best students from across the world, the majority of whom would not otherwise be able to afford the specialised education the RCM offers. Scholarship donors enjoy a close relationship with the RCM, witnessing at first-hand the transformation of the students they support as their talent is carefully nurtured. Many of them comment on how enriching the experience is for them. From 2012, when higher £9,000 fees are introduced for UK/EU undergraduates, the government is implementing a National Scholarship Programme (NSP). The RCM has been allocated four £3,000 scholarships which will provide fee waivers for the first year of BMus study to four British students with household incomes of less than £42,600 (level set by the government), which we will match with £3,000 fee waivers for their second year of BMus study. We believe that this financial support is likely to encourage applications from under-represented groups. While financial support is vital for RCM students, outreach activity delivered through RCM Sparks expands our nurturing environment into local communities. RCM Sparks activity, described more fully on page 21, is increasingly important as funding for music in schools is falling in real terms. The RCM’s plans are set out in detail in our published Access Agreement, approved by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

A truly inspirational day… everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves making music, making friends and having a really good day RCM Sparks participant

Opposite The RCM International Opera School’s production of Le nozze di Figaro Above RCM Sparks Summer Music participant

Fundraising

Transforming lives The Royal College of Music receives a government grant, and further income is raised from tuition fees and trading activities. This does not however cover all our costs and we are increasingly reliant on our valued family of supporters for our fundraised income, especially in a time of continuing economic uncertainty and government funding cuts. Last year, the Development Department raised £889,000 in donations and sponsorship from individuals, companies and charitable trusts and a further £1.9 million through legacy gifts. Students at the RCM are recruited on the basis of their musical merits, abilities and potential, therefore a key figure is the number of scholarships we are able to award to students who would otherwise be unable to take up their place. In 2011/12 we were delighted to continue a number of partnerships with major supporters of our scholarship programme, including the Leverhulme Trust and ABRSM, alongside dozens of other generous donors. In the autumn, we launched the Dame Joan Sutherland scholarship in memory of one of the RCM’s most distinguished alumni. We also once again took part in the Big Give appeal, raising more than £100,000 for scholarships at Christmas. The RCM’s yearly gala fundraiser, the Soirée d’Or, was held at the V&A with a stellar performance from RCM alumnus Julian Lloyd Webber. This is a firm fixture in London’s social calendar, and its great success is a tribute to the hard work of a dedicated committee chaired by Lady Carr and many loyal supporters. Last year the event raised more than £160,000 which is an essential component of our annual Scholarship Fund.

The RCM Friends continue to thrive, and their enthusiastic attendance at our concerts, recitals and masterclasses is much appreciated. We have more than 500 Friends, half of whom have supported us for more than five years. Our patron programmes also grow apace. Following the success of the RCM Opera Circle and Patrons Circle, we launched a Piano Circle, and we now have more than 30 donors giving at this level.

I became a friend of the RCM some years ago and have found it a very rewarding experience. It’s a real joy to listen to such dedicated and talented young people Carol Seymour-Newton (RCM Friend)

We continue to expand the number of donors giving to RCM Sparks, our vital learning and widening-participation programme, including new support from the Ernest Cook Trust and John Lyons Charity. The Britten Theatre celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011. To mark the occasion a series of special events were organised including Nuit Fantastique, a fundraising gala which raised more than £15,000. The evening was dedicated to the memory of Vice-President and former Chairman, Leo de Rothschild who chaired the campaign to build the theatre and sadly passed away before the event. To all of the generous people and organisations that have helped us, we express our sincerest gratitude. There are far more than we have space to mention. Your support is invaluable and we are immensely grateful for your continuing commitment to our work.

Opposite Nuit Fantastique gala

Thanks to...

Too few people understand what giving can achieve, not just for the recipient, but for the donor. It can make life feel more complete, somehow John Nickson (scholarship donor)

Generations of gifted students from around the world have been guided and inspired to develop their musical potential within the Royal College of Music’s stimulating creative environment. This has been made possible by the support of many generous individuals, companies and charitable trusts. We would like to thank in particular the following who have made donations of £1,000 or more in the last academic year. Supporters of named scholarships and Junior Fellowships Estate of Dr Neville Wathen The Leverhulme Trust Estate of Roselyn Ann Clifton Parker The Michael Bishop Foundation John Lewis Partnership Scholarships Georgina Joshi International Fellowship The Richard Carne Charitable Trust The Wolfson Foundation H R Taylor Trust ABRSM Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust HF Awards The Worshipful Company of Musicians The Reed Foundation Jane Barker Croucher Hong Kong Charitable Trust The Hon Ros Kelly The Stanley Picker Scholarship Opperby Stokowski Collection Trust The Ackroyd Trust The Worshipful Company of Drapers Stephen Catto Memorial Scholarship The Tsukanov Family Sir Roger and Lady Carr HonRCM Irene Hanson Scholarship Independent Opera Artist Scholarship The Wyseliot Charitable Trust Ian Stoutzker OBE CBE FRCM Phoebe Benham Junior Fellowship The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Derek Butler Trust Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Junior Fellowship The Mills Williams Foundation The Charles Peel Charitable Trust Richard and Rosemary Millar Celia and Andrew Curran Scholarship Mark Loveday Scholarship

Jonathon Bond South Square Trust Steinway & Sons David Laing Foundation John Nickson and Simon Rew Noswad Charity The Wall Trust Edward Brooks FRCM Sir Peter and Lady Walters Award The Kirby Laing Foundation Douglas Downie Sir Gordon Palmer Award Else and Leonard Cross Charitable Trust Charles & Clapson The Bliss Trust Supporters of RCM Sparks David Ross Foundation J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust John Lyon’s Charity EMI Music Sound Foundation Guy Dawson and Sam Horscroft The Ernest Cook Trust The Stanley Foundation Dr Susan Sinclair and Rodolphe Olard The Oldhurst Trust Corporate Partners BP International Ltd Endsleigh Royal Garden Hotel Hatch Mansfield Members of the RCM Opera Circle Philip and Christine Carne* Michael and Ruth West* Yatish Joshi* Sir Vernon and Lady Ellis Victoria Sharp Charles and Kaaren Hale Gisela Gledhill* James and Clare Kirkman* Richard and Sue Price Dr Mark Levesley* Peter and Dimity Spiller Vivien McLean Sir Peter and Lady Middleton FRCM Sir Sydney and Lady Lipworth Christina Hoseason*

Members of the RCM Chamber Music Circle Dr Leonard Polonsky and Dr Georgette Bennett* Emma Rose and Quentin Williams* John and Catherine Armitage* Ian and Meriel Tegner* Members of the RCM Piano Circle Alethea Siow and Jeremy Furniss* Judy and Terence Mowschenson Terry Hitchcock John Nickson and Simon Rew* Members of the RCM Patronsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Circle Jane Barker* Tania Chislett Monica Moezinia Costas Kaplanis Sir Anthony Cleaver FRCM and Lady Cleaver Ellen Moloney John Cheng Rhoddy Voremberg John Ward Richard Hamilton Dimity and Kerry Rubie Halina and John Bennett Russell Race David and Sue Lewis David Poultney Ruth Rothbarth Other generous donors Estate of Albert Frost The Farthings Trust Sir Siegmund Warburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voluntary Settlement Jane Kessler Estate of Pamela Larkin Paul and Ruth Idzik The Robert Fleming Hannay Memorial Charity Linda and Tony Hill Karen Cook The Rayne Foundation Roland Rudd Fidelio Charitable Trust The Sharp Foundation Miss Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust The Seary Charitable Trust

The Derek Hill Foundation Bill Bolsover The Rothermere Foundation Geoffrey Richards HonRCM Dasha Shenkman Mr and Mrs Grace Mark Wood The Music Sales Charitable Trust Nicholas and Carol Paumgarten Professor Colin Lawson FRCM Peter Granger Sir John and Lady Parker Philip Jackson Charles Lubar Morgan, Lewis and Bockius Sir Michael Parkinson Blair Wilson Award Victoria Moore-Gillon Janis Susskind HonRCM Clifford and Maggie Abrahams Michael Steen OBE HonRCM Sir Cyril Taylor GBE Sir Jeremy and Lady Morse Estate of Gerald Smith Ian and Lesley Millar Helena Morrissey Sir Michael and Lady Perry Don and Jennifer Robert Katharine Long The Everard Foundation Miel de Botton Michael Crawford Nonna Materkova Carole Ollivier and Albert Schwabacher Preston Haskell Sergey Karpukhovich Brian Murray Mike and Maria Spink Mr and Mr Yuri Levine Mr and Mrs Krupeev Isaac Affejee

What is important to us is to support and encourage a vibrant musical community of orchestral players, teachers and portfolio musicians Nigel Brotherton (Music Advisor to the Chairman of John Lewis)

*also support a named award For more information about supporting the Royal College of Music, please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/supportus

Facts and figures

Student profile 2011/12 Principal study by faculty Brass

Composition

Conducting

Keyboard

140

Percussion

Strings

256

Vocal

Woodwind

DMus/MSc

Total

751

Gender

Programmes

Male – 49.5%

Undergraduate – 53%

Female – 50.5%

Postgraduate – 43% Doctoral – 4%

Financials Income account for the year ended 31 July 2012

Year Ended 31 July 2012 £

Year Ended 31 July 2011 £

Funding council grants

4,461,305

5,051,069

Academic fees and support grants

7,998,485

7,735,199

36,928

48,660

Other operating income

4,709,198

5,071,992

Endowment and restricted income and interest receivable

2,473,557

2,267,467

19,679,473

20,174,387

Research grants

Total income

Expenditure account for the year ended 31 July 2012

Year Ended 31 July 2012 £

Year Ended 31 July 2011 £

Staff costs

9,831,681

9,660,140

Other operating costs

6,190,521

5,976,881

Depreciation

1,538,954

1,257,438

131,682

146,049

17,692,838

17,040,508

Interest and other final costs Total expenditure

Governance

Patron Her Majesty The Queen President His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC Vice-Presidents The Most Revd and Rt Hon the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Revd and Rt Hon the Lord Archbishop of York

Council The President Professor Lord Winston (Chairman) Mrs Jane Barker (Deputy Chairman) Mr Nicholas Ward (Honorary Treasurer) Mr Richard Price (Chairman of Audit Committee)

The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London

Mr Nigel Woolner (Chairman of Estates Committee)

Sir Anthony Cleaver FRCM

Lord Black of Brentwood

Mr Michael Gough Matthews FRCM

Mr Andrew Haigh

Lady Middleton FRCM

The Hon Richard Lyttelton

Mr Humphrey Norrington OBE FRCM

Dr Munira Mirza

Dame Janet Ritterman DBE

Ms Gillian Moore MBE FRCM

Mr Leopold de Rothschild CBE FRCM (Deceased 19 April 2012)

Mr John Nickson

Mr Ian Stoutzker CBE FRCM Sir David Willcocks CBE MC FRCM

Mrs Victoria Sharp Ms Alethea Siow Mr Rhoderick Voremberg Ex-officio or elected Professor Colin Lawson FRCM Miss Vanessa Latarche FRCM Mr William Mival FRCM Mr David Harpham HonRCM Mr Charles Bradley

Opposite Louise Alder in Le nozze di Figaro Design The Design Avenue General Photography Chris Christodoulou Additional Photography Sheila Burnett (pages 20, 21 and 23)

Clerk to the Council Mr Kevin Porter HonRCM

Royal College of Music Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BS Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 4300 Email: info@rcm.ac.uk www.rcm.ac.uk www.facebook.com/royalcollegeofmusic www.twitter.com/rcmlatest The Royal College of Music is a registered charity. No. 309268