SPRING
EVENTS
2017
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CONTENTS
SPRING EVENTS
2017 One of the richest and most intensive programmes of public performance of any conservatoire in the world. Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
Royal College of Music Box Office 020 7591 4314 www.rcm.ac.uk/events /royalcollegeofmusic @RCMLondon /RCMLondon @RCMLondon All information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. The Royal College of Music is a registered charity. No 309268
4 SEASON
HIGHLIGHTS
6 SEASON
CONCERTS
25 MASTERCLASSES 28 TALKS AND SEMINARS
30 CHAMBER MUSIC 31 RCM SPARKS 32 OUT AND ABOUT 33 SUPPORT US 34 BOOKING INFORMATION
35 VISIT US 36 AT A GLANCE DIARY
WELCOME
WELCOME TO THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC’S SPRING SEASON Join us this spring as we explore the music of America. Our annual three-day keyboard festival includes an all-day marathon of piano music featuring Rachmaninov’s Etudestableaux. Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winner David Lang joins us for concerts and a masterclass as our composer in residence and, from earlier in America’s music history, our RCM Wind Orchestra performs music by one of the most famous creators of America’s soundtrack, John Philip Sousa. Our America Frontiers season includes a chamber music series, featuring works by Barber, Copland and Carter, as well as a rare performance of George Crumb’s Black Angels and John Adams’ clarinet concerto Gnarly Buttons. The popular Orchestral Masterworks series presents symphonies by Mozart and Rachmaninov and concertos by Tchaikovsky and Grieg. Nicholas Collon returns to conduct Mahler’s epic Sixth Symphony, and we work with students from Holland in an exploration of the music of Carl Maria von Weber. Chamber music features widely in our performances, too, including a 90th birthday tribute to Martin Lovett, the cellist of the Amadeus Quartet, and for the first time, a week dedicated to chamber music learning and performance. We are joined by some of the world’s most famous artists for our series of masterclasses, including Lang Lang, Angela Hewitt, Stefan Dohr and Maxim Vengerov. In conjunction with the London Handel Festival, we present Handel’s Faramondo, the story of the mythological King of the Franks. We round off the season with the UK’s first staged production of Rameau’s opera Les fêtes d’Hébé in a unique collaboration with Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris and the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles. Stephen Johns Artistic Director 020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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SEASON HIGHLIGHTS AMERICAN FRONTIERS For more than 100 years, America has been a melting pot for musicians from around the world. Our Spring Season delves into a host of works from and inspired by its shores. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/americanfrontiers 5 January
RCM WIND ORCHESTRA
Traditional American marches from bandmaster John Philip Sousa. Page 6
9 February
NEW PERSPECTIVES: JOHN ADAMS AT 70
RCM musicians perform Gnarly Buttons, John Adams’ highly imaginative concerto for clarinet. Page 12
6 January
RCM STRING ORCHESTRA
Stravinsky’s serene Apollon musagète premiered in America is coupled with Bartók’s final work before fleeing Europe. Page 6 20 January
FROM THE SOUNDHOUSE
An eclectic mix of sounds and instruments showcased in George Crumb’s seminal work Black Angels. Page 9
13 February
RCM BRASS ENSEMBLE
Featuring music by American film and TV composer Bruce Broughton. Page 14 31 January, 7, 14 and 21 February
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES
Four concerts inspired by the sounds, country and landscape of America, plus film composers’ work beyond the screen. Pages 11, 12, 14, 16
25–27 January
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE: DAVID LANG
Three concerts and a masterclass dedicated to the award-winning composer David Lang, including simple song #3 from the 2015 film Youth. Page 10
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
12–14 March
KEYBOARD FESTIVAL: AMERICA CALLS!
The RCM’s annual keyboard festival celebrates composers who have lived and worked in the USA. Page 19
LES FÊTES D’HÉBÉ
7 February and 14 March
5 and 6 April
Not-to-be-missed masterclasses with virtuoso violinist Maxim Vengerov and piano superstar Lang Lang are just two of more than 30 masterclasses taking place at the RCM this season. Pages 25–27
This unique collaboration with the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris and the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles presents the UK’s first staged production of Rameau’s operaballet in the RCM’s Britten Theatre for two spectacular performances.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
MASTERCLASSES
Page 23
NICHOLAS COLLON CONDUCTS MAHLER 6 9 and 10 March Dynamic young conductor Nicholas Collon returns to work with the RCM Symphony Orchestra. Page 18
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS Four concerts featuring popular symphonic hits. 12 January Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto 19 January Grieg’s Piano Concerto 16 February Mozart’s Symphony no 35 23 February Rachmaninov’s Symphony no 2 Pages 7, 9, 15, 16
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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SEASON CONCERTS JANUARY
RCM STRING ORCHESTRA 6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Thursday 5 January
Maxim Rysanov conductor RCM String Orchestra
6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Stravinsky Apollon musagète (1947) Bartók Divertimento BB118
RCM WIND ORCHESTRA Keith Brion conductor RCM Wind Orchestra Sousa The Bride Elect The Fighting Race Second Fantasia from El capitan The Band Came Back Humoresque ‘On the 5.15’ Non-Committal Declarations Guion (arr Sousa) Sheep and Goat ‘Walkin’ to the Pasture’ American conductor Keith Brion is dedicated to reviving Sousa’s appealing programming skills. Hear him lead the RCM Wind Orchestra in a rousing programme of patriotic marches by the quintessential composer of marine band music. Tickets: £5 Friday 6 January
Hear the apotheosis of music for strings in this early evening concert. Commissioned by one of America’s most visionary patrons of the arts – Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge – Stravinsky’s ballet score was premiered in Washington. Bartók’s Divertimento was to be the last work he wrote before fleeing to the USA following the outbreak of World War Two. Tickets: £5 Monday 9 January
MARTIN BUTLER HORN PREMIERE 6pm | Inner Parry Room Joel Ashford horn RCM musicians Martin Butler Comic Book Fanfares (world premiere) Mozart Horn Quintet in E flat major K407
FARINELLI ROOM OPENING CONCERT
RCM horn player Joel Ashford performs the world premiere of Comic Book Fanfares, a work written for him by Martin Butler for this occasion.
1.05pm | Farinelli Room
Tickets: Free but required
Musicians from the RCM’s Historical Performance Faculty officially launch this new performance space with a programme of vocal and instrumental music made famous by the great 18th-century castrato Farinelli. Tickets: Free but required
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Friday 6 January
EVENTS SPRING 2017
TIPPETT AND BEETHOVEN III 6pm | Britten Theatre
Tippett String Quartet no 3 Beethoven String Quartet in C major op 59 no 3 Rasumovsky RCM alumnus Sir Michael Tippett’s String Quartet no 3 is paired with the third Rasumovsky quartet in this series exploring the influence Beethoven had on the later composer. Tickets: Free but required Wednesday 11 January
CHAMBER RECITAL WITH GIORGIO MANDOLESI 6pm | Inner Parry Room Programme to include: Stravinsky Octet Principal Solo Bassoon with the Orchestre de Paris, Giorgio Mandolesi performs alongside RCM musicians in this rush-hour concert.
Thursday 12 January
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS: TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN CONCERTO 6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Martin André conductor Aleksandra Li violin RCM Philharmonic Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major op 35 Schubert Symphony no 8 in B minor D759 Unfinished
SEASON CONCERTS
Tuesday 10 January
Our spring Orchestral Masterworks series begins with Tchaikovsky’s popular Violin Concerto, one of the most important romantic works for the instrument, performed by RCM Concerto Competition winner Aleksandra Li. Martin André conducts the RCM Philharmonic in a programme that also includes Schubert’s famous, and fearless, Unfinished Symphony. Tickets: £5, £8 ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Tickets: Free but required HEAR MORE: Bassoon masterclass with Giorgio Mandolesi (page 25).
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Saturday 14 January
RCMJD SOLOISTS’ CONCERT 5.30pm | Recital Hall
Exceptional musicians from the RCM’s Junior Department present a varied programme of solo instrumental repertoire. Tickets: Free but required Monday 16 January
RCM STRINGS WITH TRIO APACHES
Tuesday 17 January
SAXOPHONE RECITAL WITH NIKITA ZIMIN 6pm | Recital Hall
Glazunov Chant du ménéstrel op 71 Tchaikovsky Russian Dance from Swan Lake Piazzolla Escualo Sarasate Zigeunerweisen op 20 Tickets: Free but required HEAR MORE: Saxophone masterclass with Nikita Zimin (page 25).
1.05pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Trio Apaches RCM Piano Trio in Association Babadjanian Piano Trio Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor op 57 Trio Apaches brings to light the melodious Piano Trio of Armenian composer Arno Babadjanian and teams up with top RCM musicians in a performance of Shostakovich’s powerful Quintet. Tickets: Free but required Monday 16 January
RCM STRINGS WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI
6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall We are delighted to welcome back Nicola Benedetti, one of the world’s most sought-after violinists, to the Royal College of Music. Join us for this informal rush-hour concert as she leads a group of top string players from the RCM in a programme of baroque classics. Supported by the RCM Patrons’ Circle.
© Peter Adamik
Tickets: £5
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
Tuesday 17 January
TIPPETT AND BEETHOVEN IV 6pm | Britten Theatre
Tippett String Quartet no 4 Beethoven String Quartet in E flat major op 74 Harp In the fourth concert in this series, Tippett’s fourth string quartet is paired with a complementary quartet by Beethoven, showing the influence of the earlier composer on Tippett’s work. Tickets: Free but required Wednesday 18 January
RCM PERCUSSION SHOWCASE 7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Anders Åstrand percussion The RCM Percussion Showcase returns with a showstopping concert featuring music and performances by percussionist and composer Anders Åstrand. Tickets: £5
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS: GRIEG’S PIANO CONCERTO
Friday 20 January
FROM THE SOUNDHOUSE 7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Carla Rees flute
Peter Stark conductor Mark Biggins conductor* Alexander Ullman piano RCM Philharmonic
George Crumb Black Angels: 13 Images from the Dark Land Sungji Hong Concerto for Alto Flute and Chamber Ensemble (world premiere)
Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor op 16 Tchaikovsky Hamlet, Fantasy Overture after Shakespeare op 67* RCM Concerto Competition winner Alexander Ullman performs Grieg’s renowned Piano Concerto, which abounds in youthful energy. Also on the programme is Tchaikovsky’s dramatic work on the famous Shakespearean tragedy.
From shouting to whispering, from gongs to maracas and even crystal glasses, American composer George Crumb’s Black Angels offers up a feast of sounds. Recently revealed to have been one of David Bowie’s all-time favourite records, this seminal work of the 21st century is paired alongside the world premiere of South Korean composer Sungji Hong’s concerto written for and performed by RCM alumna Carla Rees.
Tickets: £5, £8
Tickets: £5
SEASON CONCERTS
Thursday 19 January
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Thursday 26 January
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE: DAVID LANG SOLO PIANO MUSIC 1.05pm | Recital Hall
David Lang cage, wed and cello from memory pieces this was written by hand hard hit (UK premiere) bell (UK premiere)
Friday 27 January
OPERA SCENES 5.30pm | Britten Theatre
John Copley director Christopher Middleton conductor
Award-winning American composer David Lang sees talented RCM pianists perform a variety of his music for solo piano as part of his RCM residency.
We’re thrilled to welcome back John Copley, director at the Royal Opera House for more than 50 years, to direct our first opera scenes of 2017. Singers from the RCM International Opera School regularly go on to take leading roles in the world’s greatest opera houses, so don’t miss this opportunity to spot the stars of the future!
Tickets: Free but required
Tickets: Free but required
HEAR MORE: Composition masterclass with David Lang (page 26).
Friday 27 January
Thursday 26 January
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE: DAVID LANG CHAMBER MUSIC 7.30pm | Recital Hall
David Lang light moving sweet air lend/lease these broken wings the so-called laws of nature One of America’s most-performed composers, David Lang’s chamber music is explored in the second concert of his RCM residency. Tickets: Free but required
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE: RCM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS DAVID LANG 7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Timothy Lines conductor RCM Symphony Orchestra RCM New Perspectives David Lang increase (UK premiere) just (after song of songs) pierced mountain (UK premiere) simple song #3 ‘Lang, once a postminimalist enfant terrible, has solidified his standing as an American master.’ (The New Yorker) Academy and Golden Globe-nominated simple song #3 is one of David Lang’s most popular recent works and its haunting melodies were written for the soundtrack to the 2015 film Youth. The RCM Symphony Orchestra’s programme also includes the unforgettable love song just (after song of songs) as well as the UK premiere of Lang’s dramatic mountain and the hypnotic increase.
Photo © Peter Serling
Tickets: Free but required
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
Pre-concert talk 6.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall David Lang in conversation with RCM Head of Composition William Mival. Free to concert-ticket holders
RCMJD CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CONCERT 5.30pm | Recital Hall
Hear music by the best young composers of the RCM Junior Department in this concert performed by their talented fellow musicians. Tickets: Free but required Tuesday 31 January
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES: BEYOND THE SCREEN 7.30pm | Recital Hall
Rózsa String Quartet no 2 op 38 André Previn Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon John Williams Elegy for Cello and Piano Korngold Piano Quintet in E major op 15 The composers featured in tonight’s concert created some of Hollywood’s most memorable soundtracks from Hitchcock films to MGM musicals, but away from the cinema screen, their chamber music is much more intimate. Experience the darkness of John Williams’ Elegy and the youthful exuberance of Korngold’s Piano Quintet in the first concert of our American Chamber Series. Tickets: £5 Pre-concert talk 6.30pm | Recital Hall RCM Chamber Music Manager Sophie Rashbrook and writer Tim Rutherford-Johnson discuss our American Chamber Series. Free to concert-ticket holders
FEBRUARY Wednesday 1 February
RCM BIG BAND 7.30pm | Britten Theatre
Mark Nightingale director RCM Big Band We’re thrilled to welcome multi-award-winning jazz trombonist Mark Nightingale to direct an entertaining evening of toe-tapping tunes from the outstanding musicians of the RCM Big Band, recently described as ‘brilliant’ by Jazzwise Magazine.
SEASON CONCERTS
Saturday 28 January
Tickets: £10 Thursday 2 February
BACH TO BEETHOVEN 1.05pm | Farinelli Room
Colin Lawson chalumeau and historical clarinet Wouter Verschuren dulcian and historical bassoon Kathryn Cok organ, harpsichord and fortepiano Programme to include: Selma y Salaverde Vestiva i colli CPE Bach Sonatas nos 1, 3 and 5 Telemann Sonatina Quinta in A minor TWV41:a4 Beethoven Larghetto sostenuto from Duet no 1 woo 27 Vanhal Allegro from Clarinet Sonata in B flat major Beethoven (arr Wüstrow) Trio After Sextet in E flat major op 71 Tickets: Free but required
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Friday 3 February
Thursday 9 February
5.30pm | Britten Theatre
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
OPERA SCENES Elaine Kidd director Natalie Murray conductor Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the vocal stars of the future as they present a selection of favourite operatic scenes, intimately staged with piano accompaniment. Tickets: Free but required Tuesday 7 February
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES: DESTINATION AMERICA 7.30pm | Recital Hall
André Previn Four Outings for Brass Weill The saga of Jenny from Lady in the Dark I’m a stranger here myself from One Touch of Venus Speak low from One Touch of Venus Martinů Flute Sonata H306 Schoenberg String Trio op 45 Britten String Quartet no 3 op 94 Throughout the 20th century, composers fleeing persecution found sanctuary on America’s shores. Kurt Weill brought a hint of the Berlin cabaret to Broadway with hit songs like The saga of Jenny; while Schoenberg’s String Trio, composed near the end of his life, weaves Viennese tradition into his astonishing piece. Tickets: £5 AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Thursday 9 February
NAFA CHAMBER MUSIC 6pm | Inner Parry Room
A programme of traditional Chinese works performed by musicians from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. Tickets: Free but required
RCM NEW PERSPECTIVES Timothy Lines conductor Elliot Gresty clarinet RCM New Perspectives
Noncarrow (arr Mikhashoff) Player Piano Study no 7 John Adams Gnarly Buttons Amy Bryce New Work (world premiere) Piyawat Louilarpprasert New Work (world premiere) Ives Set for Theatre Orchestra This concert marks the 70th birthday of influential American composer John Adams with his Gnarly Buttons. Premiered by RCM alumnus Michael Collins in 1996, this playful work showcases the solo clarinet against a minimalist accompaniment of American sounds: from hymns to hoedowns and mad cows! The evening also offers the chance to hear world premieres by two of the RCM’s most talented up-and-coming composers. Tickets: £5 Pre-concert talk Explore Ives’ Set for Theatre Orchestra with live music in this pre-concert talk. Free to concert-ticket holders Friday 10 February
WEBER IN LONDON: CHAMBER CONCERT
7pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Colin Lawson clarinet Geoffrey Govier piano Programme to include: Weber Variations on a theme from Silvana op 33 Grand duo concertant op 48 Schottische Lieder RCM Director Colin Lawson and piano professor Geoffrey Govier present a charming programme of music by Carl Maria von Weber. In association with the Internationale Carl Maria von Weber Gesellschaft, King’s College London and German Historical Institute London and part of the Weber in London: Opera and Cosmopolitanism conference. Tickets: £5
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
Photo © Bill Knight
SEASON CONCERTS
Friday 10 February
Sunday 12 February
7.30pm | Britten Theatre
2.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
COMPOSITION FOR SCREEN SHOWCASE Thomas Foskett-Barnes conductor Matthew Hardy conductor Don’t miss this highlight of the season which showcases the work of talented RCM composers for screen. Hear their dramatic music as it’s meant to be experienced – performed live to new films by young producers, projected above the players in the RCM’s atmospheric Britten Theatre. Tickets: £10
WEBER IN LONDON: RCM CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA Ben Palmer conductor Chi-Hang Long piano RCM Classical Orchestra Musicians from the Utrecht Conservatorium Weber Overture: Der Beherrscher der Geister J122 La dolce speranza J93 Piano Concerto no 1 in C major J98 Misera me! J121 Overture: Der Freischütz J277 When Carl Maria von Weber came to London in 1826 he was revered as an international star. Based on programmes of the Philharmonic Society and other London stages, this exploration of Weber’s music sees the RCM Classical Orchestra joined by musicians from the Utrecht Conservatorium. In association with the Internationale Carl Maria von Weber Gesellschaft, King’s College London and German Historical Institute London and part of the Weber in London: Opera and Cosmopolitanism conference. Tickets: £8, £10
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Monday 13 February
RCM BRASS ENSEMBLE
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Nigel Black director RCM Brass Ensemble Bruce Broughton Fanfares, Marches, Hymns and Finale When a Body Meets a Body Koetsier Kinderzirkus Stravinsky Fanfare for 3 Trumpets The RCM Brass Ensemble explores music from across the Atlantic in this rousing showcase, featuring American film and TV composer Bruce Broughton’s thrilling work Fanfares, Marches, Hymns and Finale. Tickets: £5 Tuesday 14 February
OPERA SCENES 5.30pm | Britten Theatre
James Hurley director Peter Selwyn conductor Talented RCM singers present a selection of favourite operatic scenes, intimately staged with piano accompaniment.
Tuesday 14 February
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES: CONTEMPORARY SOUNDSCAPES 7.30pm | Recital Hall
Programme to include: John Luther Adams Among Red Mountains Carter 8 Etudes and a Fantasy Joan Tower Big Sky Meredith Monk Ellis Island Nico Muhly A Hudson Cycle Common Ground John Luther Adams Dream of the Canyon Wren The Farthest Place Canyons, prairies and the New York skyline: the vast American horizon continues to inspire a uniquely open sound. Joan Tower’s Big Sky piano trio travels south to a childhood memory of horse-riding through the Andes, while Meredith Monk, Nico Muhly and John Luther Adams channel the spirit of minimalism as their music ranges over the American landscape. Tickets: £5 AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Tickets: Free but required Wednesday 15 February
WINDS OF HEAVEN 6pm | Inner Parry Room
Julien Feltrin director Explore contemporary music for woodwind in this exciting programme containing works by Giorgio Tedde, Luciano Berio, Nicolas Vérin and Tôn-Thât Tiêt. Tickets: Free but required
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
SEASON CONCERTS
Thursday 16 February
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS: MOZART’S SYMPHONY NO 35 6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Howard Williams conductor Matthew Lewis bassoon RCM Philharmonic Mozart Bassoon Concerto in B flat major K191 Symphony no 35 in D major K385 Haffner Our rush-hour Orchestral Masterworks series continues with an all-Mozart programme, featuring the exhilarating Haffner Symphony. RCM Concerto Competition winner Matthew Lewis joins conductor Howard Williams and the RCM Philharmonic for the composer’s playful and expressive Bassoon Concerto. Tickets: £5, £8 ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Monday 20 February
RCM WIND ENSEMBLE Monday 20 February
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
SACCONI QUARTET
Simon Channing director Sirius Chau alto flute RCM Wind Ensemble
Sacconi Quartet RCM Quartet in Association
Rossini (arr David Walter) Overture: Il barbiere di Siviglia Bozza Octanphonie Ray Leung Waiting (world premiere) Françaix 9 pièces caractéristiques Mozart Serenade in E flat major K375
1.05pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Philip Glass Quartet no 2 Company Mozart String Quartet no 14 in G major K387 The Sacconi Quartet returns for a programme exploring the old and the new. Mozart’s first string quartet dedicated to Joseph Haydn, written in 1782, is paired with Glass’ 1984 piece commissioned to accompany an adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s Company. Tickets: £5
Join us for a varied programme of pieces for wind ensemble, including the world premiere of RCM composer Ray Leung’s Waiting for alto flute, featuring Sirius Chau as soloist. Tickets: £5
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Tuesday 21 February
AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES: VINTAGE AMERICA 7.30pm | Recital Hall
Barber Summer Music op 31 Copland Old American Songs I Barber Piano Sonata op 26 Anthony Plog 4 Sketches Lowell Liebermann Flute Sonata op 23 Beach Piano Trio op 150 ‘Tis a gift to be simple’, according to Copland’s charming Old American Songs; however, the same cannot be said of Barber’s towering Piano Sonata, played by BBC Young Musician 2014 Martin James Bartlett. We also feature Liebermann’s Flute Sonata, ever-popular for its soaring melodies, and a rarely heard work by Amy Beach in the last of our American Chamber Series concerts. Tickets: £5 AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Thursday 23 February
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS: RACHMANINOV’S SYMPHONY NO 2 6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Martyn Brabbins conductor RCM Philharmonic Rachmaninov Symphony no 2 in E minor op 27 RCM Visiting Professor of Conducting Martyn Brabbins returns to conduct the talented musicians of the RCM Philharmonic in Rachmaninov’s ravishing and romantic Symphony no 2 in our final Orchestral Masterworks concert of the season. Tickets: £5, £8 ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Thursday 23 February
VIENNESE MUSIC 7.30pm | Inner Parry Room
Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor K478 Mahler Piano Quartet in A minor Schubert Piano Trio in E flat major D929 RCM Junior Fellow pianist Andrew Yiangou performs with RCM musicians and professors in this recital celebrating the music of Austrian composers. Tickets: Free but required Saturday 25 February
RCMJD CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
5.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Ensembles from across the RCM Junior Department perform a delightful programme of chamber music including music for piano trio, string quartet and wind quintet. Tickets: £5 Sunday 26 February
RCM STUDENTS’ FILM ORCHESTRA
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Eduardo Andrade conductor RCM Students’ Film Orchestra The RCM Students’ Film Orchestra brings the sound of sci-fi into the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall with music from cinematic favourites including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Presented by the RCM Students’ Union. Tickets: Free but required Monday 27 February
EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC 7.30pm | Recital Hall
RCM composers present a programme of works encompassing conceptual, theatrical, multimedia and collaborative dimensions. Tickets: Free but required
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
SEASON CONCERTS
MARCH Saturday 4 March
RCMJD CHORAL CONCERT 5.30pm | Holy Trinity Church SW7 2BA
The talented musicians of the RCM Junior Department present a varied programme of music for various choral groups. Tickets: Free but required Sunday 5 March
MARTIN LOVETT 90TH TRIBUTE CONCERT
3pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Schubert Adagio from String Quintet in C major D956 Mozart Adagio–Allegro from Quartet in C major K465 Dissonance Britten La Serenissima from String Quartet no 3 op 94 Mendelssohn Andante con moto tranquillo from Piano Trio no 1 in D minor op 49
Monday 6 March
COMPOSERS’ STUDIO 6pm | Recital Hall
Hear new works from RCM composers played by an ensemble of professional musicians in the first of our Composers’ Studio events.
Join us as we celebrate the distinguished career of cellist and RCM alumnus Martin Lovett. For almost 40 years Martin was a member of the Amadeus Quartet, one of the most celebrated quartets of the 20th century. In this afternoon concert RCM musicians and specially invited guests and friends of the Amadeus Quartet, including cellist Raphael Wallfisch, come together to perform a selection of works associated with the group, including Britten’s third string quartet which they premiered in 1976.
Tickets: Free but required
Tickets: £5
Tickets: Free but required
Pre-concert talk 2pm | Recital Hall Daniel Snowman introduces the history of the Amadeus Quartet. Free to concert-ticket holders
HEAR MORE: Tuba masterclass with Øystein Baadsvik (page 26).
DISCOVER MORE: Find out more about Martin Lovett and the Amadeus Quartet in a specially curated exhibition featuring archive materials and unique film footage. Open 11am–2pm on Sunday 5 March in the Inner Parry Room.
Monday 6 March
TUBA RECITAL WITH ØYSTEIN BAADSVIK 6pm | Inner Parry Room
International tuba virtuoso Øystein Baadsvik performs a programme of solo works.
Tuesday 7 March
COMPOSERS’ STUDIO 6pm | Recital Hall
Hear new works from RCM composers performed by an ensemble of professional musicians. Tickets: Free but required
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Wednesday 8 March
WOMEN IN MUSIC: LUNCHTIME CONCERT
1pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Programme to include: F Mendelssohn Easter Sonata RCM alumna Sofya Gulyak, winner of the 16th Leeds International Piano Competition, performs the UK premiere of a major lost piano work by Fanny Mendelssohn: the Easter Sonata. This BBC Radio 3 live broadcast is part of the RCM’s International Women’s Day celebrations. Tickets: Free but required Wednesday 8 March
WOMEN IN MUSIC: EVENING CONCERT 7.30pm | Britten Theatre
Programme to include: Laura Snowden Five Impressions Joo Yeon Sir Paganinia Maeve McCarthy Nalepastraße (world premiere) Tailleferre Concerto for 2 Guitars Exceptional female musicians from the Royal College of Music celebrate the music of talented women, including three works by current RCM composers, in this evening concert featuring music for the guitar. Tickets: £5
Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March
NICHOLAS COLLON CONDUCTS MAHLER
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Nicholas Collon conductor RCM Symphony Orchestra Mahler Symphony no 6 in A minor We’re delighted to welcome back the celebrated young British conductor Nicholas Collon, Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Aurora Orchestra, to lead our musicians in Mahler’s monumental Sixth Symphony. Known as his ‘Tragic’ Symphony, this epic work packs a powerful emotional punch. Written in the first decade of the 20th century, it is thought to have been a foretelling of darker days to come, both in the events of the Great War and the composer’s own unhappy fate. The sweeping melodies, unstoppable marching rhythms and epic instrumentation of this enigmatic masterpiece never fail to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Rod Williams Memorial Concert (Thursday 9 March) Tickets: £10, £15 WATCH ONLINE: Watch the performance on Friday 10 March online at www.rcm.ac.uk/live Pre-concert talk Thursday 9 March 6.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Music writer and presenter Katy Hamilton discusses Mahler’s score. Free to concert-ticket holders
Saturday 11 March
RCMJD SPRING CONCERT 5.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
The RCM Junior Department presents a programme of orchestral showpieces as well as works for saxophone ensemble and brass dectet. Tickets: £5
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
AMERICA CALLS! Our ever-popular keyboard festival is back! This year we celebrate composers who have moved from their home countries to live and work in the USA. For full details of the festival visit www.rcm.ac.uk/americacalls Tickets: Free but required, unless otherwise stated Sunday 12 March
TO THE NEW WORLD
11am–7pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Join us for our all-day keyboard marathon. This year RCM pianists perform Rachmaninov’s passionate and turbulent Etudes-tableaux op 39. Completed a century ago in 1917, the year of the Russian Revolution and the time of the composer’s enforced exile to the USA, they will be interspersed with works by other composers who emigrated to the New World. Our doors will be open all day so drop in for ten minutes or stay for hours. Free, no tickets required WATCH ONLINE: this event will be streamed live at www.rcm.ac.uk/live
Monday 13 March
SEASON CONCERTS
Sunday 12 – Tuesday 14 March
FROM BERLIN TO BROADWAY 1.05pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
In this lunchtime concert, RCM accompanists and singers join forces to perform a colourful mix of songs by Kurt Weill, Erich Korngold and others. Monday 13 March
20TH-CENTURY BRITISH COMPOSERS IN AMERICA 6pm | West Parry Room
Join RCM organists for this rush-hour recital featuring works by British-born composers who worked in the USA and Canada. Tuesday 14 March
LOGAN SKELTON LECTURE AND MASTERCLASS 10am | Recital Hall
Logan Skelton Michigan University American pianist Logan Skelton explores folk styles in the piano music of Béla Bartók in this lecture recital entitled ‘The Brotherhood of Peoples,’ before working with talented RCM musicians in a masterclass setting. HEAR MORE: The festival also features a performance in the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room on 12 March (page 32).
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Monday 13 March
CELLO RECITAL WITH JOHANNES GORITZKI
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Ahead of a series of masterclasses, world-renowned performer and acclaimed teacher Johannes Goritzki returns to the RCM for a recital of favourite cello music. Tickets: £5 HEAR MORE: Cello masterclasses with Johannes Goritzki (page 27).
Thursday 16 March
CONSORT 21 4pm | Corelli Room
Musicians from the Historical Performance and Composition Faculties combine forces and work with harpsichord professor Jane Chapman and ensemble Consort 21 to premiere innovative new chamber works using historical instruments. Tickets: Free but required Thursday 16 March
Tuesday 14 March
RCM CHAMBER WEEK: SONG MUSIC 7.30pm | Recital Hall
Programme to include: Respighi Il tramonto RCM singers and musicians come together for a programme steeped in musical nostalgia, featuring Respighi’s Il tramonto, based on Shelley’s poem The Sunset.
RCM CHAMBER WEEK: WOODWIND SHOWCASE 7.30pm | Inner Parry Room Programme to include: Ligeti Six Bagatelles Expect virtuosic classics and a contemporary twist in this concert of woodwind chamber music, featuring Ligeti’s Six Bagatelles for wind quintet. Part of RCM Chamber Week. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/chamberweek
Part of RCM Chamber Week. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/chamberweek
Tickets: Free but required
Tickets: Free but required
Friday 17 March
RCM CHAMBER WEEK: FINALE Wednesday 15 March
RCM CHAMBER WEEK: COLLABORATIONS
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Programme to include: R Strauss String Sextet from Capriccio op 85 Royal College of Music performers and professors play side-by-side in a concert which features the evocative String Sextet from Richard Strauss’ final opera, Capriccio. Part of RCM Chamber Week. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/chamberweek Tickets: Free but required
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Programme to include: Warlock The Curlew Barber Dover Beach op 3
The RCM Chamber Week ends with a show-stopping finale, taking inspiration from nature and song in Warlock’s The Curlew and Barber’s Dover Beach, plus a new chamber commission by an RCM composer. Part of RCM Chamber Week. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/chamberweek Tickets: Free but required
Saturday 18 March
1pm | Recital Hall
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
RCM SPARKS JUNIORS CONCERT Come and hear some of our youngest members of the RCM Junior Department perform solos and ensembles, as part of our RCM Sparks Juniors end of term concert. Tickets: Free but required Saturday 18 March
RCMJD CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CONCERT
RCMJD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Jacques Cohen conductor RCMJD Symphony Orchestra The RCM Junior Department Symphony Orchestra is joined by the winner of the 2016 Peter Morrison Concerto Competition in this concert of orchestral favourites. Tickets: £5
SEASON CONCERTS
Saturday 18 March
5.30pm | Recital Hall
Join us for an exciting programme of contemporary music written and performed by students from the RCM Junior Department.
Photo © Patrick Harrison
Tickets: Free but required
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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The RCM and London Handel Festival’s 2016 production of Ariodante
Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 March
HANDEL’S FARAMONDO 7pm | Britten Theatre
Laurence Cummings conductor William Relton director Cordelia Chisholm designer London Handel Orchestra Handel Faramondo HWV39 Laurence Cummings returns to conduct the exceptional singers of the RCM International Opera School and the London Handel Orchestra. Handel’s tale of warring houses and love triangles, written in 1737 during the composer’s final stay in London, is led by international opera director William Relton. Promoted by the London Handel Festival. Tickets: £20, £25, £30, £45, £50, £55, £60 Tickets only available from the London Handel Festival Box Office: www.london-handel-festival.com 01460 54660. Booking will open for Friends of the London Handel Festival on Tuesday 17 January and public booking opens on Tuesday 31 January. Please note tickets are not available from the RCM Box Office.
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
Saturday 25 March
RCMJD END OF TERM CONCERT 2.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
The impressive students of the RCM Junior Department provide an exciting end to their Spring Season. The programme offers something for everyone and features a variety of musical ensembles. Tickets: £5
LES FÊTES D’HÉBÉ 7pm | Britten Theatre
Jonathan Williams conductor Thomas Lebrun director and choreographer RCM Baroque Orchestra Singers of the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris Singers of the RCM International Opera School Singers of Les Chantres du Centre de musique baroque de Versailles* Olivier Schneebeli chorus director*
SEASON CONCERTS
Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 April
Rameau Les fêtes d’Hébé One of Rameau’s most popular operas, Les fêtes d’Hébé was an immediate success with Parisian audiences following its premiere in 1739. Almost 300 years later, his inventive and colourful score is coming to the Royal College of Music for the UK’s first staged production as part of a unique collaboration with the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris and Centre de musique baroque de Versailles. In order to escape the amorous attention of Momus, Hebe, goddess of youth, has fled Olympus. She finds refuge on the Banks of the River Seine where she is joined by the three Graces. What follows is a series of self-contained acts exploring the themes of poetry, music and dance. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Rameau’s evocative score of this rarely performed opera brought to life in this new production by director Thomas Lebrun, conducted by French baroque expert Jonathan Williams. Co-production of the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris with the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles in partnership with the Royal College of Music, London. Sung in French. Tickets: £10, £20, £30, £40, £50
Parcours (2007) © Federico Manella
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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COMING SOON
COMING SOON Saturday 29 April – Monday 1 May
GREAT EXHIBITIONISTS Various times and locations
Taking up the spirit of the 1851 Great Exhibition, this cutting-edge series is curated entirely by students. For more information see www.rcm.ac.uk/greatexhibitionists Tickets: Free but required Friday 5 May
ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS: SHOSTAKOVICH’S SYMPHONY NO 10 6pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Rafael Payare conductor RCM Philharmonic Shostakovich Symphony no 10 in E minor op 93 Tickets: £5, £8 ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS SERIES DISCOUNT Book for 2 or more concerts and save up to 30%. See page 34 for details.
Sunday 7 May
RCM FESTIVAL OF PERCUSSION From 11am | Various Locations
The RCM Festival of Percussion returns with special guest, the international rock, jazz, classical and punk drummer Benny Greb. The jam-packed day features O Duo with the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, drummer and RCM professor Ralph Salmins performing with three different groups, top percussion quartet Amadinda, the RCM’s own American ‘Redhocks’ drumline and Brazilian workshops with The Lion King percussionist Damien Manning. The Festival also includes free ‘how to’ lessons, the RCM Trade Fair with leading UK instrument manufacturers, an all-day family workshop (see page 31), and the chance to try out the RCM’s performance simulator. Find out more at www.rcm.ac.uk/percfest Tickets: £10* Sunday 7 May
RCM FESTIVAL OF PERCUSSION: RCM BIG BAND 7pm | Britten Theatre
Mark Armstrong director RCM Big Band Top international drummer Benny Greb performs toe-tapping Buddy Rich tunes with the RCM Big Band in this grand finale of our Festival of Percussion. Tickets: £8* Whole Festival Tickets: £15* Includes entry to all daytime events and the evening RCM Big Band concert. *Under 18s and students receive a 50% discount.
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
The Royal College of Music regularly welcomes some of today’s greatest artists to work with star RCM musicians. Our masterclass series is a great way to find out more about the process behind the performance. www.rcm.ac.uk/masterclasses
MASTERCLASSES
MASTERCLASSES Tickets: Free but required, unless otherwise stated
Tuesday 10 January
ANGELA HEWITT
10am | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Described as ‘the complete performer’ and ‘one of the reliably mesmerising musicians of the day’ (The Sunday Times), Angela Hewitt is one of the world’s leading pianists. Join us for this morning masterclass where she will work with exceptional Royal College of Music performers. Belle Shenkman International Masterclass Tickets: £5
JANUARY
Tuesday 17 January Saxophone: Nikita Zimin 10am | West Parry Room
Tuesday 10 January Bassoon: Giorgio Mandolesi 10am | West Parry Room
Wednesday 18 January Vocal: Kim Begley 2pm | Recital Hall
Tuesday 10 January Baroque Flute: Wilbert Hazelzet 2pm | Farinelli Room
Friday 20 January Cello: Raphael Wallfisch 2pm | Farinelli Room
Wednesday 11 January Baroque Flute: Wilbert Hazelzet 2pm | Farinelli Room
Tuesday 24 January Violin: Alina Ibragimova 10am | Recital Hall
Wednesday 11 January Vocal: Edith Wiens 7pm | Britten Theatre
Tuesday 24 January Double Bass: Rüdiger Ludwig 10am | Corelli Room
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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Tuesday 7 February
MAXIM VENGEROV
7.30pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Maxim Vengerov has appeared with the world’s finest orchestras and conductors and given solo recitals at major concert halls and festivals around the globe. Having recently been appointed Polonsky Visiting Professor of Violin, he returns to work with star RCM violinists on movements from Brahms’ Violin Concerto on stage with the RCM Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: £5
Wednesday 25 January Composer in Residence: David Lang 2pm | Inner Parry Room
Tuesday 21 February Piano: Svetozar Ivanov 10am | Recital Hall
Friday 27 January Violin: Vasko Vassilev 2pm | Recital Hall
Friday 24 February Viola: Jennifer Stumm 2pm | Farinelli Room
Monday 30 January Viol: Vittorio Ghielmi 10am and 2pm | Farinelli Room Tuesday 31 January Harp: Isabelle Perrin 10am | East Parry Room Tuesday 31 January Viol: Vittorio Ghielmi 10am | Farinelli Room
FEBRUARY Tuesday 14 February Horn: Stefan Dohr 10am | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Belle Shenkman International Masterclass Friday 17 February Cello: Torleif Thedéen 2pm | Corelli Room
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
MARCH Friday 3 March Viola: Maxim Rysanov 2pm | East Parry Room Tuesday 7 March Tuba: Øystein Baadsvik 10am | Recital Hall Tuesday 7 March Violin: Alexander Markov 10am | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Wednesday 8 March Recorder: Walter van Hauwe 10.30am and 2.30pm | Farinelli Room
MASTERCLASSES
Tuesday 14 March
LANG LANG
3pm | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang returns to the Royal College of Music to work with top pianists in this public masterclass. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of today’s most successful performing artists share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of pianists. Tickets: £5
Friday 10 March Double Bass: Thierry Barbé 2pm | Grove Room Monday 13 March Trombone: Håkan Björkman 3pm | Recital Hall Tuesday 14 March Cello: Johannes Goritzki 10am and 2.30pm | East Parry Room
Friday 17 March English National Opera Orchestra Brass Orchestral Audition Skills 2pm | Grove Room String Orchestral Audition Skills 2pm | Corelli Room Woodwind Orchestral Audition Skills 2pm | Farinelli Room
Tuesday 14 March Flute: Jean-Michel Tanguy 10am | West Parry Room Friday 17 March Cello: Johannes Goritzki 10am and 2.30pm | East Parry Room
PRIZES AND COMPETITIONS Experience the talent of exceptional musicians from the Royal College of Music as they compete at the highest level for a series of coveted RCM prizes. Drop in between pieces or stay for the whole competition. Free, no tickets required Friday 24 February Chappell Medal Competition Final 10am | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Friday 24 February Brooks-van der Pump English Song Competition Final 6pm | Britten Theatre
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk
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TALKS AND SEMINARS Whatever your musical interests, we invite you to further your knowledge in a stimulating range of talks and presentations given by specialists from across the music profession. www.rcm.ac.uk/talks Tickets: Free but required
Thursday 2 February
Thursday 9 February
5.15pm | Recital Hall
5.15pm | Recital Hall
MUSIC AND IDEAS: THE MUSIC OF EAST TIMOR
MUSIC AND IDEAS: RETHINKING RESTS
Dr Roslyn Dunlop Sydney Conservatorium
Berent Korfker and Peter Buckoke RCM
The island of Timor, north of Australia, is a convergence of Austronesian and Melanesian cultures. Clarinettist Ros Dunlop considers how indigenous culture has benefitted from the island’s remoteness and particular cultural traditions for 550 years prior to contact with Europeans.
The shoulder rest and chin rest are two essential components of violin-playing. In conversation with Alexander Technique practitioner Peter Buckoke, violinist Berent Korfker presents an insight into his innovative work with these devices. Tuesday 14 February
2017 CREES LECTURE: CROSSING BOUNDARIES 5.30pm | Inner Parry Room
Professor Roger Kneebone Centre for Performance Science Professor Roger Kneebone explores parallels between music, surgery and experimental science in terms of performance and embodied knowledge. Drawing on his extensive experience and his work with the Centre for Performance Science, a partnership of the RCM and Imperial College London, Roger shows how insights from apparently unconnected domains can lead to positive benefits.
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
MUSIC AND IDEAS: CURATING JOHANN JACOB FROBERGER’S LEGACY 5.15pm | Recital Hall
Thursday 16 March
MUSIC AND IDEAS: MARIA CALLAS, A MUSICAL FRIENDSHIP 5.15pm | Recital Hall
Professor Terence Charlston RCM
Robert Sutherland Janis Kelly RCM
Johann Jacob Froberger is historically the most important German keyboard composer before JS Bach. Nonetheless, Froberger’s music is only selectively known and played today, partly the result of deliberate efforts to limit its dissemination. This lecture will include musical illustrations drawn from items held in the RCM collections, performed on the bentside spinet by Stephen Keene.
RCM alumnus and Glasgow-born pianist Robert Sutherland coached and accompanied Maria Callas on her final worldwide concert tour, after which they remained close friends. In conversation with RCM vocal professor Janis Kelly, Robert discusses his experiences with Callas, on and off stage, and shares filmed excerpts of their performances together.
TALKS AND SEMINARS
Thursday 9 March
MUSIC TALKS Designed for people who love music and want to know more, Music Talks are held at 10.15am at 49 Queen’s Gate Terrace, London SW7 5PN, by kind permission of Sir Vernon and Lady Ellis, and feature noted musicians and musicologists. Visit www.musictalks.org.uk for more details. Presented by Music Talks in association with the Vernon Ellis Foundation and the RCM. Full Spring Season Ticket: £310 Wednesday 18 January Understanding Musical Quality
Wednesday 1 March Nature’s Music: Programme Music II
Wednesday 25 January What Does a Conductor Actually Do?
Wednesday 8 March What Am I Watching? Music for Film
Wednesday 1 February All Together Now! Operatic Ensembles
Wednesday 15 March Recording with Rattle: Beethoven’s Complete Symphonies
Wednesday 8 February A Sense of Place: Programme Music I
Wednesday 22 March Farewells
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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CHAMBER MUSIC
CHAMBER MUSIC You can enjoy a wide range of chamber music for a variety of ensembles performed by the exceptionally talented musicians of the Royal College of Music at our free lunchtime and rush-hour concerts. www.rcm.ac.uk/chamber Tickets: Free but required
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Thursday 5 January
Wednesday 1 February
Thursday 2 March
6pm | Inner Parry Room
6pm | Inner Parry Room
6pm | Inner Parry Room
Thursday 12 January
Wednesday 8 February
Friday 3 March
1.05pm | Grove Room
6pm | Grove Room
6pm | Corelli Room
Wednesday 18 January
Monday 13 February
Tuesday 7 March
1.05pm | Inner Parry Room
1.05pm | Recital Hall
6pm | Corelli Room
Monday 23 January
Wednesday 15 February
Thursday 9 March
1.05pm | Grove Room
1.05pm | Corelli Room
1.05pm | Recital Hall
Wednesday 25 January
Thursday 23 February
1.05pm | Inner Parry Room
1.05pm | Grove Room
Monday 30 January
Tuesday 28 February
1.05pm | Grove Room
1.05pm | Grove Room
Monday 13 – Friday 17 March
RCM CHAMBER WEEK
Join us for the first ever Chamber Week at the RCM as our students explore the delights of music-making in duos, trios, quartets, quintets and more. There will be chamber performances every day at 10.30am and 3pm, and four evening concerts highlighting the richness of chamber music, from the past to the present. Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/chamberweek for more information.
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EVENTS SPRING 2017
FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE – MAKE MUSIC WITH US! Whether you are introducing children to classical music for the first time, or looking for inspiring ways to delve deeper, families and young people can experience the unforgettable thrill of live performances at the Royal Albert Hall preceded by inspiring workshops at the Royal College of Music.
RCM SPARKS
RCM SPARKS
HOW TO BOOK All events must be booked in advance through the RCM Box Office. Free tickets are available subject to eligibility. Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/sparks for full details. In partnership with the Royal Albert Hall Sunday 19 February
FAMILY CREATE! UNDER THE BIG TOP: MUSIC AND THE CIRCUS 10.30am | Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Sunday 19 March
IGNITE & EXPLORERS WORKSHOPS: ORCHESTRA-IN-A-DAY
Ages 4+
10.30am | Various locations
Explore music from the circus in a family-friendly music workshop supported by inspirational musicians from the RCM and the Royal Albert Hall’s resident ensemble, Albert’s Band. Try your hand at circus skills and attend a jaw-dropping performance of Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ages 6–9 and 10–12
With Albert & Friends Instant Circus
Join inspirational musicians from the RCM and Albert’s Band to be part of a mini-orchestra for a day exploring some popular classical showstoppers. Then, experience the thrill of a symphony orchestra live on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in a concert with dazzling light effects, fireworks and cannons! Suitable for beginners to Grade 5.
Tickets: £25 for one adult and one child. Includes a ticket for each participant to Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall. £7.50 for extra tickets.
Tickets: £25, includes a pair of tickets for each participant to see Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall.
Sunday 7 May
RCM FESTIVAL OF PERCUSSION: FAMILY WORKSHOPS 11am | Parry Rooms Ages 4+ Try out tuned percussion, the Gamelan, cajon and drum kit, take part in a Brazilian drumming workshop and experience a performance by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment in this all-day family workshop as part of the RCM’s popular Festival of Percussion. Tickets: £15 for one adult and one child. £5 for extra tickets.
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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OUT AND ABOUT
OUT AND ABOUT In addition to concerts at the Royal College of Music in South Kensington, RCM performers regularly appear at a number of venues across London and beyond. Free, no tickets required, except where otherwise stated Victoria and Albert Museum
Kings Place
6.30pm | Cromwell Road SW7 2RL
5.45pm | 90 York Way N1 9AG
20 January 3, 10, 17 February 3, 10, 17 March
22 January 19 February 12 March
29 January 5, 19* February 12 March
Supported by the Friends of the V&A
Charlton House
*RCMJD
1.10pm | 197 Piccadilly W1J 9LL
Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP Classical Coffee Mornings 11am | Elgar Room
Tickets: £12.50, including a hot drink and a pastry Afternoon Tea and Opera 3pm | Verdi Restaurant 25 February 25 March Tickets: £38, including afternoon tea Free Friday Music 12pm | Verdi Restaurant 31 March
St Mary Abbots Church 1.05pm | Kensington Church Street W8 4LA
23 15 24 21
January February March April
Pallant House Gallery 12pm | 9 North Pallant, Chichester PO19 1TJ 28 January 25 February 25 March
St Martin-in-the-Fields 1.05pm | Trafalgar Square WC2N 4JJ 27 March Leeds International Concert Season 1.05pm | Leeds Town Hall LS1 3AD 1 February Royal Academy of Arts 6.30pm | Burlington House, Piccadilly W1J 0BD
6 January 3 February 10 March
St Stephen’s Church
26 January 23 February 23 March
EVENTS SPRING 2017
20 January 24 February
1pm | 275 Oxford Street W1C 2DJ
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
23, 30 January 6, 13, 20, 27 February 6, 13 March
1pm | Charlton Road SE7 8RE
Regent Hall
6, 13, 27 January 3, 10, 17, 24 February 3, 10 March
6.30pm | Gloucester Road SW7 4RL
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St James’s Piccadilly
1pm | Fulham Road SW10 9NH
31 March With kind support from Dasha Shenkman For ticket details visit www.royalacademy.org.uk
The Royal College of Music is one of the world’s leading conservatoires, providing specialised musical education and professional training at the highest international level, within an environment that stimulates innovation and research.
SUPPORT US
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF MUSIC In order to enable us to continue to nurture the musicians of the future we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals, companies and charitable trusts. From becoming an RCM Friend or Patron, through to leaving a legacy in your will, there are many ways you can support the RCM and play a crucial role in our successes, and those of our students. For more information on how you can get involved please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/supportus or call 020 7591 4862.
BECOME AN RCM FRIEND Join the Royal College of Music as a Friend today and you can: • Support the training of talented students from all backgrounds • Receive priority booking for our regular programme of events • Access an exclusive programme of RCM Friends events • Find out more about life at the RCM with Upbeat magazine Membership starts from just £40 per year. The Perfect Gift for Music Lovers If any of your family or friends are also music lovers, why not give them a gift of a year’s membership to the RCM Friends? Not only will you be giving something unique, you will also be supporting the work of the Royal College of Music. We can put together a membership pack to send to you to wrap as a gift, or, if you prefer, we can send it directly to the recipient. To join the RCM Friends or to arrange a gift membership, please call Rachel Bowden on 020 7591 4331 or email friends@rcm.ac.uk Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/friends for more information.
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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BOOKING INFORMATION
BOOKING INFORMATION HOW TO BOOK BY PHONE Telephone 020 7591 4314, open weekdays 10am–4pm. ONLINE Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/events IN PERSON The RCM Box Office, located in the main foyer, is open weekdays 10am–4pm. Please note, there is a £1.95 booking fee per transaction for online and telephone bookings. This fee covers administration and handling costs, allowing ticket income to support training and performance opportunities for our students. For more information on booking tickets, terms and conditions please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/ticketing BOOKING OPENS FOR THE SPRING SEASON on Wednesday 14 December. RCM Friends and Patrons have priority booking from Wednesday 7 December. Les fêtes d’Hébé (5 and 6 April) is on sale from 10 October. Tickets for Handel’s Faramondo on 20, 21, 23 and 25 March are not available from the RCM Box Office. See page 22 for details. BOOKING OPENS FOR RCMJD EVENTS on Saturday 4 February. Tickets for RCMJD events on 14 and 28 January are available from Wednesday 14 December.
LATE ARRIVALS To avoid disturbing fellow audience members, latecomers will be asked to wait for a suitable break in the performance before entering the auditorium; occasionally it may not be possible to enter once a performance has started. SECURITY Please note that all visitors to the RCM may be required to sign in on entry.
KEEP IN TOUCH To stay up to date with events at the Royal College of Music you can register online to receive events information by email at www.rcm.ac.uk/subscribe You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @RCMLondon or find us on Facebook /royalcollegeofmusic To receive event information by post, call the RCM Box Office on 020 7591 4314 or email your contact details to boxoffice@rcm.ac.uk
FEEDBACK
GROUP BOOKINGS of ten or more receive a 10% discount where applicable. Maximum group booking size is 33. School parties must be chaperoned at all times by school staff.
We welcome comments and suggestions from patrons on information that can be found in this guide, online or following your visit to the RCM. Please email comments@rcm.ac.uk, or write to:
REFUNDS Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless a performance is cancelled; when an event is sold out refunds may be possible, at the discretion of Box Office staff.
RCM Box Office Royal College of Music Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BS
SERIES DISCOUNTS: ORCHESTRAL MASTERWORKS OR AMERICAN CHAMBER SERIES Book 2 concerts and receive 10% discount. Book 3 concerts and receive 20% discount. Book 4 or more concerts and receive 30% discount. Offer only available within each series.
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TICKETS ON THE DOOR Tickets are available on the door for many RCM events. However, we recommend that tickets are purchased well in advance and cannot guarantee availability on the day.
EVENTS SPRING 2017
VISIT US
VISIT US TRANSPORT
ACCESS
BY TUBE The nearest underground station is South Kensington, which is about ten minutes’ walk from the RCM. South Kensington is on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington stations are both approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the RCM.
The Royal College of Music has easy access to most areas and is fully accessible via lifts and ramps. There are spaces for wheelchair users and seats for their companions in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall and Britten Theatre. Please contact the Box Office in advance for bookings and directions. Guide and companion dogs may be taken anywhere on site.
BY RAIL The nearest mainline railway stations are Paddington and Victoria. BY BUS Buses 9, 10, 52 and 452 pass the Royal Albert Hall, 70 runs along Queen’s Gate and the 360 stops very close to the RCM on Prince Consort Road. Many other services run to South Kensington, Kensington High Street or Knightsbridge from surrounding areas. BY ROAD There is metered parking on Prince Consort Road and the surrounding area. It costs £3.60 per hour for a maximum of four hours and is free after 6.30pm and on Sundays. There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces and designated motorbike bays in the surrounding area.
FOOD AND DRINK The RCM Restaurant offers a great range of hot and cold snacks and beverages each weekday between 9am and 4pm, as well as delicious full lunch options between 12pm–2pm.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS Filming, recording and commercial photography are not permitted during concerts and events without prior written permission. Photographs may be taken during applause following a performance unless otherwise notified. Many events at the RCM are filmed and recorded. By attending a performance, you consent to any photography, filming or sound recording which may include you as a member of the audience. For further details, please see our Public Recording Policy at www.rcm.ac.uk
MAIN ENTRANCE There are eight steps up from the pavement and two inside the main doors. A lift is available for wheelchair and disabled access assisted by RCM staff. AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL There are ten steps down to the main seating area. A lift is available for wheelchair and disabled access assisted by RCM staff. The Balcony is accessible via 18 steps only. BRITTEN THEATRE The main entrance to the Britten Theatre on Prince Consort Road contains 33 steps. Step-free access is available by using the lift at the main entrance to the RCM or via the rear of Imperial College. The Dress Circle (auditorium left) is accessible to wheelchair users. For more information or to request an alternative format of publicity or programmes, please contact the RCM Box Office on 020 7591 4314. The RCM is grateful to the Royal Garden Hotel for its generous support of the RCM’s visiting International Conductors Programme.
RCM photography by Chris Christodoulou (pages 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28) and Sheila Burnett (page 31). Designed by www.splashofpaint.com
020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
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AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE JANUARY 5 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 10 Jan 10 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 11 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 17 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 18 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 27 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 30 Jan 30 Jan 30 Jan 31 Jan 31 Jan 31 Jan
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6pm 6pm 1.05pm 6pm 6pm 10am 10am 2pm 6pm 2pm 6pm 7pm 1.05pm 6pm 5.30pm 1.05pm 6pm 10am 6pm 6pm 1.05pm 2pm 7.30pm 6pm 2pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 10am 10am 1.05pm 2pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 2pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 10am 1.05pm 2pm 10am 10am 7.30pm
RCM Chamber Music RCM Wind Orchestra Farinelli Room Opening Concert RCM String Orchestra Martin Butler Horn Premiere Piano Masterclass with Angela Hewitt Bassoon Masterclass with Giorgio Mandolesi Baroque Flute Masterclass with Wilbert Hazelzet Tippett and Beethoven III Baroque Flute Masterclass with Wilbert Hazelzet Chamber Recital with Giorgio Mandolesi Vocal Masterclass with Edith Wiens RCM Chamber Music Orchestral Masterworks: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto RCMJD Soloists’ Concert RCM Strings with Trio Apaches RCM Strings with Nicola Benedetti Saxophone Masterclass with Nikita Zimin Saxophone Recital with Nikita Zimin Tippett and Beethoven IV RCM Chamber Music Vocal Masterclass with Kim Begley RCM Percussion Showcase Orchestral Masterworks: Grieg’s Piano Concerto Cello Masterclass with Raphael Wallfisch From the Soundhouse RCM Chamber Music Violin Masterclass with Alina Ibragimova Double Bass Masterclass with Rüdiger Ludwig RCM Chamber Music Composer in Residence: David Lang Masterclass Composer in Residence: David Lang Solo Piano Music Composer in Residence: David Lang Chamber Music Violin Masterclass with Vasko Vassilev Opera Scenes Composer in Residence: RCM Symphony Orchestra Performs David Lang RCMJD Contemporary Music Concert Viol Masterclass with Vittorio Ghielmi RCM Chamber Music Viol Masterclass with Vittorio Ghielmi Harp Masterclass with Isabelle Perrin Viol Masterclass with Vittorio Ghielmi American Chamber Series: Beyond the Screen
• Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall • Britten Theatre • Corelli Room • Farinelli Room • Grove Room • East Parry Room • Inner Parry Room • West Parry Room • Recital Hall • External venue 36
EVENTS SPRING 2017
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o Various venues
FEBRUARY 1 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 9 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 15 Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 17 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 23 Feb 23 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 24 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb
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6pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 5.15pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 6pm 5.15pm 6pm 7.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 1.05pm 7.30pm 10am 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 6pm 6pm 2pm 10.30am 1.05pm 7.30pm 10am 7.30pm 1.05pm 6pm 7.30pm 10am 2pm 6pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm
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RCM Chamber Music RCM Big Band Bach to Beethoven Music and Ideas: The Music of East Timor Opera Scenes Violin Masterclass with Maxim Vengerov American Chamber Series: Destination America RCM Chamber Music Music and Ideas: Rethinking Rests NAFA Chamber Music RCM New Perspectives Weber in London: Chamber Concert Composition for Screen Showcase Weber in London: RCM Classical Orchestra RCM Chamber Music RCM Brass Ensemble Horn Masterclass with Stefan Dohr 2017 Crees Lecture: Crossing Boundaries Opera Scenes American Chamber Series: Contemporary Soundscapes RCM Chamber Music Winds of Heaven Orchestral Masterworks: Mozart’s Symphony no 35 Cello Masterclass with Torleif Thedéen RCM Sparks Family Create! Under the Big Top: Music and the Circus Sacconi Quartet RCM Wind Ensemble Piano Masterclass with Svetozar Ivanov American Chamber Series: Vintage America RCM Chamber Music Orchestral Masterworks: Rachmaninov’s Symphony no 2 Viennese Music Chappell Medal Competition Final Viola Masterclass with Jennifer Stumm Brooks-van der Pump English Song Competition Final RCMJD Chamber Music Concert RCM Students’ Film Orchestra Experimental Music RCM Chamber Music
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AT A GLANCE
MARCH 2 Mar 3 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 8 Mar 8 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 9 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 13 Mar 13 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar 16 Mar 16 Mar 17 Mar 17 Mar 17 Mar 17 Mar 17 Mar 17 Mar 18 Mar 18 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 23 Mar 25 Mar 25 Mar
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6pm 2pm 6pm 5.30pm 3pm 6pm 6pm 10am 10am 6pm 6pm 10.30am 1pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 1.05pm 5.15pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 11am 1.05pm 3pm 6pm 7.30pm 10am 10am 10am 2.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 4pm 5.15pm 7.30pm 10am 2pm 2pm 2pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 1pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 10.30am 7pm 7pm 7pm 2.30pm 7pm
RCM Chamber Music Viola Masterclass with Maxim Rysanov RCM Chamber Music RCMJD Choral Concert Martin Lovett 90th Tribute Concert Composers’ Studio Tuba Recital with Øystein Baadsvik Tuba Masterclass with Øystein Baadsvik Violin Masterclass with Alexander Markov Composers’ Studio RCM Chamber Music Recorder Masterclass with Walter van Hauwe Women in Music: Lunchtime Concert Recorder Masterclass with Walter van Hauwe Women in Music: Evening Concert RCM Chamber Music Music and Ideas: Curating Johann Jacob Froberger’s Legacy Nicholas Collon Conducts Mahler Double Bass Masterclass with Theirry Barbé Nicholas Collon Conducts Mahler RCMJD Spring Concert America Calls! To the New World America Calls! From Berlin to Broadway Trombone Masterclass with Håkan Björkman America Calls! 20th-century British Composers in America Cello Recital with Johannes Goritzki America Calls! Logan Skelton Lecture and Masterclass Cello Masterclass with Johannes Goritzki Flute Masterclass with Jean-Michel Tanguy Cello Masterclass with Johannes Goritzki Piano Masterclass with Lang Lang RCM Chamber Week: Song Music RCM Chamber Week: Collaborations Consort 21 Music and Ideas: Maria Callas, a Musical Friendship RCM Chamber Week: Woodwind Showcase Cello Masterclass with Johannes Goritzki English National Opera Orchestra Masterclass: Brass Orchestral Audition Skills English National Opera Orchestra Masterclass: String Orchestral Audition Skills English National Opera Orchestra Masterclass: Woodwind Orchestral Audition Skills Cello Masterclass with Johannes Goritzki RCM Chamber Week: Finale RCM Sparks Juniors Concert RCMJD Contemporary Music Concert RCMJD Symphony Orchestra RCM Sparks Ignite Workshop: Orchestra-in-a-day RCM Sparks Explorers Workshop: Orchestra-in-a-day Handel’s Faramondo Handel’s Faramondo Handel’s Faramondo RCMJD End of Term Concert Handel’s Faramondo
• Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall • Britten Theatre • Corelli Room • Farinelli Room • Grove Room • East Parry Room • Inner Parry Room • West Parry Room • Recital Hall • External venue 38
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APRIL 5 Apr 6 Apr 29 Apr– 1 May
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Les fêtes d’Hébé Les fêtes d’Hébé Great Exhibitionists
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May May May May
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Orchestral Masterworks: Shostakovich’s Symphony no 10 RCM Festival of Percussion RCM Festival of Percussion: Family Workshops RCM Festival of Percussion: RCM Big Band
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020 7591 4314 / www.rcm.ac.uk/events
39
SPRING
EVENTS
2017
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EVENTS SUMMER 2016
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