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In memory
Composition for Screen Masters student Samy Qoraiche-Sahraoui has passed away following an unexpected illness. Born in 1991 in a small town in the south of France, Samy managed a challenging health condition since being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 12 and was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Dr Dimitri Scarlato, Area Leader in Masters Programmes in Composition for Screen, said of Samy: ‘He chose to follow his dreams. Studying at the Royal College of Music was his dream, and he focused on that. He was flourishing musically. Samy taught us a life lesson: he lived fully, despite his condition. Nothing stopped his curiosity and his intelligence; nothing dimmed his optimism. We will miss his kindness, his calm attitude, his smile.’
Before joining the RCM, Samy studied at Lyon University, where his tutor described him as ‘a student that no one could forget, exceptionally brave, extremely kind and talented, always smiling.’ While at the College, Samy had the opportunity to meet The Lord of the Rings composer, Howard Shore. Tolkien’s stories inspired Samy, who lived by Gandalf’s motto that, even in dark times, ‘all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us’. Samy’s father likened Samy to Frodo: ‘apparently fragile but in reality always resilient and strong. He was a hero.’
Christopher Hyde-Smith, distinguished flautist and long-serving professor at the Royal College of Music, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on 25 February 2024, aged 88. Christopher attended Eton College before joining the RCM, studying with Edward Walker and becoming a Scholar in 1952. He was awarded the August Manns Memorial Prize in 1955 and was appointed professor in 1964, teaching at the RCM for 36 years until his retirement. He was awarded an honorary fellowship in 1985. Christopher was an acclaimed soloist known for performances of ‘charm and wit’ (The Guardian), and he collaborated with Stravinsky, Britten, Bernstein, Poulenc, Tortelier and Casals. He is survived by his wife and duo partner, harpsichordist Jane Dodd, and his beloved children and grandchildren.
Patrick Ireland, the original viola player with the Allegri Quartet, died in February at the age of 100. He trained as a pilot in the RAF during the Second World War, after which he began violin studies at the Royal College of Music in 1946, where he met pianist Peggy Gray – they married in 1948. Patrick began playing the viola shortly before becoming a founder member of the Allegri Quartet, with whom he played from 1954–77. He also collaborated with Yehudi Menuhin, who invited him to teach viola at his new specialist music school, and regularly performed in quintets, including with the Lindsay Quartet, of whom his son Robin was violist. From 1977 until his retirement Patrick was Assistant Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music.
David Laing, a long-standing supporter of the Royal College of Music, has died at the age of 78. Born into the John Laing Construction Company, David qualified as an architect. He was Chair of the Sir Kirby Laing Foundation, which has been supporting the College since 1982, funding the Kirby Laing Award and contributing generously to the development of the College site; and Chair of the David Laing Foundation, which supports many College Scholarships. He served as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and Pro-Chancellor at the University of Northampton, and was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list for services to charity and philanthropy. He married Mary in 1968, with whom he had five children and nine grandchildren.
Gwenneth Pryor, who studied piano at the Royal College of Music, has died at the age of 80. Born in Australia, Gwenneth was awarded a prize for most outstanding student at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She won the Pedley Woolley McMenamin Travelling Scholarship to the RCM, where she was awarded the Hopkinson Gold Medal. Her scholarship was extended, and she represented the College in Vienna. Gwenneth was well known for her solo recordings and recitals, especially with clarinettist Gervase de Peyer. She taught at Morley College Advanced Piano Class and was a beloved teacher and mentor. Alumna Elena Kokka, who has recently given a recital in the Britten Theatre dedicated to Gwenneth’s memory, described her as ‘an amazing artist and friend, full of wisdom, humanity and grace’.
Paola Quaglia, inspirational Italian language coach at the Royal College of Music, passed away in September 2023. She started teaching at the RCM in 2002, combining her technical expertise, in-depth knowledge of the Italian vocal singing style, and artist management experience to become one of the RCM’s most trusted Italian language coaches. Paola regularly coached at a number of prestigious institutions including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, La Monnaie, Scottish Opera, Opera North, Opera Holland Park and Garsington. Paola also coached for recordings with Deutsche Grammophon and Sony. RCM Head of Vocal & Opera, Nick Sears, says: ‘Countless RCM singers have cause to be grateful for all of Paola’s expertise, encouragement and passion for the artform, and she will be greatly missed by us all’.
Sir Ian Stoutzker, philanthropist, banker and musician, died in April 2024. He studied violin at the Royal College of Music before co-founding Live Music Now with Yehudi Menuhin in 1977. Ian was on the RCM Council from 1972 to 1999, an exceptionally long tenure, and on his retirement in 1999 was made a Vice President of the College. He also sat on the Executive and Finance Committees and chaired the Council’s Academic Committee. His contributions to the artistic life of the nation were recognised when he was awarded the 2013 Prince of Wales Medal for Arts Philanthropy. Ian’s legacy will be remembered through his generous and longstanding RCM Scholarship, the Ian Stoutzker Prize.
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