NYCGB Friends Newsletter (Winter 2022)

FRIENDS

NEWSLETTER

2021 – A REVIEW IN HIGHLIGHTS MEET THE NEW COMPOSERS & FELLOWS BEN PARRY ON CREATING A MUSIC INDUSTRY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS

WINTER 2021/22

Photo: Ben Tomlin

NYCGB FRIENDS: WELCOME

WELCOME It’s been so heartening to see and hear choirs across the country re-group and start to sing again after over 18 months of enforced inactivity.

A

t NYCGB we were determined to continue to engage with our members in any way possible through lockdown, and our online activities since March 2020 have only strengthened our resources and enabled us to create exciting and innovative ways of teaching and mentoring.

Nothing, however, will replace the joy of singing together in the same room, and the re-emergence of our singing activity in summer 2021 was a truly remarkable moment. We all know that we still face some serious challenges as we head into 2022, but what we have learned from recent experience has made us more adaptable and resilient as a creative, forward-thinking organisation.

Photo: Caroline Briggs

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These past two years have also given us space to evaluate our recruitment and participation criteria, certainly in ways we wouldn’t have conceived before the pandemic.

Our work in learning and engagement, equality and inclusion and creative planning has been ground-breaking, yet there is much still to do to enable NYCGB to become truly relevant and representative of arts and culture in our country.

Placing young people at the heart of what we do and giving them the opportunity to use their voice to define what and who we are and why we do it, has become our principal driver. After all, it’s young people who hold the key to our future success.

Ben Parry, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor & Anne Besford, Chief Executive

2021: A REVIEW

2021

A Review in Highlights

FEBRUARY • Choir and Organ Magazine New Music Series partnership – publication of our first commission I will tell them

by Amy Bryce.

• Fellows and Young Composers – introduction sessions.

JANUARY •R elease of the NYCGB Young Composers 2 album with partners NMC Recordings – marking the end of our second Young Composers cohort.

•S tart of the refreshed NYCGB Fellowship programme with four new Fellows (sixth cohort) and our third Young Composers scheme cohort.

•N ew Music releases including National Youth Choir’s audio recording of Mia Makaroff’s Kaikki maat, te riemuitkaatte and National Youth Chamber Choir’s video recording of Ben Parry’s Aldeburgh Carol.

“ My favourite session was sharing our music choices for three categories; it was the most insightful workshop I’ve experienced for a long time. As I said in the workshop, I’ve never been asked to share music that I identify with culturally, so this was super exciting and really nice to have a whole new list of repertoire from everyone’s choices.”

• Audio release A Boy And A Girl (Eric Whitacre) on Valentine’s Day.

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2021: A REVIEW

•F ellowship and Young Composers masterclasses with Ben Parry, Jo Tomlinson and Jonathan Dove. First in-person NYCGB activity in 2021!

•N ational Youth Choir – Spring 2021 Online course, including masterclasses with The Swingles, Shiva Feshareki, Roderick Williams, and Hollywood composers Thomas Newman and David Arnold.

•F ellows and Young Composers notation software training with partners Dorico.

Fellowship audio release of Ben Parry’s By The Way I Love You.

“ The whole day was surreal and so exciting! To be able to make music and receive advice from amazing people like Jonathan Dove, Ben Parry and Joanna Tomlinson was incredible.”

“ It was amazing to work with and hear from some highly-successful people from the music industry, and to get to know the rest of the choir. Though we’re online, I am starting to feel like I really know the choir, and cannot wait to see everyone in person!”

APRIL

“ Everything about it was enjoyable - getting to finally meet everyone in person, sing with people, hold meaningful conversations without internet problems, and getting a chance to work with incredible musicians.”

“ Absolutely thrilled to ask Thomas Newman a question and so excited to sing some of David Arnold’s work in the summer!

The friendly, community feel that NYCGB promotes is like nothing other, and even on Zoom I felt welcome and like I belonged.”

MARCH

•N ational Youth Choir recording for London Handel Festival’s Messiah: Reimagined at VOCES8 Centre.

Photo: Ruth Evans

•N YCGB signs up as a founding partner of Black Lives in Music (BLiM).

• National Youth Training, Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs – Spring 2021 online programmes with international guest artists including Andre de Quadros, Victoria Liedbergus, Ralf Schmitt, Ken Burton and Philippa Healey, a family workshop with Gareth Malone, live composition with Ben Parry, and a co-creation project with musician and beatboxer SK Shlomo.

Over 500 members taking part!

“ It brought back that sense of community you feel when everyone sings together that we haven’t felt for so long.”

“ It made me feel a part of something again. Singing in a choir is a lovely feeling and a feeling I haven’t been able to feel for a long time now due to lockdown.” “ National Youth Choir just generally makes me feel like I’m coming home after a really long time away. The environment is accepting and safe and then on top of that you’re constantly learning amazing skills.”

•F ellows and Young Composers workshop with The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS).

•L aunch of NYCGB’s new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan.

Photo: Ruth Evans

Photo: Ben Parry

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MAY •N ational Youth Choir – our second year of online auditions and Open Events for the 2021-22 annual programme.

•F ellows and Young Composers – masterclasses with Suzzie Vango and Bob Chilcott.

•L earning and Engagement – CPD session at the NYMAZ Connect: Resound Festival with Tori Longdon.

•N ational Youth Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs – feature as part of the opening ceremony of the 11th World Peace Choral Festival with their film of Just Being ME!

JUNE •L earning and Engagement – Ready Steady Sing workshops in Kent mark our return to live learning and engagement delivery in over a year!

•L earning and Engagement – launch of the Gillian Dickinson Young Singers programme in the North East with a series of inspiring singing workshops with around 150 young singers in primary schools.

“ Thank you so much for yesterday. Myself and the children absolutely loved the workshop. Ben [VonbergClark] was absolutely fab and very inspirational. He was so passionate about what he was delivering, and the children responded so well to him. We all loved learning the songs and even repeated them today on the field, as we were doing our daily mile! We even had some duets.”

•F ellows and Young Composers – Side-by-side with VOCES8, Alexandra Harwood masterclass, conducting session with Esther Jones and visit to our partner Stainer & Bell’s publishing house.

“ I won’t underestimate what the children CAN do. I loved how easily they picked up the songs and sing in harmony.”

•A udio release – We’ll Gather Lilacs (Fellowship).

“ I am better at singing than I thought.”

JULY

“ It made me feel more confident.”

•N ational Youth Choir – in-person residential courses resume (in bubbles!) with 16 jam-packed days of rehearsals and recordings. The choir performs live for the first time since December 2019 as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th Anniversary Concert and at the Three Choirs Festival – premiering a new commission for choir and turntable Otherworld by Shiva Feshareki.

2021

A Review in Highlights Photo: Katie Lodge

Photo: Ruth Evans

Photo: Ruth Evans

“ It made me feel happy and proud of myself.”

• Sing for Pleasure and NYCGB Young Ethnic Conductors training day at Redbridge Music Service, London.

• Audio release The Hazelnut by Joe Bates (Young Composer 2020) and Choir & Organ partnership commission.

Photo: Ruth Evans

2021: A REVIEW

AUGUST “ Not only do you get to learn so much more about singing and practice your skills among other incredible musicians, you also meet some of the best people who will be lifelong friends.”

•N ational Youth Training, Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs – first residential courses in two years. 5 courses across four weeks with 449 members taking part, 2 livestreams and 3 showcase performances! Girls’ Choir rehearse and perform to family and friends includes their new commission A short story of falling by Joanna Marsh and Training Choir record their commission i breathe by Nathan James Dearden (Young Composer 2020).

“ Being around people who share the same love for music gave me a huge sense of belonging.

Lockdown was very hard for me and music really helped me through hard times and being surrounded by others who share that sense of passion for music was really incredible. Everyone is so talented and when pieces come together, the feeling of achievement we feel as a group is immense.”

Photo: Ruth Evans

•N ational Youth Chamber Choir – are invited back to the BBC Proms to take part in a Mystery Prom, performing Mozart’s Requiem with Britten Sinfonia.

•N ew Music – audio and video release of Training Choir’s collaboration with SK Shlomo Open Your Mind.

“ Really enjoyed singing with a big group of good singers, it was a very encouraging experience, and I loved the music. It greatly improved my happiness and wellbeing after a long time on virtual lessons.”

Photo: BenTomlin

Photo: BenTomlin

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“ It was a lot of fun and everyone was really encouraging and friendly. I learned so much and developed skills and confidence. I also loved being part of the team.”

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

•N ational Youth Choir – start of the 202122 Annual Programme with our biggest ever choir (125 members) at their Discovery Weekend in London. Featuring workshops with The Swingles to start to co-create their new collaborative commission to be premiered in 2022!

• National Youth Training, Girls’ and Boys’ Choirs – launch of our second year of online auditions and open events, with three weeks of audition sessions across three Zoom channels.

•L earning and Engagement – the Sunderland Young Vocal Leaders programme begins in partnership with Sunderland Music Education hub.

Developing young leaders to kickstart a new youth choir for the city. “ At the beginning, when I first heard about it, I didn’t really know if I would really, really enjoy it because I didn’t know if it would be something that I would like to do because I’ve never done anything like it before. But I’ve really surprised myself because I’ve really enjoyed it.” “ I just feel that I can take those skills, not just the skills that we’ve learnt about like Kodaly or all the other things that we’ve done, but more the skills about having a right to have a voice and say things and have ideas.”

•L earning and Engagement – online CPD session in partnership with Music Mark for 545 teachers and music leaders on Confidence in Singing delivered by Charlotte Brosnan supported by Ben Goodall (Fellowship).

2021

A Review in Highlights

Photo: Ruth Evans

• Fellows and Young Composers – recording sessions for the Young Composers 3 album.

•Y oung Composers and Chamber Choir – virtual composition project and recording with Ndlovu Youth Choir, South Africa.

Photo: Ruth Evans

“ Super fun to sing with other NYCC members who came together in such a strong team to sing for quite a demanding recording style-wise. This was a really lovely opportunity for collaboration across National Youth Choir and externally.”

• Fellowship programme 2022 auditions.

• AOTOS conference – session on changing voices and NYCGB’s approach with Boys’ Choir led by Lucy Joy Morris and Felix Leach.

• Learning and Engagement – online Christmas workshops with Nottinghamshire schools.

Photo: Ruth Evans

•Y oung Composers – 1:1 mentoring sessions with Ben Parry, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Jonathan Dove, Cecilia McDowall and Bob Chilcott.

Composers retreats in Aldeburgh in partnership with Britten Pears Arts.

• Young Composers 2022 interviews.

Photo: Lizzie Nixon

2021: A REVIEW

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

•N ational Youth Choir – invited to perform the National Anthem and Jerusalem with Alumna Laura Wright before the England vs South Africa rugby match at Twickenham.

• National Youth Choir – 15 performances as part of Carols at the Royal Albert Hall.

“ I massively enjoyed the event at Twickenham, and it will be one I will remember fondly for a very long time. Walking out and performing on such a large stage like that is something I would imagine is hard to replicate elsewhere.”

•L earning and Engagement – Ready Steady Sing workshops with Y3-6 at Haberdashers’ School for Girls delivered by Ailsa Campbell & Ella Rainbird-Earley with Ben Goodall (Fellowship).

2021

A Review in Highlights

Photo: Ruth Evans

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• Learning and Engagement – Fellowship performance as part of Inspired Christmas at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall and online, with Nottinghamshire Music Hub. • Live from London performance with The Kings Singers – Recording and broadcast of Christmas Silence by Lillie Harris (Young Composer 2019).

• Audio releases – O magnum mysterium (Lauridsen) and Dashing through the snow (arr. Ben Parry).

• Inspiring Voices – launched our largest ever appeal as part of the Christmas Big Give 2021, raising £59,752 in funds to support our Financial Assistance programme, ensuring all talented young singers have the chance to take part in our life changing programmes.

• National Youth Choir recording of The Blue Bird (Stanford) added to Spotify’s Tranquillity playlist and reaches over two million streams.

Photo: Neil Pledger

Photo: Ruth Evans

MEET THE COMPOSERS

MEET THE 2022 FELLOWS AND COMPOSERS

NYCGB’s Young Composers and Fellowship support the development of emerging professional musicians.

NYCGB’s Fellowship programme, running since 2015, is for outstanding young choral musicians aged 20-27 who want to develop their skills as performers, educators, leaders and professionals, providing opportunities to become part of the professional choral network, as well as to re-shape it. Now in its fourth year, NYCGB Young Composers champions the development, innovation and diversity of new choral music, and is for emerging composers aged 18-29. Both programmes offer a range of residential courses, creative retreats, workshops, peer and professional mentoring and performance showcases along with expert advice and tuition from distinguished professionals. We’re delighted to introduce our 2022 Fellows and Composers.

COMPOSERS Ben Nobuto Ben

is a British-Japanese composer whose works often explore themes of attention and fragmentation, drawing on internet culture and popular idioms in a playful, ironic and surreal manner.

His works have been performed by Manchester Collective, Manchester Camerata, Ligeti Quartet, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and broadcast on BBC Radio 6, Times Radio and Resonance FM. He was recently selected for Sound and Music’s 2021 ‘New Voices’ scheme. www.bennobuto.com Instagram - Ben Nobuto Twitter - @bennobuto

NYCGB YOUNG COMPOSERS SCHEME 2022 FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS:

Sun Keting Sun is a London-based Chinese composer and artist.

Her recent works focus on performance arts and instrumental sound exploration combining Eastern cultural, spiritual and philosophical elements. Sun’s music has been performed in the UK, US, Europe and Asia. She has composed music for the London Symphony Orchestra, The Silk Road Ensemble, the Chroma Ensemble, the Tangram, The Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra and The National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan. She has collaborated on projects with many established artists and organisations such as The Wellcome Collection, The Bristol School of Animation and Leeds Lieder Festival. In 2021 she received commissions from the LPO Young Composers 20/21, BBC Radio 3 for BBC Singers, Psappha 20/21, The IGF Guitar Summit and Riot Ensemble. www.ketingsun.com

Claire Victoria Roberts Described as

writing “music of mood and muscle” by Wales Arts Review, Claire is a composer, vocalist and violinist who creates richly-scored, glimmering music, that draws upon diverse influences: from her love of lyrical jazz, to traditional fiddle music, and impressionist orchestral textures. Her music has been performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Psappha Ensemble, cellist Oliver Coates, Opra Cymru, Uproar Ensemble, Camden Symphony Orchestra, Solem Quartet, and The Carice Singers.

Claire has been broadcast on Radio 3, Radio Wales and Radio Cymru and is the Winner of a Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize 2019-2020, 2017 winner of the Mathias Composition prize, and 2019 winner of a Francis Chagrin award. www.clairevictoriaroberts.com Twitter - @ClaireCvictoria

Thomas Metcalf

Thomas is a composer and researcher based in Oxford.

He recently completed his DPhil (PhD) in Music at Oxford University, where he was researching extensions of the ancient concept of ‘ekphrasis’ (description) to contemporary music. His work has appeared in various conference settings across Europe and has been published in several academic journals. This research forms a central part of Thomas’s compositional approach, and recent projects have included pieces for the Kreutzer Quartet, Lonelinoise Collective, Horizon Voices, and Psappha.

In 2021, Thomas’s music was performed across the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Mexico. Thomas teaches for various colleges at Oxford University, and Greene’s Tutorial College and holds a Junior Teaching Fellowship at the Ashmolean Museum. www.thomasmkmetcalf.com Twitter - @tmkmetcalf

Programme Digital Partner: NMC Recordings Principal Innovation Sponsor: Steinberg Media Technologies Publishing Partner and Innovation Grant Sponsors: Stainer & Bell

We are also most grateful to the following for their kind grant support and advocacy: RVW Trust, The Finzi Trust, The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, Britten Pears Arts, PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund for Organisations, The Leche Trust and with the friendly support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and Lord & Lady Lurgan Trust.

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MEET THE FELLOWS

FELLOWS

Timothy Peters Timothy grew up in Surrey, lived in Sheffield for 5 years graduating from the University of Sheffield with a BMus Hons in 2017, later returning to Surrey to advance his career. He works as a freelance portfolio musician specialising in singing, choral conducting, music education and music production. In addition, his average week sees him singing at Guildford Cathedral as the tenor 1 lay clerk, and teaching music production, DJ’ing, and composition at City of London Freemen’s School. Tim facilitates regular musical outreach projects (digitally and in-person) for these two organisations.

Beyond this, he enjoys navigating the role that musical performance plays in his life: career or hobby? As a hobbyist, he enjoys keyboard and trombone performance, DJ’ing and playing in any band that produces unique music. www.timothypetersmusic.com Facebook – Timothy Peters Twitter @TPeters_Music Instagram – @Timothy_Peters_Music

NYCGB FELLOWSHIP 2022 FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS: 10 | Winter 2021/22 | NYCGB Friends Newsletter

Olivia Shotton Born and raised in London, Olivia recently completed her Master’s degree in Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, achieving a distinction and receiving the DipRam award for outstanding performance in a final recital. She is the current Meaker Fellow at the Academy, conducting a series of concerts of music from the Italian convents. Over summer 2021, Olivia was a trainee Assistant Musical Director for British Youth Opera’s production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’, progressing to the semi-finals of the DIMA International Choral Conducting Competition. Olivia sings in several professional London church and chamber choirs, as a soloist for choral society concerts and has performed live with The Rolling Stones and Ellie Goulding. www.oliviashottonconductor.com Twitter - @ShottonLiv

Jason Ching Born in Durham and

currently living in London, Jason is a music graduate of Royal Holloway, where he sang in the octet ‘Voce Nova’.

Jason has enjoyed various roles as a choral scholar, following his time as a chorister at the Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace, where his love for singing began. He currently teaches music at a secondary school, combined with piano teaching and work as an accompanist. Alongside his musical pursuits, he is a football coach for AFC Wimbledon youth teams.

Instagram - jasonchingmusic

The NYCGB Fellowship Programme is supported by Principal Programme Supporter ABRSM with additional generous support from the Ofenheim Trust, and by programme partners Making Music and AOTOS (Association of Teachers of Singing).

Florence Price Born in London and

currently living in Manchester, Florence recently graduated from the University of Manchester where she directed and performed in the University’s chamber choirs and orchestras. She is enthusiastic about working with young people, and has directed youth ensembles including at ProCorda, and as a conductor and teacher for Trafford Music Service. She is an experienced choral singer, currently with Kantos Chamber Choir, and is a HeartEdge Manchester Choral Scholar in association with St Martin in the Fields.

She is the Musical Director of Somnium Chamber Choir and the Stockport Male Voice Choir. Florence is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with NYCGB and to further develop her choral leadership skills.

Principal Innovation Sponsor: Steinberg Media Technologies

MEET EMERGING STARS

EMERGING STARS

Keep in touch with our eight graduating Fellows and Composers of 2021, as they progress their careers in 2022 and beyond. Photos: Ben Tomlin

FELLOWS

Benedict Goodall Facebook - @B.G.Musician www.bgoodallmusician.com ben.j.goodall@gmail.com

Elizabeth Leather Twitter - @lizzieleather eleather@hotmail.co.uk

Michael McCartan mccarm16@tcd.ie

Anna Disley-Simpson www.adisleysimpson.wixsite. com/annadisleysimpson Facebook - @annadiscomposer Instagram - @annadsmusic Twitter - annadsmusic adisleysimpson@gmail.com

Alex Ho www.alexhocomposer.com Twitter - @AlexHoComposer alexho93@hotmail.com

Shivani Rattan www.shivanirattan.com Twitter - @shivanimezzo shivani.rattan@hotmail.co.uk

COMPOSERS

Kristina Arakelyan www.kristinaarakelyan.com Facebook - Kristina Arakelyan Composer Instagram - @karakelyancomposer Twitter - @Karakelcomposer arakelyan.kristina@yahoo.co.uk

Derri Joseph Lewis www.derrijosephlewis.com Twitter - @derri_lewis mail@derrijosephlewis.com

YOUNG COMPOSERS ALBUM RELEASE

NYCGB in collaboration with Digital Partner NMC presents Young Composers 3 album, released January 2022 via all streaming platforms. “Working in close collaboration with the National Youth Choir and the Fellowship ensembles, our Young Composers have continued to create imaginative and ground-breaking new choral works as we slowly emerged from the grip of Covid, to in-person activity in the summer of 2021. Most revealing throughout these new pieces is the sheer breadth of imagination and invention which this year’s composers have brought to their writing.” - Ben Parry, NYCGB Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Available from https://nmcrecordings.myshopify.com/

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EVERYONE BELONGS

CREATING A MUSIC INDUSTRY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS. NYCGB Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Ben Parry talks about how the Black Lives Matter movement affected him both personally and professionally, and his ongoing commitment to be part of a music industry where everyone belongs.

I

n the wake of the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests around the world, my American cousin - a mixed race professional musician living in New York

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- posted a visceral rant on Facebook challenging white musicians to break the mould of white dominance in the music industry. Her statement resonated with me in a most profound way and made me truly acknowledge my own privilege for the first time in my life.

If I’m honest, I was, at the time, ashamed of my privileged upbringing, and was desperate to find a way to be part of a solution that for the vast majority of UK choral conductors had been a problem for which no one was actively seeking an answer. My cousin provided me with a catalyst to find ways to educate myself through reading and engaging in conversation with as many practitioners as I could find who would talk with me.

I soon realised that the main issue was the lack of engagement with Black and Asian artists, many of whom have selfselected themselves out of the choral

industry, partly through that lack of engagement, and also because they didn’t see themselves as “belonging” in an industry that, frankly, didn’t look like them. I gave myself a personal pledge to ensure that the choral groups I work with become more ethnically representative - it is a pledge by which I continue to abide.

Through a lot of hard work, at times provoking and often uncomfortable, I have at first-hand seen the difference that is possible to achieve, and in a relatively short space of time. It goes without saying that true representation encompasses many areas of challenge - whether it be ethnic, geographical, socio-economic, gender, sexuality and so on - but we must ensure that our visibility reflects our diversity: “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” (to paraphrase Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund).

The stories and comments I have listened to from the many Black and Asian musicians I have spoken with over the past 18 months have helped me to understand and appreciate more fully the need for greater transparency and cooperation to enable true accessibility and inclusion to flourish. It’s not easy - how could it be after hundreds of years of white dominance? - but it is perfectly possible. As one black conductor told me, they hope that in, say, within ten years, “our industry will be racially literate” and there will be no need to consider someone’s musical ability based on the colour of their skin. How is that even a thing?!

It is up to us all to challenge ourselves to make the difference and call out racial discrimination so that the choral industry celebrates its progress and development in this vital area.

I gave myself a personal pledge to ensure that the choral groups I work with become more ethnically representative - it is a pledge by which I continue to abide

Summer 2021 | NYCGB Friends Newsletter | 13

SPOTLIGHT

NYCGB Trustees Spotlight: Siu-Wai Ng NYCGB’s Board of Trustees are responsible for the organisation’s governance and play a unique role in supporting NYCGB to thrive and grow. Trustees are ambassadors both for NYCGB and choral music and support the development of our profile and networks of young people, audiences and supporters.

Siu-Wai Ng joined NYCGB as Trustee in 2021.

Originally from Hong Kong, she is a pianist turned organist, who has been immersed in music from a young age. She was a finalist at the Calgary International Organ Competition and Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition, before taking up the cello as an adult. Siu-Wai is passionate about choral singing, has sung in a choir since she was 5 and is currently a member of the London Symphony Chorus. She is obsessed with music written by J.S. Bach.

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Siu-Wai is a Partner and member of the Executive Committee at BlueBay Asset Management, a specialist fixed income investment manager and a Board Director of a number of investment funds in multiple jurisdictions from Luxembourg, Ireland to the Cayman Islands where her focus is on protecting investors’ interest. She is also an Investment Committee Board Member of the Salvation Army and a member of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of Social and Sustainable Capital, an impact investing organisation. Siu-Wai holds an M.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and an INSEAD certified International Director.

“Music has been a life-long passion and I have never stopped singing in a choir since I was 5! One of my fondest memories as a teenager was to be part of the school choir, where I was both a choir member and an accompanist. We

participated in local and international singing competitions, travelling as far as Sydney and winning the gold medal there while having a tremendous amount of fun. I met many of my best friends in the choir while making music at a high level. I also learnt great discipline as juggling a lot of rehearsals with schoolwork was not easy.

It’s certainly an organisation whose purpose I identify with, and I am proud to be part of it.

When I was looking to develop my nonexecutive/board career in parallel to my day job, I wanted to join an organisation or a cause that I am passionate about.

NYCGB really excites me as it offers young people amazing opportunities – collaborating with world class musicians, performing in famous venues and at important occasions. It reminds me of all the great memories I had as a choir member and I am so excited that young people from all backgrounds can experience the same - singing at a high level, making serious music, while meeting your besties at the same time.

I hope my experience is a good example of how much space and potential there is for people from different backgrounds to participate in an activity which does not actually require a lot of capital outlay – we all have a voice and you can do it too! If you do not pursue a professional singing career afterwards, you can always show off your skills in Karaoke!”

As an ethnic minority from a humble background, I understand how singing in a choir at such a high standard may not occur naturally to many families as an activity to pursue.

Read our full interview with Siu Wai: https://www.nycgb.org.uk/news/siu-waing-joins-nycgb-board-of-trustees

BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the scenes with Elizabeth Hogarth Former member of NYCGB, Elizabeth Hogarth is the administrator for the National Youth Choir and National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain and Young Composer and Fellowship Schemes. Find out more about Elizabeth’s love and passion for singing and her vital role in supporting talented singers and emerging professionals to develop and thrive.

What does your role involve?

My role at the National Youth Choir of Great Britain is project based, tackling project management tasks such as organising schedules, booking staff, singers and venues, member communications, organising music and working with NYCGB’s partners to assist them in delivering high quality events effectively. I enjoy the variety of my role and thrive on the passion of our members.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

As a previous member of the National Youth Choir, I know what an amazing feeling this choir can bring our singers.

Being a member truly feels like being part of a community or family. I am privileged to be able to help our members achieve their goals and find a support network within the choir that will last a lifetime. I love to work on the projects and events with our members.

I always try not only to be in the office, but also to be there in person, on the ground as the projects and events unfold. I love to see our members develop, progress and form friendships together. I am passionate about education and want to be there to support our younger generation of members in their journeys through the choirs. Being an NYCGB staff member is not just a job, but a life passion and I feel like an integral part of the NYCGB family.

What was your first project?

One of the first projects I managed for NYCGB was in 2019, and it involved 50 – 60 singers performing in Amiens, France;

an event that was broadcast on Sky News. The event which was organised to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Amiens, was attended by Prince William and other members of the Royal Family. It was a high-profile event for the Choir and I feel privileged to have been involved.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I am a professional singer who goes by the name of Singer of the Lakes. I specialise in Classical Crossover and vintage singing and have even recorded my own music which is available on all major music platforms.

I am trained in musical theatre and love to continue to perform. I am also a keen member of the Darlington Operatic Society and perform regularly in their shows.

How has your role changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the pandemic, I played a key role in enabling the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain to deliver online learning, and I trained other staff members in how to run auditions, courses and projects online. I put together training documents and training sessions to deliver a comprehensive and clear training session to our wider staff pool. I was passionate that our work should continue in whatever way it could to support our members and future music leaders to continue their training and support their mental health and well being during the pandemic.

Photos: Arra Videos

Winter 2021/22 | NYCGB Friends Newsletter | 15

THE SWINGLES

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR AMBITIOUS COLLABORATION WITH AWARD-WINNING A CAPPELLA GROUP THE SWINGLES “ NYCGB is such a wonderful organisation and the ideal training ground for any young musician.

I owe so much of my professional career to the things I learnt during my time with the choir.”

Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson

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NYCGB invites established composers and artists to write a new choral commission for the flagship National Youth Choir of Great Britain each year, and in 2022, we are collaborating with award-winning a cappella group The Swingles to create a major new choral work. The collaboration is made possible with the kind support of The John S Cohen Foundation.

B

ased on NYCGB’s artistic theme of ‘Environment’ and written in partnership with members, the project will include a joint public performance and world première at the Fireworks Factory in Woolwich, London on the 7 April 2022.

The new commission will also incorporate choreographed movement and staging, to further bring this exciting work and its important environmental messages to life.

The Swingles are one of the world’s most admired and loved vocal groups.

With a natural flair as entertainers, their stylish shows take them to venues and festival stages across the world. They have earned five Grammy Awards and are recipients of prestigious international accolades year-on-year. With generations of fans from live performances and appearances on film and TV soundtracks, The Swingles’ musical evolution and creative drive makes them as relevant today as when Ward Swingle founded the group nearly six decades ago.

Throughout this time many former members of NYCGB have gone on to become a Swingle singer, including two alumni Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson and Jamie Wright who are part of the current group. In fact, NYCGB’s very own Artistic Director & Principal Conductor, Ben Parry is a former member, having performed, arranged and written many new works for them between 1987-1992.

The thematic brief for the new work is ‘Environment’, exploring not only the natural world and climate crisis but also our members’ own home environments and the challenges, concerns and hopes they have for the planet. At NYCGB, we have chosen this incredibly important and thought-provoking theme to help highlight and think about our place in the world, whether it is our local habitat or the planet that we rely on to exist. We recognise the importance for our members, the value of commissioning artists from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds and in creating themes that enable our members to reflect and make sense of the world, their changing environments and their relationships with others.

One of NYCGB’s most ambitious collaborations to date, the creative process for this new work started with The Swingles meeting and working with National Youth Choir members online and in person to gather ideas based on important issues around climate change and the wider theme of environment. As part of their summer residential course in 2021 the National Youth Choir section leaders led breakout groups to dig deeper

Photo: Ruth Evans

Winter 2021/22 | NYCGB Friends Newsletter | 17

THE SWINGLES

into the issues that matter most to our members. From this The Swingles have created initial ideas and motifs for the new work and over the next six months will be developing these into a major 20-minute a cappella work for a double choir.

Ben Parry, NYCGB Artistic Director and Principal Conductor said: “I am so excited to be collaborating with The Swingles on this project with the National Youth Choir. Since their formation in 1963, The Swingles have been at the forefront of musical innovation, challenging the perception of vocal music - values that very much align with NYCGB’s own ethos.

As a former member of The Swingles (more years ago than I care to remember!), I was fortunate enough to hone my musical skills with this groundbreaking vocal group. Over the years a number of Swingle members started their singing journeys as members of the National Youth Choir, so it is particularly apt that we work together and introduce this year’s National Youth Choir to this amazing ensemble.

The choir members have directly contributed to the composition of the new choral work with, at its core, the theme of the climate crisis, something which affects every human being on the planet, and which directly chimes with our annual theme of ‘Environment’.

I very much look forward to directing the piece, which sees the combined forces of National Youth Choir and The Swingles in a major 20-minute choral work which will receive its first performance in London in April 2022.”

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Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson, Swingle singer said: “As a former member of NYCGB, the idea of a collaboration is a dream come true! Especially writing a piece on an issue that is so close to our hearts at the moment. It’s the perfect subject for such a commission.

It has been so exciting to work directly with the National Youth Choir over the past year. We’ve been delighted by their eagerness to share ideas for themes, text, melody and harmony - even sound effects (!) and have been staggered by the outpouring of incredibly thoughtful, well rounded and mature ideas.

NYCGB is such a wonderful organisation and the ideal training ground for any young musician. I owe so much of my professional career to the things I learnt during my time with the choir. It teaches teamwork, leadership and communication as well as vital musical skills learned through covering such a wide breadth of repertoire. In the 15 years that I’ve been performing with The Swingles, I still find myself using tips and tricks from my National Youth Choir days. With this new commission, we will be performing in a multitude of different styles to really highlight how young people feel about the climate crisis that we’re all currently facing.

We have really enjoyed the opportunity to explore such issues together and we’re looking forward to what will surely be a humbling and rewarding experience performing this new work with the Choir, and inviting audiences along as we create immersive and affecting musical ecosystems together.”

In March 2022 the new commission will be completed by NYCGB’s Artistic Director Ben Parry. Following this, The Swingles will join the National Youth Choir’s spring residential course in early April, where they will work with the members to rehearse and record the new work, as well as other music for the joint performance in April.

Ben Parry will conduct the world première, with The Swingles performing live alongside the National Youth Choir.

The joint concert will also feature other ‘Environment’ themed works including Earth Song by Rachel Portman, which takes the form of a conversation within the human mind and body as it breathes, interpolating words from a speech by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and a new poem by Nick Drake. The work was originally commissioned

by Radio 3 and performed by the BBC Singers in September 2019.

Ben Parry went on to say: “Because we provide such a broad variety of musical experiences, we challenge the perception of how choral singing is perceived and inspire our members and audiences to explore exciting new music. Our music training goes beyond helping our young singers to sing better, but also to understand the purpose, context and structure of the repertoire and the themes that they explore.

No matter what their background or future ambitions, every young singer makes a unique contribution to our community and walks away with a lifechanging experience. We work tirelessly to open young people’s eyes to the breadth and beauty of music, and to break down barriers preventing young people from engaging with music. We are nurturing both the performers as well as the audiences and amateur enthusiasts of the future, which is vital to enable the arts to thrive at all levels over the coming years, especially during these uncertain times.”

COMING UP

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF GREAT BRITAIN & THE SWINGLES The Fireworks Factory, Woolwich Thursday 7 April, 7.30pm

NYCGB FRIENDS: ALUMNI

Alumni Spotlight FOCUS ON: LAURA WRIGHT We love hearing about the wonderful things NYCGB alumni have gone on to do. We caught up with inspiring former member, Singer and Composer Laura Wright, who recently performed with members of the National Youth Choir at the England vs South Africa international rugby game at Twickenham Stadium, in celebration of 150 years of England Rugby.

Your work sounds really exciting – what does it involve?

I feel very lucky to be in the industry I am, and although the past 2 years has been incredibly challenging, I’m excited to be out there performing again.

I spend a great deal of time (like many others in the music industry) traveling to different places and working with

different people. My time is split between performing, writing, travelling and charity work. I would be lying if I told you about a ‘typical’ day because that doesn’t exist in my job!

My job and my music have taken me to places like China, Japan, Australia, Canada, America, and many others, which brings its challenges when singing with jetlag, but it’s those challenges that appeal to my competitive nature! I have also spent a lot of time over the past 18 months working with veteran’s who suffer with PTSD and/or a physical disability as a result of their time in service, as well as with military wives. With the support of the Soldier Arts Academy I’ve been able to deliver over 400 singing workshops in a 1-2-1 setting which has opened my eyes to the true power of music and the importance of listening.

What do you most enjoy about y our work?

It always has been and always will be the performing. Nothing can beat stepping on stage and singing live, and the feeling that gives me. What’s interesting about my industry is that the performing part can sometimes get clouded by other things. It’s important to keep that at the heart of what I do.

I would also say that the charitable things I’ve been part of as a result of my job is something that gives me great pleasure.

How did you get to where you are today?

Never giving up! My industry is full of ups and downs; myself and my team are constantly revaluating things and making sure we’re staying ‘on track’

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NYCGB FRIENDS: ALUMNI

and moving forward. I also believe staying present is incredibly important.

Performance is about being in the moment and giving those watching a memory to cherish forever. I don’t think you’re ever the finished product either.

With music there is always something new to learn, or for example a new challenge with composition or working with different musicians from different places and cultures. I believe you should always challenge yourself, push yourself out of your comfort zone when possible and you will grow as an individual, being able to adapt when needed is so important too.

How long were you part of NYCGB and what choirs were you part of?

I was a member of both the National Youth Training Choir and National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

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Did you come from a musical family?

I would say yes, but not in the traditional sense. When I looked into my mum’s side of the family, I found it so interesting. My grandfather’s brother studied music at Cambridge, played the organ and had a very ‘academic’ experience in music; my grandfather was quite the opposite, he played by ear and loved to play Jazz. He was always improvising music and some of my fondest memories are him playing jazz at the piano during Christmas time.

I have always struggled when reading music, so it gave me great comfort and confidence to know that he struggled with it too but was still an amazing musician.

How has NYCGB impacted on your career/future life?

Hugely so, from meeting friends and enjoying it from a social aspect to building my confidence and improving my ability. It’s opportunities like NYCGB that show individuals how important music is, and how it can be something you take further into a career. There is a huge amount of discipline needed to sing in a choral environment at a high standard; that discipline is needed in any walk of life. You’re also exposed to so many different experiences, whether that’s recordings, concerts or tours. NYCGB taught me many things, time-keeping has to be up there! I have recently released two new songs, and personally when I write music I do think chorally, I believe thanks to my experience in NYCGB. In the future I’d love to arrange my new single ‘You’ for choir.

and it’s wonderful to see everyone doing so well in their chosen careers. I was delighted to work with NYCGB for a special performance at the England vs South Africa international rugby game at Twickenham Stadium, in celebration of 150 years of England Rugby last year.

I’m now hoping there will be further opportunities where we can work together. I’m excited!

Do you have a favourite piece of music or outstanding memory from your time with NYCGB? Yes! My mum and dad came to watch a performance and I think it’s a special memory for my mum too.

We performed Immortal Bach by Knut Nystedt, written for mixed choir and performed acapella between many individual voices. My first love was choral music but I’d never heard anything like this. This was something that involved every individual singer in the choir while still being a team effort. I felt this great importance and responsibility to sing my absolute best but was also able to enjoy being part of this cacophony of sound. We performed it in a cathedral which added to the intensity of the sound and harmony.

Those harmonic dissonances will stay with me for a lifetime.

Have you continued to play a role within NYCGB’s Alumni network, and what has it meant to you?

I’ve stayed in touch with many of those I sang with during my time at NYCGB

What do you get up to in your spare time?

I enjoy my fitness so I spend a lot of spare time at the gym doing Crossfit.

I also have a dog who needs lots of exercise so that makes me get outside in the fresh air. I love to go for walks along the coast (we live near the sea) and enjoy spending time outside. I also have a 2-year-old, so the rest of my time is spent being a mum. She keeps me very busy!

“ It’s opportunities like NYCGB that show individuals how important music is, and how it can be something you take further into a career. There is a huge amount of discipline needed to sing in a choral environment at a high standard; that discipline is needed in any walk of life.”

NYCGB FRIENDS: NEWS

NEWS

NYCGB will continue to support this emerging ensemble led by Laura Taylor on behalf of Sunderland Music Hub and the newly trained young vocal leaders.

S UPPORTING SUNDERLAND THE CITY THAT SINGS Photo: Lizzie Nixon

As part of NYCGB’s Gillian Dickinson Young Singers Programme: North East with additional funding from Holbeck Charitable Trust, we have been working with Sunderland Music Hub to establish a young vocal leadership programme for 16-20 year olds in the city. Starting in September 2021, the project which is part of a local strategy to create a new youth choir in Sunderland, has provided a valuable opportunity for talented young people to learn new leadership skills, build their confidence and self-esteem, and raise their creative aspirations.

NYCGB supported Sunderland Music Hub in developing this new programme, with sessions led jointly by NYCGB staff

and the local vocal lead for the Hub, and including visits by peer mentors from the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

The nine young vocal leaders taking part in the programme have excelled through the weeks, embracing pitch patterning, conducting and even Kodály hand signs, and their own confidence levels have significantly increased.

In December 2021 they started to work as section leaders with the newly formed Sunderland Youth Choir which was open to all young singers in the city.

Those interested signed up for a free place here: https://sunderlandmusichub. org.uk/project/sunderland-youth-choir/

CHANGING FACES: WELCOME GEORGINA!

W

e welcome Georgina Cocker to NYCGB and to the exciting new post of Communications and Digital Content Coordinator. Georgina will play an important role in developing communications for our existing loyal, and new and developing audiences, working across a wide range of media including NYCGB’s website and social media, at an exciting time for the organisation as it develops ambitious plans for the future.

“Being from and having grown up in Sunderland I felt it super important to get involved in this project. And I have absolutely loved it! Not just because I’ve been able to play a part in sharing the joy of NYCGB with others, but also because it has made me feel more at home and included in this organisation through working in my home town, and it has given me a stronger sense of belonging. It has also been amazing to watch the young leaders develop whilst working with them, socially and musically, and know that we’ve played a part in that.” Charlotte Galloway, National Youth Choir member and peer mentor in the Sunderland project.

“Sunderland has been without a city youth choir for almost two decades.

We are delivering a great deal of singing activity in schools and meeting excellent young singers who have no

NEWS

YCGB Proud to be N Working with Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA)

NYCGB is working with Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) to achieve greater diversity and representation among its choirs and programmes.

GMIA is a Black music organisation that interprets UK Gospel Music as derived from the African, American and

progression route outside of school.

In a post-pandemic Sunderland, we feel the need to start the youth choir is even greater to enable opportunities for young people to meet with others, form relationships, develop their communication, confidence, self-esteem and have opportunities that have been sorely missing during the Covid pandemic.” Lizzie Nixon, Sunderland Music Hub Manager.

Photo: Laura Taylor

Caribbean musical experience relating to the Christian faith, delivered by a wide range of industry creatives and practitioners, and incorporating both the Gospel genre and Gospel message delivered overtly or by inspiration. It is a music at the heart of the Black Community. Read more about our collaboration: https://www.nycgb.org. uk/news/national-youth-choirs-ofgreat-britain-nycgb-with-gospel-musicindustry-alliance-gmia

Winter 2021/22 | NYCGB Friends Newsletter | 21

NYCGB FRIENDS: NEWS

NYCGB Work with Spencer duBois on Brand Review As we are coming to the end of our current planning cycle and following a period of growth in scale and ambition, we are determining NYCGB’s place in the future choral and music education landscape. Having a clear view of who we are, what we do and how to communicate this clearly is essential in developing our future strategy and realising our significant ambitions.

We are working with agency Spencer duBois on a Brand Review to support the creation of an ambitious new brand strategy and exciting strategic plans taking NYCGB positively forward into the next five years and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has kindly participated in our brand research surveys and focus groups.

National Youth Choir Performance at England Rugby Internationals 2021

International Collaboration & Co-creation

The National Youth Choir performed the National Anthem and Jerusalem with Alumna Laura Wright as part of the England Autumn Internationals 2021. Their stunning performance took place ahead of the Twickenham game in late November where England faced their World Cup conquerors South Africa. “The performance at Twickenham was amazing and one that will stay with me forever.”

I n October members of National Youth Chamber Choir and Fellowship (conducted by Greg Beardsell) recorded the vocals for an exciting collaboration with Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa. Based on the theme of Environment, a new song Forever has been co-written by NYCGB Young Composers Kristina Arakelyan, Anna Disley-Simpson and two songwriters from Ndlovu. The track will feature singers from both organisations and is due to be released on Ndlovu’s forthcoming new album produced by SONY records!

We are proud to welcome our new National Youth Choir Member Representatives for 2022. Flora Halford MacLeod, Bethan Kelly, Tom Edwards and Josh Quinlan will be the voice of the National Youth Choir over the coming year providing feedback to Choirs Administrator, Elizabeth Hogarth and the wider team and supporting every choir member to be heard and play an active role in shaping their Choir.

https://spoti.fi/3qKCcDR

BIG THANKS FOR THE BIG GIVE! As a direct result of the generosity of our incredible community we raised a staggering £59,747 (including Gift Aid) via the 2021 Big Give Challenge, for our Financial Assistance Scheme in 2022. This is by far our most successful public fundraising appeal ever! We cannot thank the 175 parents, alumni, staff, trustees, audiences and choral aficionados enough for your generosity, which will literally transform the lives of over 50 talented young singers.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to our two champions, Sir Thomas

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NEW NATIONAL YOUTH NEWS CHOIR 2022 MEMBER REPS

Hughes-Hallett and the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, who kindly matched each donation to the value of £27,000, as well as Presto Music who donated 5% of their Black Friday weekend sales to the appeal.

Due to your collective support our inspiring young singers will be sounding right in 2022, with every voice represented across all five of our choirs.

Over 50 young people will receive a bursary to help pay for their course fees, travel, membership, and special events in 2022. Thank you for helping to ensure that no young person will miss out on these unique learning, musical and life-enhancing opportunities.

NYCGG: FUNDING SUCCESS

Grant Funding Success

F O T F I G E GIVE TH SINGING TO THE NEXT GENERATION Please consider leaving a gift in your will and help ensure that future generations of talented young singers can continue to benefit from NYCGB’s world-class and life-changing programmes.

Each year NYCGB applies to and receives an average of around 45 grants from a diverse range of private Trusts and Foundations. Grants range in size from £500 to £50,000 with support going towards different aspects of our work with young people.

This includes funding for our vital financial assistance scheme for young people from low-income families, widening access, engagement, and progression initiatives in state schools and hard to reach communities, new music commissions, arrangements and recordings for our members and funding for our emerging professional artist schemes. On average, we successfully raise around £250,000 each year through this strategy, enabling us to support a diverse range of music and education programmes.

Over the past four months we have been focused on securing support for our Young Composers Scheme in 2022. This scheme annually costs £24,500 to operate, which includes

new music commissions for each of the four artists, residential retreats, and a range of masterclasses with established professional composers, conductors, and music professionals.

We are delighted to report that in late December we reached our target, securing support from the PRS Foundation, The Leche Trust, Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and our two corporate programme partners Stainer & Bell and Dorico. Three grants were also awarded by Trusts that were set up by iconic British composers to support the next generation of writers.

These included the Finzi Trust, The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation and the RVW Trust, which this year will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Ralph Vaughan Williams birth.

NYCGB will be helping to celebrate the work and influences of this incredible artist through a range of initiatives in late 2022, but more about this in the next issue! In the meantime, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our funders for their incredibly kind and most generous support.

NYCGB is a registered charity (515660)

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THANK YOU

PRINCIPAL SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS 2022

NYCGB is most grateful to the following supporters who most generously donated their time or money to NYCGB in 2020/21. We would also like to thank all our kind supporters who have chosen to remain anonymous and the Alumni Champions Committee members who continue to have a huge impact on our reach, engagement, and fundraising capacity.

Principal Supporters & Partners ABRSM The Alice Cooper Dean Charitable Trust Andor Charitable Trust Baron Davenport’s Charity The Beerling Foundation Chapman Charitable Trust John S Cohen Foundation The Derrill Allatt Foundation The Earl of Chester’s Fund The Elmley Foundation Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Esmée Fairbairn Foundation The Fidelity UK Foundation The Finzi Trust The Florence Turner Trust Garfield Weston Foundation The Gillian Dickinson Trust Goldsmith’s Company Charity The Gwendoline & Margaret Davies Charity Hadrian Trust Holbeck Trust The H.R. Taylor Charitable Trust Idlewild Trust The JP Jacobs Charitable Trust John James Bristol Foundation The Joseph Strong Frazer Trust Sir James Knott Trust The Lawson Trust The Leverhulme Trust Lochlands Trust The Lord Belstead Charitable Settlement The Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust Mercers’ Company The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation

Mulberry Trust The Norman Family Charitable Trust The Ofenheim Trust The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust PRS Foundation The Radcliffe Trust RVW Trust Scarfe Charitable Trust Schroder Charity Trust Sir James Knott Trust Stainer & Bell Steinberg Media Technologies (Dorico) Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust The W E Dunn Charitable Trust.

Vocal Supporters Ben Parry The Baker Family Elfreda Tealby-Watson & Greg Watson Lady Margaret Elliot Christine Evans Andy Farris Prof. Christopher Higgins Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett Adrian Melrose The Munden Family Garth & Lucy Pollard Mr & Mrs R Tett Alex McColl and Charles Wynn-Evans Fiona Yeomans Gold Friends Chris and Elizabeth Byng Bryony Coapes

David Aspinall Kieran Cooper Kate Davies Andrew Evans Christian Grobel The Hillier Family Geoff Mountfield Polly Penter Stephen and Lydia Pierce Janet Read Gareth Saunders Mr & Mrs P Touch Mike Wright Fiona Yeomans Silver Friends The Cox Family Scott & Simone Green Simara Kirapaty James Prescott-Martin Michael Seeney Patrick and Caroline Strafford Carole Varney Tracy & Robert Watson Alumni Champions Committee Andy Farris (1980s/1990s) Anna George (née Tonkin: 1980s/1990s) Bryony Coapes (née Lonsdale: 1990s) Charlotte Brosnan (2000s) Charlotte Dougan (née Mobbs: 1990s) Gareth Saunders (1980s/1990s) Liz Hurran (1980s/1990s) Lizzie Spear (née Rowe: 1980s) Simon Wright (1980s)