RMS Department of Performing Arts Programme of Events 2016-17

Faculty of Performing Arts MUSIC • DRAMA • DANCE

Programme of Events 2016-17

The Faculty of Performing Arts Programme of Events 2016-2017

Tickets Many of our events are free and do not require a ticket. For our music concerts, community events and masterclasses, please feel free to just turn up.

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am delighted to introduce the Performing Arts programme for 2016/17. Performing Arts events are always a highlight of the school calendar and this coming year will be no exception. Standards are consistently on the rise and new stars are born in each production. Attending performances and concerts has been one of the greatest pleasures of my headship and I know that I will miss those opportunities in the future.

Look out for this symbol for these events:

The development of our Performing Arts facilities is a major objective of the Campaign for Excellence and I hope that RMS will soon see a theatre and performance space that does justice to the talent of the girls and dedication and flair of the Performing Arts staff.

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Tickets for other productions can be purchased online from a link on the school website, with the exception of tickets for events run by Cadogan House.

I am sure that parents will offer strong support to this programme as enthusiastic audience members, promoters of instrument practice and costume designers!

Please note that doors open no earlier than fifteen minutes before the advertised start time.

I look forward to seeing you at events during the coming term.

If you have any queries about an event please contact the Director of the Faculty, Daniel Hyde dhyde@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk

Diana Rose, Headmistress 2

The campaign for excellence what can we achieve by Christmas 2016?

As Diana Rose retires after 15 years of exceptional leadership, in which the distinctive vision of RMS has been established, there is still one project close to her heart that she would love to realise before she leaves…

“I have always been deeply moved and impressed by the quality of the performing arts at RMS which have graced so many magnificent occasions in the School. We now have the opportunity to create a Faculty of the Performing Arts in the recently vacated Alexandra House, bringing forward this project by several years, and it is one of my deepest wishes to retire knowing that the project has sufficient funding to proceed.”

Having raised a staggering £1.63m in the last two and half years, we need a further £850,000 to secure the commissioning of The Centre for the Faculty of Performing Arts before Diana Rose retires. Could you help us reach our target?

Daniel Hyde, Director of the Faculty of Performing Arts says: “The enthusiasm and talent of the girls are a constant source of joy within the School. Putting all the performing arts into one building will create a thriving and exciting hub which can only lead to further creative brilliance, where each discipline can work together and inspire the others.”

We are truly grateful to all of our benefactors who have so far given so generously, and we sincerely hope that you will join them to ensure that The Centre for the Faculty of Performing Arts can be given the go ahead before Diana Rose retires after so many years of exemplary service.

One of our major benefactors, a former parent, explains why he gave so generously to the Campaign: “My genuine respect for Mrs Rose and her team led me to give to the Campaign as a thank you, but also as an investment in the girls of the future. I sincerely hope that you will join with me in supporting this important initiative and in ensuring that the funding is available for the Centre for the Faculty of Performing Arts by December 2016.”

For further giving options and tax efficient giving, please visit the website at: www.royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk/628/about-us/campaignfor-excellence Once The Centre for the Faculty of Performing Arts has been completed we will start to raise funds for the Studio Theatre which will complement and enrich the Faculty still further. Any potential benefactor interested in the naming rights for this exciting performance space should contact Suzie Peck by email at campaign@royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk.

Please contact Suzie Peck for any further information, advice, or for a chat about any aspect of The Campaign for Excellence.

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Rush Hour Concerts

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Our Rush Hour Concert series was a huge success on its launch last year.

These informal concerts, at the end of the school day, showcase the musical talents of girls across the school. Each concert is at 4.15pm and is free to attend.

Refreshments are provided and it is a wonderful way to end a busy week!

On the 2nd of December and 17th of March, the concerts will feature girls from Cadogan House. On the 9th of January and 19th of May, our musicians from the Senior School will perform. Expect a range of instruments, voices and ensembles and a relaxed atmosphere.

2 Dec

9 Jan

17 Mar 4

19 May

NEW MARK HALL

Piano Masterclass with Stavroula Thoma

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We are very lucky to be able to host an evening masterclass with Cypriot concert pianist and teacher, Stavroula Thoma. Ms Thoma trained at the Liszt Academy, Hungary and then the Birmingham Conservatoire.

A number of our gifted and talented pianists will receive public coaching from Ms Thoma, before they and the audience are treated to a short performance by this internationally renowned player who has recently released a CD recording of folk-inspired piano music.

This evening is of interest to anyone who enjoys classical piano but also those interested in music pedagogy.

SCARBROUGH GALLERY 5

4 Oct 7pm

by William Shakespeare

Set in a harsh, monotone world, the transforming power of love brings colour and freedom.

Performed by girls in Years 10-13, Shakespeare's timeless comedy is given a magical twist, accompanied by a soundtrack of hard-edged synths and newly composed live music.

8 - 10 Nov 7.30pm

THE SPACE

5 0/ÂŁ 1 ÂŁ 6

Community Arts Presents

It’s a Nativity!

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Old Time Music Hall

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Cadogan House Pre-Preparatory Department present their annual nativity. With songs, drama and the enchanting festive story, Christmas would not be the same without this tradition.

Please note, this is a free event, but tickets are required. These are available in advance from Cadogan House.

Community Arts at RMS is now in its 9th successful year, staging musical shows which tour residential homes, the community and the Royal Hospital, Chelsea where each year we perform for the Chelsea Pensioners. This performance is how the year starts off, with a preview on home turf.

Old Time Music Hall celebrates the greatest hits of the Victorian and Edwardian eras including ‘Let’s All Go Down the Strand’, ‘Just Like the Ivy’, ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ and, of course, ‘Down at the Old Bull and Bush’.

THE SPACE

CADOGAN HOUSE HALL

17 Nov 7pm for 7.30pm

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7 - 8 Dec 2pm

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Christmas Concert

Featuring orchestras, choirs and ensembles from the Senior School and Cadogan House, alongside the RMS Community Choir, this is set to be our biggest festive celebration yet.

Join us in singing your favourite carols accompanied by the combined forces of Sinfonia and RMSO.

9 Dec 7pm

GREAT HALL 8

“★★★★★ Fantastic… surprisingly uplifting” About Turn Theatre present

the diary of

Anne Frank A mono-opera by Grigori Frid

RMS is thrilled to welcome critically-acclaimed opera company About Turn with their latest production which wowed critics and audiences alike at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Starring international soprano Polly Ott, this production fuses lyrical and emotive melodies with an avant-garde style providing an intimate and intense insight into the profound thoughts of this truly astonishing young woman.

5 0/£ 1 £

“Nothing short of excellent” reviewsphere

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ALEX STUDIO

24 Jan 7.30pm

Free Musical Theatre & Drama Showcase

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In recent years, RMS has introduced graded examinations in Musical Theatre Performance, accredited by the London College of Music. Girls have achieved excellent results, and this evening showcases the performances they have prepared for their exams.

A number of our talented string players, from ‘cellists to violinists, will be be given specialist coaching in front of an audience by a well-respected professional. This will be followed by a performance of string repertoire - not to be missed.

26 Jan 7pm

RMS has also always enjoyed a high level of success in LAMDA Drama exams, the RADA Shakespeare Certificate and at the Watford Festival. Examples of the excellent Speech & Drama work will be performed in a fantastic evening of entertainment.

9 Feb 7pm

SCARBROUGH GALLERY 10

THE SPACE

SPECTRUM THE DANCE SHOW

The school dance show is always a highlight of our programme. Led by our dance company, Fusion, the show features dancers from across the Senior School performing in a wide range of styles - from contemporary to street jazz.

/£5 8 £ 11

THE SPACE

8 - 9 Mar 7.30pm

Cadogan House Presents

Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor

Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now this one-of-a-kind musical comes to RMS! The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle... and back again, in this inspiring coming-of-age tale.

16 - 17 Mar 7pm

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Disney's The Lion King JR. Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

The Faculty of Performing Arts proudly presents the Lower School Production

Girls from Years 7, 8 and 9 present your favourite songs, scenes and , dances from the hit Disney shows including , , and modern classics such as .

A truly magical show for the whole family.

THE SPACE 12

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21-23 Mar 7.30pm

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Spring

Concert

ROCK BANDS • PERCUSSION GROUP FLUTE GROUPS • CONCERT BAND GUITAR ENSEMBLE AND MUCH MORE

Ensembles Concert Ensembles from the senior school and Cadogan House, under the direction of our many talented Visiting Music Teachers, present their work this year. A wonderful variety of performances including the Year 3 Ukuleles!

The final full concert of the year, with all our choirs, school orchestras and a chance to say farewell to our Year 13 musicians.

28 Mar 7pm

8 May 7pm

GREAT HALL 14

CADOGAN HOUSE HALL

Extra-curricular Activities in the Faculty of Performing Arts

The Faculty runs a variety of activities to cover all interests. For musicians, we have a number of auditioned and non-auditioned Choirs (RMS Chorus, RMS Voices, Chapel Choir & Choro), Orchestras (RMSO & Sinfonia) and other ensembles (Rock Bands, Flute Groups, Guitar Ensemble, Concert Band & Percussion Group).

For Dancers there is our own dance company, Fusion, which not only rehearses each week and performs in school productions, but goes on trips to see some fantastic examples of professional dance.

Actors can join ‘Thesps’, which explores different texts, activities and drama styles and also works towards productions. There is also a junior drama club run by our Sixth Form students.

Performers can also take part in Community Arts which travels outside of school to local residential homes and the prestigious yearly appearance at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea for the Chelsea Pensioners.

For students, staff and parents there is the RMS Community Choir. For more details, email rmscomchoir@live.co.uk.

Details of all our activities can be found on the school’s online Extra-curricular organiser, CHQ.

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Performing Arts at a Glance Event

Date & Time

Location

Page

Event

OCTOBER Piano Masterclass

04/11/16 7pm

Date & Time/

Location

Page

The Space

10

FEBRUARY Scarbrough Gallery

5

Musical Theatre & Drama Showase

NOVEMBER

09/02/17 7pm

MARCH

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

09/11/16 7.30pm

The Space

6

Spectrum - The Dance Show

08/03/17 7.30pm

The Space

11

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

09/11/16 7.30pm

The Space

6

Spectrum - The Dance Show

09/03/17 7.30pm

The Space

11

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

10/11/16 7.30pm

The Space

6

Rush Hour Concert

17/03/17 4.15pm

NMH

4

Old Time Music Hall

17/11/16 7.30pm

The Space

7

The Lion King Jr.

16/03/17 7pm

Great Hall

12

The Lion King Jr.

17/03/17 7pm

Great Hall

12

DECEMBER Rush Hour Concert

02/12/16 4.15pm

NMH

4

Disney Magic

21/03/17 7.30pm

The Space

13

It’s a Nativity!

07/12/16 2pm

CHH

7

Disney Magic

22/03/17 7.30pm

The Space

13

It’s a Nativity!

08/12/16 2pm

CHH

7

Disney Magic

23/03/17 7.30pm

The Space

13

Christmas Concert

09/12/16 7pm

Great Hall

8

Spring Concert

28/03/17 7pm

Great Hall

14

MAY

JANUARY Rush Hour Concert The Diary of Anne Frank Strings Masterclass

09/01/17 4.15pm

NMH

4

Ensembles Concert

08/05/17 7pm

CHH

14

24/01/17 7.30pm

Alex Studio

9

Rush Hour Concert

19/05/17 4.15pm

NMH

4

26/01/17 7pm

Scarbrough Gallery

10

Doors usually open no earlier than 15 minutes before the advertised start time