Artistic Alumni

It’s All About the Bass

Lauren Stephens (Dn 2009-16) has taken her lifelong love of musical theatre by founding ‘Musical Theatre Society Berlin’. Though less than a year old, MTSB has established a faithful troop – a merry mix of artists and expats from all walks of life – who look forward to their inaugural performance ‘A Walk Down Broadway’ this October.

As the director, Lauren wears many hats – choreographer, vocal coach, stage manager, and cheerleader – but despite the long hours on top of her normal 9-to-5, the community aspect and getting to share her passion makes it all worthwhile! “I’ve loved musical theatre since I was a kid – those in my class probably remember I was always humming a show tune,” laughs Lauren. “Now I get to share that love with an amazing and talented group of people and seeing how the community has grown together has really been inspiring.”

If you want to learn more about MTSB there are many ways to get involved! Show times can be found on their Facebook page Musical Theatre Society Berlin (don’t forget to like and share). Email mtsocietyberlin@gmail.com for more info and to donate – your contribution goes towards expanding this program for even more people in the community to enjoy.

On Saturday 6th July, Old Rossallian Matthew G Baldwin (P 08-15) took part in the Llangollen International Music Festival as a member of John’s Boys Male Chorus.

John’s Boys won the Male Voice Choirs Section beating choirs from Italy, Ireland, Wales, England and Sweden.

This win put them into the finals for the Choir of the World 2019 competition, held in front of a packed pavilion. The event was also televised worldwide.

Competing against extremely talented competition from the winners of the other singing categories, Youth Choir, Female Choir, Mixed Choir and Open Choir, John’s Boys were elated to be announced winners of the Choir of the World/Pavarotti Trophy 2019.

Matthew has been performing with John’s Boys Male Chorus for two years as their Bass Soloist.

While at Rossall, Matthew was the School Music Captain and was awarded the Thomas Beecham Music Prize.

He has just finished his third year at The Royal Northern College of Music where he is studying as an Operatic Bass

David Tonroe (P 84-89) ‘’My Vision of a ‘Living’ O.R.’’ By Graeme Marrs Additional contribution from Noel Muscutt

Imagine, if you will, the Bar of the Leaf Hotel, near Sandwich, Kent. The OR Golf team are gathering, ready to do battle in the ‘Halford Hewitt’ - a Golf Tournament for 64 Public Schools.

Within this team, is a gentleman, who has flown from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, especially to play for his old school.

Enter David Tonroe - a charming man and a more than competent golfer. He endures the ridicule of his friends back home: ‘’ Why go there, when you are missing the ‘Masters’ in Augusta?’’; the opportunity of being with old school mates for a week is overwhelmingly appealing- much fun and competitive Golf - perhaps the highlight of his golfing year!

David first played in the Hewitt in 1992. On his first appearance, he flew in from Hong Kong having recently played in the Eisenhower Trophy in New Zealand representing Hong Kong (a high profile Amateur event in which Phil Mickelson and David Duval were also playing!). He subsequently played in Rossall’s Halford Hewitt team 1992 and 1993, before moving to America to ultimately set up his restaurant business. In 2008 we got him back from America with him relishing the opportunity to play again, even though it was an 8000 mile round trip. He has subsequently played in 9 out of the last 12 Hewitt’s amassing some 72,000 miles travelling in the process! Commitment above and beyond indeed.

During the course of the conversation, David discloses his gratitude to his ‘Alma Mater’ for heading him in the right direction as he enters the ‘Big Wide World of Life’.

He was not content just to have on his CV ‘Educated at Rossall School’; the School means more to him - not only does he respect the values Rossall has taught him, but also he delights in being in the company of those educated in the same environs, and sharing these same values.

Doubtless, there are many like David and his fellow golfers (the OR cricketers immediately spring to mind), but I am so keen to encourage the younger generation of Old Rossallians to feel and act in similar style. They, and Rossall, would benefit thereby.

Thanks, David. Floreat Rossallia!