First Lady of China Visits Royal College of Music The Royal College of Music opened its doors to the First Lady of the People’s Republic of China, Madame Peng Liyuan on Thursday 22 October. A renowned singer of Chinese folk music, the First Lady enjoyed a tour of the College and performances from RCM musicians including Gemma Lois Summerfield (Kathleen Ferrier Award 2015) and pianist Martin James Bartlett (BBC Young Musician 2014). They were joined by notable alumni including award-winning accompanist Ian Tindale and Chinese soprano He Wu, who is now at the National Opera Studio.
Before departing, the First Lady was presented with a facsimile of the original manuscript of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor K 491 in the RCM’s collections, and a copy of Director’s Choice. In return, the First Lady presented the Royal College of Music with a Sheng – a traditional Chinese wind instrument. The RCM has developed partnerships with conservatoires across China and a strong connection with world-famous pianist, Lang Lang, who received an Honorary Doctorate in 2011. In addition, Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the RCM, is Vice Chairman of Lang Lang Music World – his school for gifted pianists in Shenzhen. You can see more photos from the visit online at www.rcm.ac.uk/ firstladyofchina
RCM Involved in Ambitious Seven Seeds Project The Royal College of Music, as part of the Tri-borough Music Hub, has been involved in an event featuring 1,200 young musicians at the Royal Albert Hall. The Seven Seeds concert on 23 June featured a new piece written by 350 children with writer Hazel Gould and award-winning composer and RCM alumnus John Barber. Along with the Royal Albert Hall and Aurora Orchestra, the RCM is a Strategic Partner of the Tri-borough Music Hub, which oversees the delivery of music education in the three West London boroughs: Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and the City of Westminster. The RCM’s contribution is provided by its groundbreaking Learning and Participation programme RCM Sparks. Seven Seeds was commissioned by the Tri-borough Music Hub and is generously supported by the John Lyons Charity, The Mercers’ Company and The Golsoncott Foundation.
Royal College of Music alumnus Sir Thomas Allen has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by RCM Chairman, Professor Lord Winston. The presentation took place at the first of two ceremonies in the Britten Theatre on the RCM’s annual graduation day on 10 July 2015. Hear his acceptance speech online at www.youtube.com/RCMLondon.
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