FEATURE
A GALLERY FIT FOR THE FUTURE Rena and Sandro Lavery are Founding Patrons of the More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, successful entrepreneurs and music lovers. Their generous support will help transform the RCM’s facilities and enhance the way students and visitors experience the College for generations to come. Upbeat learns more about their love of the arts and why they are supporting a future of More Music.
Opposite Rena and Sandro Lavery
What attracted you to supporting the More Music Campaign? Sandro: We both have an interest in arts and culture, and are strong believers in education and opportunities for young musicians. The More Music Campaign is a great opportunity for musicians to learn with state-of-the-art facilities, which hopefully will inspire greater excellence in music. One thing that initially attracted us to the RCM is its founding principles; to ensure that students could pursue their education and ambitions whatever their resources and the College has remained true to that. The original intake of students was equally male and female – it was ahead of its time. Rena: The RCM is also a very international institution – the range of students from all kinds of backgrounds and nationalities is amazing – and I think it’s incredible that all these young people have the opportunity to explore their talents.
What are your musical interests? Rena: Generally we like all kinds of music, from classical to rock, jazz and opera. Sandro: We’re non musicians but music lovers, and actually quite in awe of the music talent that’s available here. Something I particularly enjoy are the masterclasses – I find them really interesting and engrossing. They must be a valuable part of the curriculum as they give students an opportunity to enhance their performance skills in front of an audience. Have you enjoyed attending events at the RCM? Sandro: We have enjoyed attending events and are looking forward to many more. I was personally surprised at the sheer range of music and events that are undertaken here – it’s quite extraordinary. We are delighted that the More Music Campaign will give greater exposure to RCM events and concerts. Rena: We’ve been to some vocal masterclasses and the students sing so well, you think ‘what could possibly be wrong with it?’
The RCM is a very international institution – it’s incredible that all these young people have the opportunity to explore their talents. Rena Lavery
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UPBEAT AUTUMN 2017
Sandro: We’re also Honorary Directors of the Royal Opera House, and were invited to a masterclass with conductor Antonio Pappano and two singers. A few days later we then attended the President’s Visit at the RCM and discovered that one of the singers from the masterclass, bass baritone Simon Shibambu, was an alumnus of the College and receiving an award. We were able to have a pleasant chat with him and he’s currently pursuing a career at the Royal Opera House, so it was an interesting crossover and we’re enjoying watching his progress.