Encore / Alumni Newsletter Summer 2016

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TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC & DANCE

photo courtesy Liao Pao-Yi

Alumni newsletter Summer 2016

MEETING OUR INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI Earlier this year, to coincide with staff visits, we hosted a series of events for alumni in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. These events have been a great opportunity for dance and music alumni to catch up with friends from the past and to make new contacts. It has been wonderful to meet so many of our alumni and to hear about their successes since graduation and their memories of studying at Laurie Grove, Mandeville Place, King Charles Court and Creekside. read more inside >

photo: Lidia Crisafulli

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS We are extremely pleased to announce that Trinity Laban has been granted indefinite Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP). This is a significant step forward for the institution, and one that makes us very proud.

Until now, our highly prestigious taught degrees have been validated by City University, with whom we have had a long and valuable relationship, and who will continue to validate our research degrees. However now that we have TDAP, we will be able to award our own degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

photo Trinity Laban

trinitylaban.ac.uk/alumni

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MEETING OUR INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI These international staff visits reflect Trinity Laban’s status as the first choice place of study for an everincreasing number of talented students from across the globe. In Hong Kong our Principal, Professor Anthony Bowne, hosted a wonderful evening reception at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to celebrate our many alumni in Hong Kong and the launch of Trinity Laban’s first auditions there. He also visited our partner institution, the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

We are proud to have many alumni associated with the Academy, including Professor Anita Donaldson, who is the Dean of College of Allied Arts.

In Taipei Professor Bowne hosted an alumni dinner which was followed by visits to the Chinese Culture University, University of Taipei, National Taiwan University of Arts and Taipei National University of the Arts. We have alumni associated with all these institutions, including Pao-Yi Liao (Associate Professor Department of Dance at the University of Taipei), Ying-Pi Chiang (Professor Department of Dance at the Chinese Culture University) and Yu-Ling Chao (Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Performing Arts, National Taiwan University of Arts). Professor Bowne also visited the new home of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan with alumnus Ching Chun Lee, who is Associate Artistic Director of the company.

Head of Piano and Keyboard Instruments, Peter Tuite, visited Korea and Japan hosting alumni drinks events in both countries.

We are very keen to continue our international gatherings for alumni so please let us know if you are based overseas and we will keep you updated about forthcoming events.

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As part of the application process for TDAP, Trinity Laban came under close and lengthy scrutiny from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Their report – which is published on the QAA website – praised the institution on several levels, recognising the contribution of both full time and part-time staff to its artistic and educational achievements.

Our Principal, Professor Anthony Bowne commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled with this news, which enables us to make exciting plans for the future...we will be able to create and shape our various degree programmes with greater speed and flexibility, enabling us to respond to – and indeed to lead – the fast-changing worlds of music and dance.”

TRINITY LABAN ON THE BBC Students, staff and alumni from Trinity Laban took part in the BBC documentary Dance Rebels: A Story of Modern Dance which was broadcast on BBC Four at the end of last year. This fascinating documentary explored the story of modern dance through some of the figures whose ideas challenged audiences and shaped modern dance in the 20th century, including Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Pina Bausch.

The documentary featured Trinity Laban students rehearsing and performing key works from the period.

It also featured historical footage and interviews with leading practitioners explaining what inspired them to create their seminal works including Michael Clark, William Forsythe, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Wayne McGregor (professor of choreography at Trinity Laban) and alumnus Lea Anderson. Dr Valerie Preston Dunlop was also featured discussing the influence of Rudolf Laban.

Dance writer and critic Graham Watts Tweeted “Fascinating doc on the story of modern dance #dancerebels on BBC4 - absolutely packed with good stuff…”

If you didn’t catch this documentary and would like to see it, it is available to purchase from the BBC store (www.store.bbc.com) for £1.89.

photo: Trinity Laban

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photo: jk-photography

NEW ALUMNI BENEFIT LAUNCHED As part of our ongoing support to alumni we are really pleased to let you know about the launch of a new benefit for our music alumni and a change to studio hire at the Laban building for our dance alumni.

For the first time we are able to offer music alumni the opportunity to hire practice rooms at the Faculty of Music at King Charles Court. Through this pilot scheme alumni can hire a room before 10am and after 7pm on weekdays and all day Sunday throughout the year. The discounted hire rates for alumni are £7 per hour for a practice room and £15 per hour for a teaching room. If you would like to book or find out more please contact alumniroombookings@trinitylaban.ac.uk We have reviewed the pilot scheme for dance alumni studio hire at the Laban building and following feedback from alumni we are pleased to let you know that we have reduced the rate further. The new rates are £15 for a large studio for two and a half hours and £10 for a small studio for two and a half hours. Studio hire is available on Sundays during term time and at other periods during the holidays and bookings can be made up to four weeks in advance. If you would like to book please contact alumni@trinitylaban.ac.uk photo Peter Smith

UPDATES TO OUR MUSIC FACULTY FACILITIES We are delighted to have been awarded a significant grant from Arts Council England for work to renovate and improve the facilities at Blackheath Halls. The listed building, which is situated in Blackheath, is part of the oldest surviving purpose built cultural complex in London. It serves as the main rehearsal and performance venue for our Faculty of Music and as a local hub for the arts.

Work will include renovations to the Great Hall and improvements to the backstage areas which will transform Blackheath Halls into a flexible performing arts centre. A further grant has also been received from Viridor Credits to support the replacement of the roof at the Halls.

Alongside the work at Blackheath Halls we are also raising money to improve key areas of King Charles Court the home of our Faculty of Music. King Charles Court is the oldest of the four main buildings that make up the Old Royal Naval College and form part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. We are seeking to undertake a number of improvements, including restoring a suite of chamber music rooms.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting us please get in touch with Bernadette Benati b.benati@ trinitylaban.ac.uk. We are enormously grateful to those alumni who support us already in a variety of ways from scholarships to legacies.

These schemes are for rehearsal, practice and research and development, but do not allow hire of space for teaching or running classes for independent business or profit. We are really pleased to be able to support the creative work of our alumni through these benefits.

Find out more about the benefits available to you on the website trinitylaban.ac.uk/alumni or if you prefer get in touch with the alumni office (details at the back).

IN MEMORY We are very sad to announce the following deaths and our condolences go to their families and friends.

Gwyneth George (1920 – 2016) taught cello at the former Trinity College of Music for many years during the 1960s – 1980s.

Dr Vera Maletic (1928 – 2015) studied at the former Art of Movement Studio in 1955. She was an internationally renowned dance scholar who taught at the Art of Movement Studio for many years before moving to America to complete her doctorate. Subsequently she taught at Ohio State University developing Laban studies as a central focus of the curriculum during the eighties and nineties and publishing Body – Space – Expression: The Development of Rudolf Laban’s Movement and Dance Concepts.

Eva Fullom (died 2015) studied at the former Trinity College of Music.

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FROM MUSIC ALUMNI

NEWS Erika Mädi Jones (MMus and Postgraduate Artist Diploma, voice, 2014) has been selected for a leading role in a production of Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser at Longborough Festival Opera.

John Savournin (BMus voice, 2007) and Matthew Kellett (BMus voice, 2010) received 5 star reviews for their pantomime Mirror Mirror! for Charles Court Opera.

Edgar Cardoso (MMus piano, 2014) released his first album Nuances for the label KNS Classical.

Kirsty Hopkins (Postgraduate Certificate 1998, Postgraduate Diploma 1999, voice) performed in The Passion with Streetwise Opera.

photo courtesy John Savournin

Rachel Ueckermann (BMus piano, 2015) performed on Kate Halsall’s new album.

Liam Mattison (BMus composition, 2012) has been selected for the prestigious Panufnik Composers Scheme with the London Symphony Orchestra.

photo courtesy Kirsty Hopkins

Manu Delago (PGA composition, 2011) released his latest album Silver Kobalt last year. He has also been touring America with Anoushka Shankar.

Carmen Alcantara (MMus harp, 2013) has been selected to join the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester.

Peter Edwards (ISP 2007, MMus 2009, jazz piano) has been commissioned to contribute an original piece to The PRS for Music Foundation New Music Biennial 2017.

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Empirical who were Trinity Laban Golubovich Jazz Scholars in 2011 and include Lewis Wright (BMus vibraphone, 2010) and Shanes Forbes (BMus jazz drums, 2009) released their fifth album Connection. They also won Ensemble of the Year at the 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Sarah Oliver (MMus cello, 2013) joins the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as 4th cello.

Nardus Williams (BMus voice, 2014) was selected to perform for the prestigious Park Lane Group Young Artists Spring Series at St John’s Smith Square. She was also a finalist at the Kathleen Ferrier Awards.

John Powell (Composition, 1986) composed a new work A Prussian Requiem, for the First World War Commemoration Concert performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. He was also nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for his film score Pan. Rebecca Cohen (MMus piano, 2014) has been selected for the prestigious Aldeburgh Music BrittenPears Young Artist programme, taking place this summer.

Jeff Wayne (Composition, 1966) has bought a new production of The War of the Worlds to the Dominion Theatre in London.

Lewis Asquith (BA Musical Theatre, 2014) joined the cast of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat on its UK tour.

Matt Roberts (MMus composition, 2011) conducted Lifecycles by Phil Meadows (MMus jazz saxophone, 2013) for the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Jambone.

Peter Foggitt (Postgraduate Certificate piano, 2009) was selected to perform for the prestigious Park Lane Group Young Artists Spring Series at St John’s Smith Square.

photo courtesy Lewis Asquith

CATCH UP WITH YOUR PEERS IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC LOOK OUT FOR MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

Samuel Boden (BMus 2006, MMus 2008, voice) performed in Berlioz’ Romeo and Juliet with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican.

Maria Marchant (BMus piano, 2007) was pianist in residence at the Shipley Arts Festival.

Hilary Campbell (Postgraduate Advanced Diploma voice, 2010) has been appointed Musical Director of Bristol Choral Society.

Jenna Sung (Postgraduate Artist Diploma piano, 2014) took 2nd prize in the chamber music category of the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition.

Serafina Steer (BMus harp, 2004) was in session on BBC 6 Music with her new group Bas Jan. Georgi Mottram (BMus voice, 2013) performed on This Week on BBC One, as part of soprano group Ida. Max de Lucia (BMus composition, 2014) has been appointed Head of Brands / Producer at Adelphoi Music.

photo courtesy Maria Merchant

Pauls Putnins (Postgraduate Certificate voice, 1999) is appearing as Escamillo in Carmen at Blackheath Halls.

Edouard Wood (Postgraduate Diploma violin, 1998) will be performing Bruch’s violin concerto this summer with the Amati Orchestra which is conducted by Leo Patsalides (BMus viola, 2003).

Jillian Bain Christie (Postgraduate Diploma 2013, MFA 2014, voice) appeared as a soloist in the world premiere of Paul Mealor’s Symphony No. 1 Passiontide at Aberdeen Cathedral.

José Menor (Junior Fellow in Piano Accompaniment 2014-15) performed a concert to commemorate Granados’ 100th anniversary at Carnegie Hall.

AWARDS, HONOURS AND COMPETITIONS Congratulations to our alumni for the many awards and prizes they have won.

photo courtesy Leo Patsalides

Alumnus and Junior Trinity tutor Simon Lasky (piano) released Story Inside on 33 Jazz Records.

photo courtesy Jenna Sung

Trinity Laban jazz tutor and alumnus Mark Lockheart (LTCL saxophone, 1982) won Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the Year.

Alex Haigh (MMus voice, 2011) received a 2015 Opera Awards Bursary.

Emilia Martensson (BMus jazz voice, 2007) won vocalist of the year at the 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Grace Carter (Postgraduate Artist Diploma soprano, 2013) received a 2015 Opera Awards Bursary.

Dai Fujikura (BMus composition, 2000) was nominated for a 2015 British Composer Award in the choral category.

Corrie Dick (BMus jazz drums, 2014) was nominated for a 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Award. He has also released his debut album Impossible Things.

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FROM DANCE ALUMNI

NEWS Chloe Aliyanni (MA Choreography 2013) presented the feature-length debut of Trivialis at the Blue Elephant Theatre.

Maurice Kelliher (BA 2007) was commissioned by the Science Gallery Dublin to create an installation for its exhibition TRAUMA: BUILT TO BREAK.

Camille Giraudeau (BA 2011) and Vince Virr (Transitions 2008).

Wells. The work features Joshua Smith (BA 2012).

Tara D’Arquian (BA 2012) presented her new work Quests at Greenwich Dance. This is the second part of a triptych which she began when she was the recipient of a Compass Commission.

Yukiko Masui (DDS 2009, Transitions 2011) presented work at Resolution 2016 and Cloud Dance Festival.

Jesse Kovarsky (SYA 2009, Transitions 2011) is appearing on Broadway as the fiddler in iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof.

photo: courtesy Tara D'Arquian

Jack Philp (BA 2015) presented work at Resolution 2016 featuring Gaia Cicolani, Clémentine Télesfort and Linda Telek (all BA 2015). photo courtesy Jesse Kovarsky

Nicola Conibere (MA The Body in Performance 2009, PhD 2015) received the prestigious Bonnie Bird New Choreography Award.

Alumni were in force at British Dance Edition which was led by Coreo Cymru whose Project Director and Creative Producer is Carole Blade (Diploma 1988). Darren Ellis (Transitions 1991), Robbie Synge (PGDD 2008) and Rosemary Lee (BA 1981) all presented work, and pitches were shown by Barrowland Ballet whose Artistic Director is Natasha Gilmore (BA 1996) and Dad Dancing’s Alexandrina Hemsley, Rosie Heafford and Helena Webb (all BA 2008). Alumni performing included Audrey Rogero (BA 2010), 6

Motionhouse whose Executive Director is Louise Richards (Community Dance 1985) and includes new full time company member Luka Owen (BA 2010) presented work at British Dance Edition and Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre.

Adam Rutherford (BA 2002, Transitions 2003) has been commissioned to create a new work for students of the Accademia Internazionale Coreutica in Florence, Italy.

Roswitha Chesher (Diploma, 1991), Elizabeth Barker (BA 2002), Sophie Arstall (Transitions 2006) and Martin Collins (MA European Dance Theatre Practice 2005, MSc 2011) have been commissioned by Channel 4 and Big Dance to create a new short film to be screened this summer.

Luca Silvestrini (Transitions 1997), Artistic Director of Protein, presented work at British Dance Edition and has been touring his new work May Contain Food featuring Saara Hurme (Transitions 2015), Matt Winston (BA 2003) and Sonya Cullingford (Transitions 2008).

Backspace Collective presented work at Resolution 2016 featuring Hannah Parsons (BA 2014) and Lorea Burge (BA 2014).

Rachel Blomberg (BA 2015) and Maria Lothe (BA 2015) presented work at Resolution 2016.

Tom Dale (BA 1988, Transitions 1989) presented his work Digitopia at British Dance Edition and Sadler’s

photo Johan Persson

Sivan Rubenstein (DDS 2010, BA 2013) presented a double bill of her work at Richmix in London.

CATCH UP WITH YOUR PEERS IN THE WORLD OF DANCE LOOK OUT FOR MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

Jayne Port (MA Choreography 2012) presented work at Resolution 2016.

Gina Ricker (BA 2015) featured in the programme for Philadelphia’s 2016 Breaking Ground Festival which showcases the best of contemporary dance and film.

Charlotte Tomlinson (MSc 2006) and her dance group SideKick Dance are featured in a film to promote the Big Dance Pledge. She is interviewed by Jen Irons (MA The Body in Performance 2012) who is Rehearsal Director for the Big Dance Pledge.

Gareth Chambers (MA The Body in Performance 2013) presented his new experimental work Llaeth at Chapter in Cardiff.

Thea Stanton (OYP 2012, MA Choreography 2013) presented her collective Spun Through Shadows at Resolution 2016 featuring Verena Schnieder (BA 2012) and Gordon Raeburn (BA 2013, Transitions 2014).

Sadler’s Wells presented Liv Lorent’s (BA 1993) balletLORENT in Snow White.

Sanjukta Wagh (DDS 2010) performed at the Southbank Centre as part of the annual Alchemy festival.

Zinzi Minott (BA 2012) presented The Rebel Man Standard at Kahn Lecture Theatre, Sadler’s Wells.

As well as extensive performing work Jonathan Gonzalez (SYA 2012) is a 2015-16 New York Live Arts Fresh Tracks Residency Artist and a 201516 Brooklyn Arts Exchange/Dancing While Black Fellow.

Stephanie Schober (BA 2000) has been announced as one of the Compass Commission artists for 2016–17.

AWARDS, HONOURS AND COMPETITIONS Congratulations to our alumni for the many awards and prizes they have won Matthew Bourne (BA 1985, Transitions 1986) received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the UK Theatre Awards and was honoured with a Knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list. New Adventures also won the Outstanding Company Award at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2015.

Ransack Dance which features alumni Sarah Rogers (BA 2010), Jennifer Johannesson (BA 2010) and Jamie Morgans (Postgraduate Diploma 2010) presented work at Resolution 2016.

Rahel Vonmoos (MA The Body in Performance 2011) presented her new work to find a place at Greenwich Dance. It was developed through the Compass Commissions scheme.

Roy (MA Creative Practice 2012) and My Johansson (BA 2013).

photo: courtesy Liv Lorent

Oded Ronen (BA 2003) has been announced as one of the choreographers for Transitions Dance Company in 2016-2017.

Amy Foskett and Giovanna Piccolo presented work at Resolution 2016 with musician and composer Simone Sistarelli (all BA 2014).

Candoco, which is artistically co-directed by Stine Nilsen (BA 1985, Transitions 1987) and Pedro Machado (BA 1996) was nominated for Outstanding Company at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2015. They also presented a new work at British Dance Edition featuring Megan Armishaw (BA 2011), Adam Gain (BA 2010, Transitions 2012) and Andrew Graham (BA 2010).

Rachel Johnson (MA Choreography 2013) and her company Experiential have been touring new work Bridging the Void.

Several alumni were commissioned for What remains…, the sixth edition of WHAT Festival; Matthias Sperling (Transitions 1998), Olga Masleinnikova (DDS 2009), Carolyn

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LOOK OUT FOR PERFORMANCES AT TRINITY LABAN Our performance calendar for the summer term is packed with an exciting programme at a host of different venues.

Musical theatre students take to the stage at Stratford Circus in The Pajama Game and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. At the Laban Theatre, Transitions Dance Company perform a triple bill of work by Dog Kennel Hill Project, Theo Clinkard and Ederson Rodrigues Xavier. This year’s Historical Project showcase includes work by Sir Matthew Bourne, Wayne McGregor and Twyla Tharp. In July the Graduate School Showcase gives audiences a chance to see experimental new work.

David Danzmayr conducts the Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in June whilst three awardwinning Trinity Laban pianists perform at St John’s Smith Square in a showcase which will be broadcast live by BBC Radio 3.

At Blackheath Halls, vocal students perform the world premiere of new opera Banished by award-winning composer Stephen McNeff and librettist Olivia Fuchs.

We hope you can join us for these exciting performances.

Find out more and book tickets at trinitylaban.ac.uk/ whats-on

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TRINITY LABAN SUMMER SCHOOLS This summer Trinity Laban is running a series of summer schools. If you know anyone who might be interested in taking part please help us spread the word.

Our Dance Summer School, for people at all dance levels aged 16+, runs 18 – 29 July. The two week course will give participants a deeper understanding of contemporary dance styles and a flavour of our full-time training. There are classes in a range of techniques led by members of our dance faculty and other dance professionals. This year we are very pleased to announce the guest company is Company Wayne McGregor.

A new music summer school, Beyond the Dots, runs 2 – 4 August. It’s aimed at students aged 11 – 19 with a minimum of 3 years’ study on their main instrument who are curious about expanding their skills in new areas of music. Participants will work alongside inspirational music leaders, take part in a varied programme of specialist classes, create a brand new piece of music and develop their musicianship and creativity.

Take the Lead, our Musical Theatre Summer School, runs 1 – 5 August. This is a fantastic opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a week-long musical theatre training experience. The programme includes classes in jazz dance, vocal technique, acting through song and audition technique led by Trinity Laban staff and other industry professionals.

More information on all these summer schools is available online trinitylaban.ac.uk/take-part/summerschools

KEEP UP TO DATE

SHARE YOUR NEWS Email alumni@trinitylaban.ac.uk

We love to hear what you have been doing since you graduated so get in touch and let us know.

N.B. Please note that we cannot guarantee to include everything we receive and we reserve the right to edit submissions.

Email alumni@trinitylaban.ac.uk Call + 44 (0)20 8305 9420 Post: Alumni Relations, King Charles Court, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9JF Like facebook.com/trinitylabanalumni FACULTY OF DANCE: LABAN BUILDING, CREEKSIDE, LONDON SE8 3DZ, TEL: +44 (0)20 8305 9400 FACULTY OF MUSIC: KING CHARLES COURT, OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH, LONDON SE10 9JF, TEL: +44 (0)20 8305 4444 INFO@TRINITYLABAN.AC.UK | TRINITYLABAN.AC.UK | FOLLOW US ON: /TRINITYLABAN PATRON HRH THE DUKE OF KENT KG | CHAIRMAN LORD LIPSEY | PRINCIPAL PROF. ANTHONY BOWNE Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. Company No: 51090 Registered. Charity No: 309998. King Charles Court, Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9JF.

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