Encore / Alumni Newsletter Winter 2016

/ ENCORE

TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC & DANCE

photo: Chris Nash

Alumni newsletter Winter 2016

Becky Horne, Transitions Dance Company, is supported by a Mercers' Arts Fund.

HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG ARTISTS Every year, with the generous support of our donors, we offer scholarships which provide talented music and dance students with the opportunity to study at Trinity Laban.

Now more than ever the costs of studying and living in London means that students have to continually struggle and juggle to make ends meet. Receiving a scholarship provides them with vital help on their journey to a career in the arts.

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read more inside >

Derryck Nasib meets one of his supporters, Daniel Confino at our Scholar Welcome Reception. trinitylaban.ac.uk/alumni

WELCOMING EU STUDENTS TO TRINITY LABAN

photo: Trinity Laban

Trinity Laban has a long history of welcoming students, not just from the UK but from Europe and the rest of the world, and we are proud to have a global network of alumni, staff, students and friends. Since the EU Referendum results we have already committed to continue to charge EU students, starting their studies in 2017, UK rates for the entire duration of their studies. We are pleased that the UK government has also confirmed that EU students commencing studies at UK universities in 2017 will continue to be eligible for student loans for the entire duration of their studies. read more inside >

WELCOMING EU STUDENTS TO TRINITY LABAN continued from overleaf >

Following the referendum result Principal Professor Anthony Bowne issued the following statement. “Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a worldleading institution in the education of professional musicians and dance artists. Our international reputation attracts students from over 60 countries world-wide. We benefit from being part of the great international city of London, which voted heavily to remain in the EU. London is home to almost one million Europeans, has the largest international student population of any city in the world and is a wonderfully positive and welcoming environment in which to study, work and make art.

The outcome of the EU referendum does not change our commitment to nurturing our international community of artists and students. We will continue to deliver outstanding training, and to welcome students, teachers and artists from across Europe to work with us at our outstanding facilities of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, the much-loved Blackheath Halls and the awardwinning Laban Building in Deptford.

In Situ by Tara D'Arquian, photo: Chris Nash

TRINITY LABAN’S SUPPORT TO DANCE ARTISTS Compass Commissions, The Greenwich Dance & Trinity Laban Partnership’s, flagship commission scheme provides support to dance artists throughout the process of creation. Now in its fourth year, the artists who have been supported so far are; Tara d’Arquian, Mimbre, Robin Dingemans & Nick Bryson, Dan Daw, Rachel Vonmoos, Sarah Dowling & Kath Duggan, Wendy Houstoun and this year Stephanie Schober, Botis Seva and Tom Roden & Anna Williams. Commissioned artists receive financial support, rehearsal facilities, technical support and performance opportunities.

On receiving a Compass Commission Stephanie Schober said “I feel honoured to be a part of their programme, that wholeheartedly supports the development of innovative and risk-taking dance work.

As an individual artist access to this kind of support network is crucial.”

In March alumnus Tara D’Arquian will present her new work Nemesis at the Laban Theatre. A collaboration with award-winning British poet Jemima Foxtrot and Icelandic designer Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson. Nemesis is the third part of her In Situ Trilogy which was developed through the Compass Commissions.

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In the longer term, and as the current formal links with the EU change, we are committed to working with the UK government, our EU colleagues, and university partners to do all we can to maintain vibrant cultural and educational relations with Europe. I look forward to welcoming many more students and staff from around the world to create the next step in our illustrious history.”

HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG ARTISTS continued from overleaf >

Derryck Nasib is a second year masters student, studying the French Horn and he is supported by the Jonathan Horsfall Turner Scholarship. Speaking about the support he receives, Derryck said, “This scholarship has meant a golden opportunity for me to return to study at Trinity Laban and has brought me a step further towards realising my goal in becoming a professional orchestral musician”.

Dance student Elizabeth Hawes is studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dance and is an Audrey Wethered Scholar, she said “After receiving this support I am immensely grateful to have the freedom and time to focus completely on my studies and development of the skills I need to inform my future practice as a community dance artist.”

We are enormously grateful to those alumni who generously contribute vital funds to support our students.

If you are interested in finding out more please get in touch with Bernadette Benati b.benati@trinitylaban.ac.uk or 020 8305 4461

NEW HONORARY FELLOW AWARDS

CELEBRATING SIMON YOUNG

Every year Trinity Laban recognises accomplished professionals who have made an incredible contribution in the fields of the performing arts and education by awarding them the status of Honorary Fellow of Trinity Laban. We have recently awarded three Honorary Fellowships, to the Kronos Quartet, Chi-chi Nwanoku MBE and Aaron Dworkin.

It is with enormous sadness that we share with you the news that our friend and long term colleague, Simon Young, passed away on 7 July 2016. Many alumni will remember Simon fondly from his many years working in the Faculty of Music.

Chi-chi Nwanoku is one of the UK’s most sought after double bass players and an internationally celebrated educator. She is the founder and Artistic Director of the Chineke! Foundation, which seeks to address the imbalance of the representation of Black and Minority Ethnic musicians in British Orchestras.

Aaron Dworkin is Dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance and founder of The Sphinx Organisation, a leading US arts organisation that transforms lives through the power of diversity and the arts.

The Kronos Quartet have commissioned more than 850 new works and arrangements, continually reimagined the string quartet experience and set up an education programme.

The quartet joined us for a day during which they coached current students. This was followed by an evening performance celebrating their Honorary Fellowship, where staff and students re-imagined pieces of music chosen by them. Commenting on the performance, quartet member David Harrington, said “The ceremony... was a thrilling career highlight for us.

We were all delightfully surprised, entertained and moved by the evening’s program, which included everything Kronos strives for as musicians.”

Born 5 June 1944, Simon studied piano at Trinity College of Music and the Paris Conservatoire and following his studies performed widely. He joined the faculty at Trinity College of Music in 1980 teaching piano to both senior and junior students. He was Course Tutor for the DipTCL before being appointed the first BMus Programme Leader whilst concurrently holding the post of Head of Conducting. He then took on the role of Head of Performance and finally was Head of External Affairs. He was appointed an Emeritus Fellow and remained a much loved teacher at Trinity Laban up until his death.

Chris Caine, BMus Programme Leader, paid tribute to Simon’s huge contribution, “It’s true to say that whatever he undertook, he did it with the utmost enthusiasm and commitment. He had strong views, sometimes controversial and he wasn’t afraid to express them.

His was highly committed to his piano students and produced some extraordinary results.”

We are planning a concert in memory of Simon. If you would like to be kept informed about the details please contact the alumni office.

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

Geoff Cox (24 Aug 1950 – 26 Mar 2016) studied piano at the former Trinity College of Music in the early 1970s receiving an LTCL and GTCL. He went on to be Director of Music at Silcoates School.

photo: jk-photography

Thea Anderson (1992 – 24 May 2016) a student from Mills College, California, who studied on the Dance Study Year Abroad programme at Trinity Laban in 2013. She was working in a school in New Zealand where she died in a traffic accident.

Chi-chi Nwanoku and Aaron Dworkin with Director of Music Dr Claire Mera Nelson

Hazel Wood (29 May 1936 – 24 July 2016) was a long serving vocal teacher, joining the former Trinity College of Music in the 1990s and retiring at the age of 74. She passed away shortly after her 80th birthday. Before she taught she had a busy career nationally and internationally in opera, oratorio, recital and ensemble singing. As well as her teaching at Trinity College of Music and Trinity Laban she directed the Concert Singing courses at Birkbeck College and was the tutor for Morley College Singers' Masterclass.

Linda Hirst, Head of Voice, paid tribute, “Hazel and I were students together at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. We became good friends and colleagues, and remained so, working together for Roger Norrington, John Alldis, Richard Hickox and more. When I became Head of Vocal Studies in 1995 Hazel was already deeply involved.

She never told me what to do, and worked with absolute devotion. She taught with wonderful knowledge, unfailing musicianship and fierce loyalty to her students.”.

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FROM MUSIC ALUMNI

NEWS Christina McMaster (BMus 2008, PGC 2010, PGA 2012, piano) has been selected as a St John's Smith Square Young Artist in Residence for 2016 –17.

Matt Ridley (BMus jazz double bass, 2005) released new album Metta. ˉ Laura Jurd (BMus jazz trumpet, 2013) was commissioned to write a piece for the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform at the EFG London Jazz Festival. She also released critically acclaimed album Together, As One, featuring Elliot Galvin (BMus 2013, MMus 2014, jazz piano), Corrie Dick (BMus jazz drums, 2014) and Conor Chaplin (BMus jazz saxophone, 2014).

Elizabeth McNulty (MMus harp, 2010) has been appointed Principal Harp of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Giorgi Janiashvili (BMus 2012, MMus 2013, composition) performed his multimedia work Exit your flesh!

After William Blake at the Spectrum in New York.

John Savournin (BMus voice, 2007) directed The Magic Flute at Ilford Manor Garden.

Samuel Boden (BMus 2006, MMus 2008, voice) performed in the Proms at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

Ruth Frett (Dip TCL voice, 1991) has been appointed Head Teacher at St John’s on-the-Hill Prep School in Cheltenham.

Basil Athanasiadis (BMus composition, 2002) premiered a new work for Japanese instruments at The Hellenic Centre in London.

James Darch (FDA Musical Theatre, 2009) joined the west end cast of Wicked.

Jack McCann (BA musical theatre, 2016) took the lead role in The Sins of Jack Saul.

Jillian Bain Christie (Postgraduate Diploma 2013, MFA 2014, voice) released her new debut solo album Ae spark o'Nature's fire.

Fenia Anastasopoulou (BMus composition, 2001) was among several alumni who presented work at the MOTUS Project, Stour Space.

Tassos Spiliotopoulos (BMus jazz guitar, 2004) released new album In the North.

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Rory Simmons (BMus jazz trumpet, 2004) released his critically acclaimed second album We Drift Meridian.

Ned Bigham (Postgraduate Certificate 1998, Postgraduate Diploma 1999, composition) has recently composed works for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Brodsky Quartet.

Simon Dyer (BMus voice, 2013) has been selected as an emerging artist with Boston Lyric Opera.

photo courtesy John Savournin

photo courtesy Laura Jurd

Mattieu Esnult (MMus 2013, Postgraduate Artist Diploma 2015, piano) performed a solo recital tour across major concert halls in China during the summer.

Lucy Thomas (BA Musical Theatre, 2014) appeared in Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith and Babe the Sheep Pig with puppetry by War Horse's Matthew Forbes.

Stefan Melovski (BMus 2015, Postgraduate Diploma 2016, guitar) and his Balkan band Op Sa!, which includes other alumni performed, at the BBC Proms.

photo jk-photography

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

Gemma Lunt (BMus viola, 2012) performed with The British Paraorchestra at Glastonbury and also appeared in the Channel 4 Paralympic Games trailer.

Elliot Galvin (BMus 2013, MMus 2014, jazz piano) released his new album Punch.

Dai Fujikura (BMus composition, 2000) premiered a new cello concerto at the Lincoln Centre.

Susanna Fairbairn (MMus voice, 2011) performed in La Calisto and the St John Passion with English Touring Opera.

photo courtesy Susana Fairburn

John Powell (Composition 1986) composed the music for the new Jason Bourne film. Gavin Greenaway conducted and John Ashton Thomas (GTCL composition, 1984) was the Supervising Orchestrator.

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

At the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, duo Binker and Moses which features Moses Boyd (BMus jazz drums, 2016) won Jazz Newcomer of The Year. Jazz Vocalist of the Year went to Emilia Mårtensson (BMus jazz voice, 2007). Empirical (Shane Forbes BMus jazz drums, 2009) and Lewis Wright (BMus vibraphone, 2010) won Jazz Ensemble of the Year.

Paul Bosworth (BMus trumpet, 2014) has been selected for the London Philharmonic Orchestra's 2016/17 Foyle Future First programme.

Eimear McGeown (BMus flute, 2005) released a new album, Celtic Airs, on Chandos Record.

Tom Harrison (MMus jazz sax, 2012) released his new album Unfolding in Tempo.

Alice Dennis (LTCL 1982, GTCL 1983, piano) received a BEM for service to music in Aberdeenshire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Giulio Potenza (PAD piano, 2014) won second prize in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition 2016.

James Newby (BMus voice, 2016) won the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Awards. Fellow alumnus Nardus Williams (BMus voice, 2014) was also a finalist.

photo jk-photography

Rebeca Omordia (MMus piano, 2011) was awarded HonBC Honorary Membership Award by Birmingham Conservatoire in recognition of her contribution to the music industry.

Daniel Casimir (MMus jazz double bass, 2015) won the Musicians’ Company Young Jazz Musician Competition.

photo courtesy Moses Boyd

James Blair (LTCL 1973, FTCL 1975, horn) was awarded a MBE for services to music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

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FROM DANCE ALUMNI

NEWS Hagit Yakira (MA European Dance Theatre Practice, 2006) premiered her new work Free Falling at Sadler's Wells.

Dylan Crossman (BA 2006) presented work as part of the 2016 Bessie Schonberg Legacy Choreography Residency.

Sophie Arstall (Transitions 2006), Roswitha Chesher (Diploma 1991), Martin Collins (Diploma 1999, MA European Dance Theatre Practice 2005, MSc 2011) and Elizabeth Barker (BA 2002) created the film To the Ends of the Fingertips which was featured at FRAME, the London Dance Film Festival.

Deborah Light (BA 2001, Transitions 2002) toured the award winning production Caitlin with dance company Light, Ladd and Emberton.

Anastasia Papaeleftheriadou (PDCD 2014) and Bianca Ranieri (BA 2015) were among several alumni who presented work at the MOTUS Project, Stour Space. They also presented Mirrored, Me? at the Blue Elephant Theatre.

Tom Bowes (Transitions 2012), Charlotte Haddon (PDCD 2013), Jenny Reeves (Transitions 2012) and Elise Phillips (PDCD 2012) were all selected for community dance programme Overture, run by Matthew Bourne’s Re:Bourne.

Luka Owen (BA 2010) has been appointed a full-time performer with Motionhouse.

Jonathan Gonzalez (SYA 2012) is a New York Live Arts Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Artist.

Clementine Telesforte (BA 2015) performed in 16 Bars with Jamaal Burkmar Dance.

Leon Poulton (BA 2009) performed in The Calm with Batch Ensemble and choreography by Jamaal Burkmar Dance.

Jean Abreu (Diploma 1999) presented new work, A Thread, at Southbank Centre.

photo courtesy Roswitha Chesher

Barrowland Ballet, led by Natasha Gilmore (BA 1996), presented two works at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in which Vince Virr (Transitions 2008) performed.

Janine Harrington (BA 2006) worked with technology company, Brandwatch, to create a piece for the Brighton Digital Festival.

Louise Tanoto (BA 2006, Transitions 2008) and Jacob Ingram-Dodd (Transitions 2008) took part in BLANK CANVAS at Firkin Crane.

photo Ambra Vernuccio

Bim Malcomson (BA 1999) bought dance to bus stops all over London in her piece created for Big Dance 2016.

Vânia Gala (MA Choreography 2012) was one of the artists invited to take part in Tate Exchange at the Tate Modern.

Rosemary Lee (BA 1981) presented Calling Tree at the LIFT Festival. photo Dan Tucker

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photo Brian Slater / Royal Ballet School

Matthew Westerby (BA 2000, Transitions 2001) created a site specific work for his local community in Harlem, New York.

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

Nicola Conibere (MA Body in Performance 2008, PhD 2015), Alexandrina Hemsley (BA 2009), Matthias Sperling (Transitions 1998) and Efrosini Protopapa (MA Dance Studies 2003) all performed in The Running Tongue by Siobhan Davies and David Hinton. Matthias also presented the UK premiere of his work Now that we know at Sadler’s Wells.

Claire Lambert (BA 2012) performed with Highly Sprung Performance Co. at the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.

Anne Ekenes (BA 1997, MA Dance Studies 2001), Robert Guy (Transitions 2007) and Silje Baevre Lian (Transitions 2008) have been working with MUDA Africa in Tanzania to create a platform for young people to become professional dancers.

Nina Kov (MA Choreography 2010) created a film installation for Brighton Digital Festival.

Maciej Kuźmiński (BA 2007, MA Choreography 2012) has been appointed Artistic Director of the Caro Dance Theatre, Poland. His new piece Archipelago premiered in November 2016.

Joumana Mourad (BA 1993) has been working with the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology on a new online platform. It aims to revolutionise the way that artists and audiences can communicate and co-create online.

Sarah Vella (DDS 2011) and Lisa Colette Bysheim (MA Creative Practice 2012) created new work ME(et) YOU. It premiered in Norway and will also be performed in Malta and Germany.

Alice White (BA 2015) and Zoe Bishop (BA 2015) presented work at the Brighton Fringe Festival as part of The Dance Trail.

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

Simon Donger (MA Scenography, 2004) was awarded a Golden Mask Best Lighting in Musical Theatre for the lighting and video design for the Bolshoi's Hero of Our Time.

Sir Matthew Bourne (BA 1985, Transitions 1986) was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, the RAD’s most prestigious award.

photo Charlotte Levy

Dance collective The Mostly Everything People; Jennifer Fletcher (BA 2009), Christopher Preece (BMus jazz drums 2010) and Virginia Scudeletti (BA 2011), presented The Very Important Child at the Blue Elephant Theatre.

Sebastian Abarbanell (BA 2015) has joined Sidra Bell Dance New York as a company dancer.

photo Marta Orlowska

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Oded Ronen (BA 2003) is one of the choreographers commissioned to create a piece for the Transitions Dance Company 2017 tour.

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LOOK OUT FOR PERFORMANCES AT TRINITY LABAN Coming up in the new year we have a fantastic programme of concerts, dance shows, masterclasses, experimental performances and more.

WERE YOU A MUSIC STUDENT AT TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC BEFORE 1970?

In March we are very excited to be presenting a major concert series devoted to Schumann's performances of piano and chamber masterpieces alongside his great song cycles and other Lieder. Performed by staff, students and alumni, this promises to be an outstanding celebration of an imaginative, visionary and poetic composer.

In February, CoLab, our annual two week festival of collaboration and innovation, takes place. During the fortnight of creativity and experimentation, music and dance staff and students join forces to make new work-in-progress. Come along and be prepared for extraordinary things.

Our dance programme for spring includes a double bill from Company Chameleon and Rosie Kay Dance in new work MK Ultra. We also welcome back award winning alumnus Hagit Yakira who presents Free Falling, an open-hearted double bill.

There are hundreds more concerts and performances to choose from. Find out more and book tickets at trinitylaban.ac.uk/whats-on

photo: courtesy Jerwood Library, Trinity Laban

The annual Gold Medal Showcase takes place in January featuring six outstanding young musicians as they compete for Trinity Laban’s most prestigious prize.

This evening is always an eclectic mix of jazz, classical and contemporary music as these rising stars perform at the brink of promising careers.

On Sunday 4 June 2017 we will be hosting a reunion for music alumni who graduated in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. This is a chance to see old friends and meet new ones whilst visiting us at the Faculty of Music in the historic Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. You’ll be able see the facilities that student’s enjoy today and find out how Trinity Laban has grown from its days at Mandeville Place. We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to join us for this reunion. Space is limited so if you are interested in attending please contact the alumni office to register your interest and we will keep you updated with details. Contact details are at the bottom of the page.

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.

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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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