RNCM Alumni Reunited
RNCM graduates from 1975 to 1985 travelled from across the UK and Europe to be part of an alumni reunion in September 2009. More than 60 former students and staff gathered to celebrate, share memories and rekindle old friendships.
Helen Spiroc-tica (née Yorke) and Claire Frazer (née Wilson) initiated the reunion with the support of Alumni Relations Manager, Clare Scott, and the Development Office.
When asked what prompted them to initiate such an event, Claire said: 'Curiosity, really. We just felt a wave of nostalgia for the RNCM whilst talking together one evening. We realized it was more than 30 years ago since we were there, and wondered what it would be like to see friends and tutors again. It proved to be a very happy reunion - a 'blast from the past' in the nicest possible way'.
'I had an unbelievable time here' said Helen. 'I was taught by Derrick Wyndham, Geoffrey Jackson, Colin Beeson and Betty Bannerman, and it was Betty who inspired me to collaborate in performance'. After studying and performing in Germany, Helen went to New York to collaborate with Renée Fleming and performed world-wide for over a decade, as Renée’s recital partner. Whilst in New York, Helen taught at the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music.
Guests enjoyed a moving concert during the afternoon...
Una and John |
...with performances by soprano Una Barry, singing songs by Mozart, Duparc, Richard Strauss and William Walton, accompanied by pianist John Gough, and Yuko Inoue and Helen Yorke who played the Sonata No 1 for viola and piano, by Darius Milhaud.
Una Barry has given performances and broadcasts throughout the world since leaving the RNCM, her extensive repertoire spanning baroque to contemporary music. She made a tribute to her former tutor Ena Mitchell and to Sir John Manduell (founding Principal of the College).
John Gough studied at the RNCM with Marjorie Clementi and Gordon Green and was the first pianist to have graduated from the College with a first class honours degree in music and the Professional Performance Diploma (PPRNCM) in the same year. John has performed all over Britain and Europe and at New York's Carnegie Hall. He joined the RNCM tutorial staff in 1993, and has given many recitals with Una since their student days.
Yuko and Helen |
Yuko Inoue is now a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, and gives master classes throughout Europe and Japan. She has performed as soloist throughout Europe and Japan and has appeared as guest principal with several orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta.
After the concert, there was afternoon tea in the Café, followed by a trip down memory lane – a tour of the College, to see the new facilities, and reminisce about the old ones. Many stayed on into the evening to chat and renew friendships.
Here are some comments from former students talking about their time at the College, and reflecting on the day...
Kate McCarney (voice) is now in the chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden...
'I’d originally trained as a teacher. I’d attended a master class with Ena Mitchell and she encouraged me to audition for the College. I was thrilled when I was offered a place. Coming to the RNCM was a fulfilment of my dreams – being here was magical'.
Eileen Hamilton (voice) who also sings alongside Kate at the Royal Opera House, reminisced...
'They were good times. Alexander Young was Head of Department then. I went straight from the RNCM to the chorus of the Royal Opera House, where I've been ever since. I’ve been very lucky and love my work at the Opera House'.
Graham Caldecott (piano) was taught by Una Bradbury, Renna Kellaway and Rosemary Wright...
'I loved every single minute of this place ... the music, being with musical people. If I had my life over, I would come back to the RNCM. I’m a piano teacher and I perform.'
Frances Moore (née Gwynne) (voice)
'I spent five years of my life here, starting as an undergraduate, and then I got a scholarship to do a postgraduate course. I also got into the Royal Academy, but the RNCM was the place for me and I’ve never regretted it. I went on to work with Opera North and then to teach, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career. Thank you so much for a wonderful day – it was as if time had stood still, and seeing all the familiar faces brought five years of happy memories flooding back!'
Penelope Bisby (née Fox) (clarinet) said:
'Last Sunday’s reunion was an unforgettable event. It was most enjoyable, and great to catch up with a few former friends and fellow students, and hear news of others. The splendid afternoon tea was much appreciated too, as was the tour of the College. Lucky students of today to have so many facilities! We were obviously born at the wrong time!'
Rob Stevens (trombone)
'Twas very nice meeting you all yesterday. Lots of half-forgotten memories came back! Looking forward to next time...'
Jonathan Starkey (piano):
'I went to the Junior School here first, then the College, before starting a career with EMI and Universal, distributing music to 54 countries. The College equipped me well - they were good days... the place was full of phenomenal musicians. I was especially pleased to have the chance today to speak to my old tutors and discuss the value of what they taught me, even though I didn’t realise it at the time! It was a fantastic event – don’t leave it too long before the next one!
