As lockdown eases and we are once again able to enjoy musical performances here at School, we wanted to take the opportunity to showcase the work of some of our many talented classically-trained musical alumni who have continued to enthrall audiences around the world over the past year:
In November, conductor Finnegan Downie Dear (Cribb’s 2001-08) was awarded 1st prize at the 2020 Mahler International Conducting Competition – in Bamberg, Germany. A graduate of the University of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music, Finnegan has previously led performance with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Resonanz, BBC Concert Orchestra, RTÉ Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the Slovak State Philharmonic and this latest award will also now provide performance opportunities with the Bamberg Symphony.
‘Finnegan Downie Dear shows a very rare combination of an open heart and a brilliant mind in his excellent music making ... " this year's jury chair has said. "He is able to evoke truly magical moments in Mahler... at this time we need such beautiful art, made with authenticity and sincerity, more than ever before.’ Read the full interview in The Guardian, Mahler, Michaela Coel and me, with Finnegan here
Composer Dobrinka Tabakova’s (Tyson’s 1995-97) music has been enjoyed around the globe this year – Latvian National Radio Orchestra performed Orpheus’ Comet at a 25th anniversary concert for Radio Latvia 3 Klasika. In Hungary, the Maxim Rysanov and Danubia Orchestra performed her Suite in Old Style for viola and in Finland in April, Tabakova’s Insight was performed by the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. France’s, Orchestre National d’Auvergne performed Fantasy Homage to Schubert and Bacewicz. And her work is just as popular closer to the sunny climes of home. The Manchester Camerata performed her Dawn back in January, Ulster Orchestra her Fantasy Homage to Schubert (described as ‘a shimmering, suspenseful tone picture inspired by Schubert’s Phantasie in C major for violin and piano’) and Gateshead’s, Royal Northern Sinfonia opened their recent live streamed concert to a virtual audience with her contemplative Organum Light, based on Einstein’s theory of relativity. Dobrinka’s reach even extended as far as Australia.
In Scotland, former Young Jazz Musician of the Year winner David Bowden (Tulley’s 2003-10) will be performing double bass live with the Fergus McCreadie Trio at Perth’s Arts Festival and will be at Perth Theatre Studio on 28 May. The trio released their highly-anticipated second album Cairn earlier this year to enthusiastic reviews.
Meanwhile, over in Denmark, Jacob Shaw (1999- 2004) and the Scandinavian Cello School have been wowing their bovine neighbours… but that’s a whole other story for another day…..
And (finally) for those who may be looking to further their musical careers this year, Lizzy Frost (Dutton’s 1999-06) is not only current President of the Edward Alleyn Club but an Artist Manager at Sulivan Sweetland - an international artist management company developing the careers of conductors, solo instrumentalists, and ensembles all over the world. Here she shares some advice on how to get noticed on her blog post for the Young Classical Artist’s Trust: https://www.ycat.co.uk/blog/ten-tips-for-how-to-get-on-an-agents-radar
For all of our alumni who play, conduct, compose and enjoy listening to live music, welcome back, and we look forward to hearing news of your upcoming performances!
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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