18 May 2021: It is five years today that we lost dear Michael Hill after a courageous battle with illness. Michael was a unique musician and person, remembered with admiration and love by all of us who knew him. His wonderful musicianship and insight into so many things in music, the arts and literature along
Five months after starting my interim year as Principal of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, I am delighted that we have appointed Josette Bushell-Mingo as the new Principal. Josette, who is currently Head of Acting at the University of the Arts (Uniarts) in Stockholm will take up her post in August and so
Arising out of the Tribute to Telemann Fantasias Webinar last July, the Telemann Fantasias Recording Competition is now well under way. Launched by Jeremy Polmear and myself in the October 2020, this competition has set applicants the aim of recording all or a part of one of the 12 Flute Fantasias of Telemann on any
Appointment as Interim Principal, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama I am honoured and delighted to be joining Central as Interim Principal and to be working with all students and staff in the months ahead. These are exciting but challenging times and my aim will be to work with the School to ensure the
With its Summer Celebration successfully broadcast yesterday NCO should be congratulated on an incredible period of activity through lockdown and in the face of considerable difficulties. As a member of the NCO Board, it is so pleasing to see the work that Sophie Lewis and Catherine Arlidge have been leading in making sure that NCO
The Webinar on 20 July, A Tribute to Telemann’s Fantasias for Flute, has proved to be a real success with a great many people taking part, showing interest and writing in. Thank you so much for your involvement and thanks especially go to panelists Alfredo Bernardini, Rachel Brown, Nicholas Daniel and Paul Edmund-Davies for their
I have been working during the Covid-19 lockdown on Georg Philipp Telemann’s 12 Fantasias for Flute and finally have an article prepared. In it, I have brought together as much known information about the Fantasias as possible. I have tried to answer the question on why Telemann wrote the works, looked at their styles and
Like you I am adjusting to the Coronavirus crisis as best I can. My thoughts here are to make contact with all me friends as best I can and to hope that you are doing OK. I am finding that work from home continues to be very busy. With making sure that all activities are
On the opening day of the now postponed Barbirolli Oboe Competition, this is to send a message of thanks to all involved for your understanding and support. Like events all round the world, we will have to sit this crisis out and I do hope that everyone is keeping safe and well. I spoke to
The 2020 Barbirolli Oboe Competition fast approaches and we are looking forward to welcoming our contestants to Port Erin in the Isle of Man on 27 March. We have a very exciting list of entrants this year with many countries represented. We are hoping that Coronavirus will not affect us though we are staying in