University News Last updated 05 April
Principal Stephen Maddock reflects on increasing participation in the arts and cultural education, as well as his appearances on BBC Radio 3 and 4.
Friends,
After an exceptionally busy term, all of us at RBC have been catching our breath over the Easter break before we embark on a summer term that I expect to be just as hectic.
The Easter period has allowed a small amount of time for reflection, and for me this has included considering some of the challenges and opportunities around increasing participation in the arts and cultural education in this country. This is clearly going to be a minor, but to many of us, an important theme of the election season that we are entering this year.
The professional arts world – within which so many of our graduates look for their career path – has been through a difficult few years, with the impact of Covid-19, funding cuts and wider changes in society all having an impact. So, it has been positive to hear a few well-placed politicians speaking up for the value and impact of the arts in their own lives, and especially to hear them talk enthusiastically about classical music without accusing it of elitism. The test, of course, will come when we see what actual policies and decisions follow on after the elections.
Some of these themes are picked up in a new six-part BBC Radio 3 series starting tomorrow (Saturday 6 April), in which Chief Culture Writer for The Times Richard Morrison talks to a range of musicians and other guests about the state of classical music in the UK. The series title – The Land Without Music? – plays provocatively on the accusations made more than a century ago about this country.
In my own contributions to the series, I hope I found a good balance between celebrating the areas where we are doing well while staying alert to the various icebergs in our path.
If you want to hear me being rather less serious, BBC Radio 4 is currently running the latest series of Round Britain Quiz in which I do battle for the quizzing honour of the Midlands against teams from the South and North of England.
When it comes to RBC’s contributions to a vibrant and inclusive artistic culture, it is great to see this continuing even when our students are taking a well-earned break. This week we have been delighted to welcome back the National Orchestra for All, which brings together teenage musicians from across the country, with any level of experience, who do not otherwise have the opportunity to play in an orchestral grouping.
To see and hear their progress during the week, and see the supportive, inclusive culture provided by the staff from Orchestras for All, has been truly inspiring. And the facilities here at RBC are ideal for this kind of intensive residential course.
Next week we look forward to welcoming our own students back for a few more weeks of busy activities before we get into the exam period. I am sure you would all want to join me in wishing them well for these important couple of months.
Principal Stephen Maddock