In Industry Last updated 13 September
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) has announced additional support for its Junior department by making it the beneficiary of its annual fundraising appeal. Donations made through the RBC box office will enable the purchase of more high quality ‘junior’ instruments, ensuring they are available for performances and practice, at home and in class.
The department delivers tuition, practice and performance for 240 talented children and young musicians, from all backgrounds. They can develop their skills and love of performance through classical, jazz, chamber music studies and a Young Strings beginners’ programme.
Timothy English, Head of Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “From August 2024 to July 2025, donations made by audience members will help us deliver specialist music tuition to children and young people aged 8 to 18 in our fantastic facilities in the heart of Birmingham. Some of our young musicians are struggling financially, but we believe that talent shouldn’t be confined by finances. Any donation made while buying a ticket to a performance at RBC will help us buy more instruments that students can borrow short- and long-term.”
The Junior Conservatoire has been operating for nearly 30 years, with many alumni now enjoying successful careers as musicians, including the current leader of the Hallé Orchestra, Roberto Ruisi. Performance is central to the Juniors’ activities with 10 major events planned this year. The appeal will help further extend the access activities, drawing in young people who possess talent and potential but have not had the opportunities to progress.
Stephen Maddock OBE, Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, added: “With opportunities diminishing for talented children and young people to access high level tuition, RBC’s Junior Department remains a vital asset for the local and wider musical community. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of audience members and hope to be able to provide a significant boost for the Juniors next year.“
The appeal builds on the success of previous appeals which, last year, raised £8,000 for the Conservatoire’s Learning and Participation programme. The programme benefitted 3,500 young people, many from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, and culminated in a celebratory concert ‘Voice of Our Community’. The event in The Bradshaw Hall, also supported by the donations, brought together 100 young people and allowed parents and carers of children in the new RBC Primary School of Music from Small Heath to attend the concert.
For details of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s autumn season of superb guest artists and exceptional student performers, and to donate to the appeal, see www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
NOTES TO EDITORS
Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/music/juniors
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR