University News Last updated 01 December 2023
RBC Principal Stephen Maddock shares his favourite moments in November, including a piano trio marathon in the Recital Hall, which consisted of no fewer than 11 premieres.
What a busy November we have all had at RBC! There have been so many highlights, from RBC’s Symphony Orchestra’s two performances; one of which was at Symphony Hall, to the brilliantly realised Opera Scenes (pictured) that took place in the Lab.
There has also been a beautiful Ex Cathedra concert, with a choir consisting mostly of alumni and students, and a piano trio marathon in the Recital Hall, consisting of no fewer than 11 ingenious premieres. These included three by students and one by Head of Composition Joe Cutler.
Our Acting students are busy preparing for three productions to be performed over the last two weeks of term, and I am very much looking forward to these too.
However, the largest logistical operation this month has been more than 100 in-person music auditions, plus dozens more virtual ones for overseas students, and indeed further auditions in China.
The whole team here worked incredibly hard to make all the prospective students feel welcome; whether or not they are successful and are offered – or indeed whether they accept – a place. We want everyone to have the best possible experience when they visit RBC.
The other practical task has been finishing the construction of the RBC Digbeth acting studios in Bromley Street. These will now be fully in use from January, and with four large studios they provide an excellent new rehearsal space at the heart of creative Digbeth.
But before we get to January, there are many more performances to come this side of Christmas. Visit the What’s On pages of the RBC website.
I hope you will be able to join us for at least some of these, and, in any case, I would like to wish you – on behalf of all of us at RBC – a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.