University News Last updated 01 June
MMus students Thomas Hawkey-Soar, Ethan Jacobs, Ellen Smith and Mairi McGillivary are all part of Igor Stravinsky’s opera, The Rake’s Progress. A dark, comic opera, painting a world where ‘living life to the fullest’ comes at a cost.
Bringing this opera to life is the British Youth Opera (BYO) programme, a scheme that puts a full-scale production into the hands of some of the UK’s brightest and most exciting young creatives and performers.
Through the Programme, this production not only showcases Stravinsky’s enduring work but also serves as a platform for students to translate their training into performance.
Thomas Hawkey Soar will play the lead role of Tom Rakewell on Wednesday 19 August and Friday 21 August, reflecting the strength of talent at RBC. Currently studying a MMus Performance, he takes on the opera’s central role.
Thomas said: “The Rake's Progress is an opera I've loved from afar for several years, and Tom Rakewell is the kind of role you quietly hope might come your way one day. To have been presented with this opportunity at this stage in my training is something I am incredibly grateful for. I feel fortunate to be approaching the role surrounded by such talented fellow performers and creatives. I'm revelling in the chance to dig into the role and see what I can learn from the process.”
Head of Vocal and Operatic Studies Paul Wingfield said: “We're incredibly proud of the four RBC vocal students who have been cast in this production and for Tom in his title role. It is not only a fantastic opportunity for him to perform a challenging role, but also a fact to be celebrated by our department, which is increasingly seen to punch well above its weight against the other main UK conservatoires.”
Appearing alongside him on the same dates is fellow student Ethan Jacobs, in the second year of his course, who’s set to play the role of Sellem. Their performances highlight both individual ability and the collaborative training at the Conservatoire.
Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Music graduate student Ellen Smith and part-time MMus student Mairi McGillivray will feature in the chorus.
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this exciting collaboration, and see RBC talent in action on Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 August.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the official booking site.