Luca Silvestrini, the Artistic Director of Protein Dance, has been awarded the Associazione Nazionale Critici di Teatro (ANCT)’s annual prize in recognition of his company’s work in championing diversity and foregrounding unheard voices.

The awards, presented each year by Italy’s national association of theatre critics, celebrate the vitality of the performing arts sector, and show appreciation for the work of creatives in the industry.

A distinctive voice in British dance theatre, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein is known for combining choreography, text, humour and social commentary to present the everyday in revealing and subversive ways.

Through the company’s Real Life Real Dance programme, Luca has created ground-breaking, participatory performance opportunities for disadvantaged and disengaged people, including young people in alternative provision schools, hospitals, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

During their 21^st anniversary year, the company have continued to innovate and to work together with the community in response to the restrictions caused by the pandemic. This includes celebrating with Protein21, a digital programme that has encompassed reflections on the company’s past work, a chance to view past repertoire via regular streams and new work responding to recent events.

Among those to take part in Protein21 Reimagine, were Trinity Laban’s Boundless group for over 50s, who form part of the conservatoire’s Inspired Not Tired programme for older adults. Led by dance artist Stella Howard, participants devised ‘With My Hands I Remember’, a reimagining of Protein’s Dear Body. The project encouraged them to reflect and explore their relationships with their own bodies.

On receiving the prestigious award Luca comments –

“I am delighted and honoured to have received this prestigious award from my country of origin, Italy. This is a wonderful climax to Protein’s year-long 21st anniversary celebrations, and it’s a great testimony to everything the company has achieved so far. As well as thanking ANCT for their commitment to celebrating our industry at a moment of great challenge and uncertainty, I wish to thank all Protein’s Italian partners and audiences, in particular Marche Teatro for their ongoing and invaluable support.”

Born in Italy, Luca moved to London in 1995 and started his full-time dance training at Trinity Laban (then the Laban Centre) on the one-year Professional Diploma in Dance Studies aged 28. He then joined Transitions Dance Company, graduating in 1997.

Find out more about studying Dance at Trinity Laban.

A roundup of November’s Trinity Laban alumni news and creative endeavours.

With the advent of a second lockdown, many of our alumni took their performances online this month.

Curating composer, researcher and performer Will Dutta collaborated with visual content designers Treatment Studios and motion graphics leaders VFX on Bloom – LiveStream, a digital performance that explored the unique connectivity of ‘live’. Listen to his new album.

More online work was debuted by alum Elliott deVivo, who in collaboration with playwright Sue Blundell created Silence and Joy – telling the story of Beethoven’s turbulent relationship with the black virtuoso violinist, George Bridgetower.

Piano alum Maria Marchant continued her Monday night series on Facebook, showcasing new music in her weekly live-streamed performances.

Ongoing restrictions led to alumni adapting their creative projects and educational ventures for digital outlets, exploiting online opportunities and delving into new ideas.

Dance alum Virginia Poli made movement classes accessible online, allowing dancers and non-dancers alike to stay active in lockdown.

The Actors Centre streamed the film Roller Coaster: An Adventure for Times like These, an adaptation of alum Julia Testas’ MFA Creative Practice submission, as part of their Latin American Season. Stream the film.

Dance Umbrella Digital, the virtual festival, brought worldwide dance figures together in a week of screenings, articles and talks. One such event was the ‘Choreographer’s Cut’, in which TL dance alum Oona Doherty discussed the process of creating Helium from her work Hard to Be Soft – A Belfast Prayer.

Alumni appeared on television and radio this month. Channel 4’s Sing it Loud: Black and Proud, hosted by Maya Jama and in celebration of Black History Month, featured alumni Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Reuben James, who performed covers of jazz legends and discussed their musical heroes.

BBC Radio 3 broadcast The Carducci Quartet’s renditions of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet and Daniel Fardon’s new work, Elements of Disco as part of their Lunchtime Concert.

Later in the month, alumni Nubya Garcia, KOKOROKO ( led by Sheila Maurice-Grey and featuring Cassie Kinoshi) and Ezra Collective (including Femi Koleoso and Joe Armon-Jones) headlined BBC Four’s Jazz 625: The British Jazz Explosion, a special edition of the iconic 1960s show. Co-hosted by Moses Boyd it showcased a plethora of TL faces including Daniel Casimir, Artie Zaitz, Sam Jones, Renato Paris, Huw Bennett and honorary fellow Gary Crosby. Catch up.

Jazz achievements did not stop there. Ezra Collective’s trailblazing endeavours earnt them funding from Youth Music that will aid in their work mentoring young black women in behind-the-scenes music roles. Listen to their new track ‘Quest for Coin’, featuring producer Swindle and long-time fan and grime artist, JME.

After the unveiling of his commemorative plaque as part of the Black Plaque Project, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was further recognised this month in the BBC2 documentary, Fela Kuti: Father of Afrobeat.

We were thrilled to congratulate many of our alumni on their successes in some of November’s awards ceremonies and shortlists.

Pianist and TL graduate Deschanel Gordon was named BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020, after the BBC4 broadcast saw him claim the esteemed award in the company of other TL names; judging panellist Nubya Garcia and fellow nominee and current student, Kielan Sheard.

Moses Boyd and Joe Armon-Jones appeared among the five shortlisted artists nominated for Best Jazz Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards, while Ayanna Witter-Johnson features on Anoushka Shankar’s ‘Love Letters’, an EP that was nominated for Best Global Music Album in the Grammy Awards this month.

The annual Ivors Composer Awards honours some of the best new work of contemporary composers in the UK. This year’s shortlist included TL alum and composition teacher Amir Konjani, professor of jazz saxophone and alum Mark Lockheart, and double bass virtuoso and teacher Calum Gourlay. Both Calum and Mark were nominated for Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble, while Amir was shortlisted in the Small Chamber Ensemble category.

Another TL alum acknowledged in industry shortlists this month was Sir Matthew Bourne. His contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s, Romeo and Juliet was nominated for a South Bank Sky Arts Award.

Dance alumni and staff were  also recognised in this year’s One Dance UK Awards. The Jane Attenborough Award was won by the inspiring educationalist Valerie Preston Dunlop, the Applied Dance Science Award by BSc Programme Leader Sonia Rafferty and the Dance Healthcare Practitioner Award was won by TL Lecturer in Dance, physiotherapist and alum Katy Chambers.

Congratulations were in order for Junior Trinity alum and former composition fellow Duncan Ward, who was appointed chief conductor of the philharmonie zuidnederland just months after his appointment by Festival d’Aix as Musical Director of The Mediterranean Youth Orchestra.

Dance alum Matthew Sandiford made a career move this month, as he joined National Dance Company Wales for the next season, while fellow alumni Mayowa Ogunnaike and Patrick Webster joined Rosie Kay Dance Company in the cast of Romeo + Juliet. Mayowa will dance the lead of Juliet, and Patrick will dance the character of Ben.

TL alumni appeared in media articles this month, presenting and discussing new work and receiving industry accolades.

Composer and TL alum Dai Fujikura spoke to The Japan Times about his new opera, A Dream of Armageddon.- An adaptation of the H.G Wells story of the same name, the opera  was premiered in Tokyo at the end of November.

In a Financial Times article about Jarvis Cocker’s new music, the famed frontman credited TL alum Serafina Steer with providing inspiration for the band’s sound and bringing his writing to life.

Read reviews of performances from many of our alumni at the EFG London Jazz Festival this month, after the annual celebration of jazz music went online.

Multi-instrumentalist Layla Allen released her book, So, You Want to Play the… Clarinet – Book 1, which went on to be featured in the ISM Journal. The book presents a unique and varied way to learn the fundamentals of clarinet, coupled with a YouTube channel providing instructional videos and accompaniments.

Dance alum Maresa von Stockert’s work was also published this month, when the international publication Fifty Contemporary Choreographers included her piece SEASAW and used an image from the work as the front page of the book.

December remains a particularly busy time for our alumni with the festive season underway.

TL alum Joshua Smith can be seen dancing in the music video for Jamie Callum’s latest single ‘Hang Your Lights’, choreographed by TL CAT alum Emma Farnell-Watson. Playing on the track are fellow alumni Loz Garratt (Bass) and Emma Bassett (Trombone).

The Musician Mums, a collective of performers all of whom are mothers and many of whom are TL alumni, are providing some much-needed festive cheer with the creation of their Musical Advent Calendar. With a different Christmas performance every day of December, this gift of music is an inventive way to enjoy musical festivities in a socially distanced manner.

Coming up:

Composition alum Amir Mahyar Tafreshipour premieres his opera, The Doll Behind the Curtain 8-13 December at the Royal Danish Opera House.

Catch Musical Theatre graduate Millie Cranston performing alongside West End icons in Spotlight on the Future LIVE!, a covid-secure drive-in concert on 6 December of musical theatre classics and pop hits.

Sir Matthew Bourne’s Olivier award-winning adaptation of the legendary 1948 film, The Red Shoes, will be broadcast as part of the BBC’s festive season.

Join The Puppini Sisters, founded by TL alum Marcella Puppini, as they bring their festive concert to our living rooms with their streamed show Christmas at Home on 12 December. Get tickets.

December will see the Limon Dance Company, led by Artistic Director and alum Dante Puleio, take up a four week residency in the Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, providing an online dance training program as well as a free virtual performance on 19 December.

TL alum John Savournin, the Charles Court Opera and King’s Head Theatre will stream their pantomime, Snow White in the Seven Months of Lockdown 14 – 31 December.

Mayowa Ogunnaike and Patrick Webster cast in the company’s Romeo + Juliet

Award-winning, Birmingham-based Rosie Kay Dance Company is known for creating relevant and meaningful dance responding to contemporary society. Their latest offering, Romeo + Juliet, is a fresh re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy set in the hot Birmingham summer of 2021.

The new production, which promises to be fierce and uncompromising, sees Trinity Laban alum Mayowa Ogunnaike dance the lead role of Juliet.

After graduating with a BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance in 2017 and award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Choreological Studies’, Mayowa became an Apprentice dancer with Phoenix Dance Theatre performing and touring in the original cast of Sharon Watson’s Windrush: Movement of The People.

Mayowa has since performed with Uchenna Dance Company performing and touring as the lead heroine role in the Vicki Igbokwe’s Hansel and Gretel, later joining ACE Dance and Music as a full-time company member, touring a revival of the double-bill Skin and leading various educational workshops and classes.

Mayowa comments –

“I am really excited to take on this challenging role and to work with such an amazing cast and choreographer. Especially in the midst of such a chaotic year, it’s wonderful to be working in a studio again with other artists, all of us gearing towards an epic show!”

Also joining the production is fellow Trinity Laban alum Patrick Webster who will play Ben. Patrick is part of the PEER programme at Studio Wayne McGregor and partaking in New Adventures 2020/21 cohort of their professional development programme, Overture.

“I feel so overjoyed and grateful to be involved with Rosie Kay’s production of Romeo + Juliet. This year has been testing for dance artists. I feel very lucky to have this unexpected light at the end of 2020. I am excited to pour my heart and soul into this work, to grow alongside the wonderful cast of performers, and to rediscover the joy of dancing with real people all over again.”

Romeo + Juliet will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome Wednesday 17 March 2021.

Find out more about studying Dance at Trinity Laban.

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Image: Mayowa Ogunnaike (credit Stefano Padoan), Patrick Webster (credit Emma Holt)

Pianist Deschanel Gordon has claimed the prestigious title in a final broadcast on BBC Four

A biennial celebration of the most talented up-and-coming instrumentalists and singers on the British jazz scene, this year’s BBC Young Jazz Musician final saw twenty-two-year-old Hackney-born jazz pianist Deschanel Gordon revealed as BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020.

Filmed at Cadogan Hall, the socially-distanced event was broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday 22 November in collaboration with the EFG London Jazz Festival, presented by award-winning saxophonist and composer YolanDa Brown.

Backed by Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum trio, Trinity Laban alum Deschanel presented his own arrangement of Kenny Garrett’s Haynes Here, a solo piano rendition of Monk’s classic Round Midnight and his own reggae-infused composition Awaiting. The pianist impressed the judging panel – including celebrated saxophonist and fellow TL alum Nubya Garcia – with a performance linking tradition to innovation, with hints to various musical genres.

Deschanel comments –

“I had an amazing time playing and hearing the other musicians in the finals. Especially in a year where live music has been stifled, any opportunity to play is very special to me.  Being able to share the stage with Nikki Yeoh’s band Infinitum was definitely a highlight.”

Judge Orphy Robinson commented –

“Deschanel displayed a wonderful mature sound and approach. He possesses an assured command of different styles, while at the same time adding his own individual touch, flair and technical competence. He conveyed a quiet confidence with some beautiful and fluent dialogue brought to the musical rapport between himself and the first-class rhythm section of Mark and Michael Mondesir. It will be interesting to watch Deschanel’s progress as he builds what looks like a very promising future.”

Deschanel follows in the footsteps of saxophonist and Trinity Laban fourth-year student Xhosa Cole, who won the Competition in 2018 and went on to win Breakthrough Act of the Year at the 2020 Jazz FM Awards, with a performing schedule that has taken him to the most prestigious venues across the UK. Xhosa made a guest appearance on Sunday night to perform a special set for BBC Four audiences.

Deschanel graduated from Trinity Laban this summer with first class honours and is already a steady presence on the city’s jazz scene, thanks to collaborations with Mercury Prize-nominated SEED ensemble – led by TL alum Cassie Kinoshi – and with Mark Kavuma’s The Banger Factory among others, as well as appearances with his own trio.

Also performing in the 2020 final was Trinity Laban first-year bass student Kielan Sheard.

Trinity Laban Director of Music Havilland Willshire comments –

“Congratulations to Deschanel on being named the 2020 winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician. I am incredibly proud to see so many Trinity Laban musicians involved in the final of this prestigious competition, from the performers to the panel. It is an incredible testament to Trinity Laban’s innovative training and role in nurturing exciting artists who are taking the UK music industry by storm. I look forward to seeing how these young musicians’ careers continue to develop.”

Head of Jazz Hans Holler comments –

“Congratulations Deschanel! You know the spirit of the music, old and new, you have the artistry and presence of mind to invoke it, through the individualism of your sound, you share it, reinvent it in the rhythmic milieu of playing together, and alone together, in real time, because you can hear it – because you listened and because you keep listening – you lift the bandstand, you stay true, and you sing the perpetual song of surprise.”

In addition to the television coverage on BBC Four, available iPlayer for 12 months, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting highlights of the Final in J to Z on Saturday 28 November.

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Image: Deschanel Gordon (credit Doug Peters / PA Wire, courtesy BBC)

The Afrobeat pioneer and political activist was honoured as part of Black Plaque Project and TL’s Black Culture 365 programme.

Trinity Laban alum, political activist and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti (1938-1997), was honoured today with a commemorative plaque installed at the conservatoire’s Faculty of Music in Greenwich.

At the installation were Dele Sosimi, musician and Musical Director for Fela Kuti’s Eypt 80, Trinity Laban’s Director of Music Havilland Willshire, Founder and Producer of Black Culture 365 Juliet Jackman, and Nubian Jak Founder Dr Jak Beula.

Kuti’s son Femi and grandson Made sent a message of thanks and support from Nigeria. Like his grandfather, Made Kuti is a Trinity Laban alum, having graduated in 2018.

Fela Kuti studied composition and trumpet performance at Trinity Laban (then Trinity College of Music), arriving in 1958. He went on to become one of the World’s best-loved performers, pioneering the Afrobeat sound which continues to be a major influence on today’s charts. Through his music and his activism, Kuti also became a leading figure within Nigerian and pan-African politics.

The commemorative plaque is part of the Black Plaque Project. A partnership between Nubian Jak Community Trust and Havas London, the project aims to redress the balance of commemorative blue plaques in London, of which only 1.6% currently represent Black people. It sees the temporary installation of 30 plaques remembering key Black figures, their contribution to history and connection to the capital. The public is invited to visit the plaques and find out more using an interactive map.

Speaking at the installation, Dele Sosimi said –

“Words fail me. I am buzzing, I am glowing, I am so proud. It’s a lovely thing… I feel like the plaque represents my joy and pride. Fela was a live and let live guy, he had so much love and respect for art. He was a true artist. He always said to me ‘it’s all about holding down the groove’ so as his rhythm pianist, I always held the groove. Right from day one, I was hooked. I teach afrobeat here at Trinity Laban, so to see this here, now – hopefully it will encourage more students to participate in afrobeat and spread the horizon of up and coming musicians.”

Trinity Laban’s Director of Music Havilland Willshire said –

“At Trinity Laban, we are enormously proud that Fela Kuti, who made such great achievements in music and in politics, is one of our own. It is fantastic to be able to honour him in this way: it is recognition that is overdue and well deserved. The timing is synergistic, as we recently launched Trinity Laban’s year-round commitment to celebrating Black history and art, Black Culture 365. It is a pleasure to celebrate Fela, and all of the inspirational figures that the Black Plaque Project honours.”

The Fela Kuti plaque will be on site at Trinity Laban’s King Charles Court for three weeks.

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Image L-R: Dele Sosimi, Juliet Jackman, Dr Jak Beula

 

Dance Studies researcher and lecturer Dr Sara Houston completed her undergraduate in Dance Theatre in 1994 and MA in Dance Studies in 1996.

Sara was the first dance studies scholar to win a BUPA Foundation Prize in 2011 for her research on Dance and Parkinson’s in association with English National Ballet. She has since published Dancing with Parkinson’s (2019), a book exploring the benefits of dance through the lens of people living with the disease.

A National Teaching Fellow, Sara has worked at University of Surrey and London Studio Centre, and is now Deputy Head of Dance at University of Roehampton. She also served as the Chair of People Dancing for seven years.

We caught up with her to find out more.

Tell us about your book Dancing with Parkinson’s

“It’s a unique book because it’s the first on dance and Parkinson’s. There have been autobiographies written by people with Parkinson’s who dance, and there are lots of journal articles that look at perceived physiological changes of that population, but there have been no philosophical, sociological academic studies at book level until now.

“My training is Dance Studies rather than Dance Science, so although I brought in Ashley McGill [TL Dance Science alum] I thought it was also important to look at the various context in which dance for Parkinson’s takes place. The book includes teachers, producers, dance organisations, programmes and initiatives from all over the world. They were all using dance styles, forms, pedagogical tools and artistic facilitation techniques. It highlighted the fact that dancing doesn’t have to be a therapy just because people have Parkinson’s. It highlighted the artistic nature of a lot of these classes and initiative and workshops. Even people with a movement disorder who can’t move as well or fluently can dance with artistic integrity.

“Dancing can change people’s lives. It can at least change how they approach their lives. That’s a strong theme running through the book.”

 

How did the book come about?

“In 2010 I was invited to be an independent evaluator on English National Ballet (ENB) pilot project for people with Parkinson’s.

“I spent a whole summer reading every single research paper going and interviewed doctors and nurses and people with Parkinson’s. I also went to a dance class for people with Parkinson’s – there were only a handful at that time.

“People would walk into class with their walking sticks. They’d be shuffling, bent over, slow. By the end of the class some of them even forgot their walking sticks. There was a real sense that there is something here worth investigating.

 

“We investigated the physiological change as well as the motivations, experience, social changes and assumptions. The most important thing wasn’t the physiological change, it was the whole approach that people had to life.

“The project was so successful that ENB won a lot of money from Paul Hamlyn foundation to continue the programme for a further three years. They asked if Ashley [McGill] and I would stay on and research for the duration. We continued to gather data for about four years in the end, and then spent a year writing it up.

“When I started the research I had an idea I was going to write a book on dance and social inclusion, that’s really what I’m interested in. Then I realised that this project – which was just going to be a little case study in the book – could actually be a book in its own right.

“The book came out last year, 2019, and it was published with Intellect Books who were great to work with.”

How has the book been received?

“I’ve had a lot of feedback from people living with Parkinson’s who’ve read and said ‘I really recognise me in there and I really recognise what dancing can do’.  I’m really pleased that that is the case. You’ve always got to be quite wary as an academic where you’re coming into a situation as an observer, an outsider.

“It’s a full-on academic book, but I’m passionate about public engagement so I tried to write it in a way that was accessible. It’s difficult to write for multiple audiences, but I did try to write it as clearly as I could. Judging from the reactions from non-academics that’s succeeded to some extent.”

You’ve been interviewed on BBC Breakfast, and featured alongside Joe Wicks for an international broadcast recently. What is that like working with the media?

“At first it was really nerve wracking. I found I was getting indignant if a journalist misinterpreted my words. But having done quite a lot of this now I’ve realised that you’ve just got to have thick skin. As long as the general key point gets across, then it’s ok.”

What does your role at University of Roehampton involve?

“Being an academic involves teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students, a lot of programme, department and student management and administration. On top of that you must fit in time to run research projects, bid for grants, and write book or articles. Public engagement is increasingly important for academics so that cutting edge research happening in universities is spread wider.

“I love coming in to contact with new people and ideas.

 

“I’m of the opinion that research students need to own their project and run with it themselves, so I’m there as a guide to provoke ideas.”

How have your studies at Trinity Laban impacted your career?

“The performance focus of my undergraduate dance degree set me up for general dance studies teaching. I needed to have a sense of my body in space, the general historical flow and what’s happening currently in contemporary dance.

“My master’s degree involved in-depth reading, writing and discussion about dance. It really set me up in a big way because it allowed me to read widely across the disciplines of aesthetics, sociology and politics. It allowed me to think in a broad, deep way about how dance is not in a silo. It’s something which exists within society and is influenced by people and can influence people.

“The bits of those degrees I was most interested in was how dance connected with society, with political and social ideas. That really sparked me.

 

“Early on I realised that I didn’t want to become a dancer, but I was still really interested in dance. That set me up for being an academic. I went on to do at phD at Roehampton and I’ve worked in the University and Vocational School Sector since then.”

How did you become interested in community dance?

“After my PhD I became interested in social inclusion and did a post-doc study in an adult male prison with MotionHouse. I realised that I’m interested in community dance – done by people who are not necessarily trained – and in people who are excluded or marginalised in society whose experience of dancing can lead to something else.”

You’ve recently retired as Chair of People Dancing, the national support organisation for community dance – what did this role involve?

“I got a call from the then director [of People Dancing] Ken Bartlett who said ‘Sara, you’ve got a really good sense of the bigger picture, where dance sits, we need someone like you on our board’. So I joined. I became vice chair and then chair in 2013. It allowed me to be at the centre of decision making and to see what was happening in terms of policy making.

“It’s incredibly hard stepping away but I’m still involved in People Dancing’s Dance for Parkinson’s partnership and will continue to do that.”

Any advice to share for those interested in community dance or dance research?

“It’s important to connect with other artforms, policy makers and allied disciplines such as health. I think the more that you can do this as a student, the more you can bring your skills into play in society. It’s really good to build up different networks and cultivate a diversity of relationships.

“For anyone interested in community dance, become members of People Dancing. They really do support the sector in a big way. Check out their summer school because they always have different professional development workshops and training available which is really useful. If you’re just starting out, they’ve got a brilliant introduction workshop you can do.

“I’d also recommend shadowing someone more experienced so that when you come to do it on your own you’ve got more in your armoury to use.

“Community dance is very rewarding but it’s also hard work, don’t underestimate the challenge. Don’t do a project just because it’s topical or sexy, do something you’re truly passionate about. And it’s important not to go into this work just for you. Think of your participants first.

 

“In research, methodological stances are often narrow, but it’s important to never forget that there is a wider context. I have come across some scientists who haven’t seen the bigger picture and I find that their approach to dance isn’t as imaginative.”

Any future plans you’d like to share with us?

“I am writing a lay book on dance and health which should be out next year. And the Parkinson’s world hasn’t got rid of me yet. I’m continuing to write articles and do public engagement on that.

“I’m also continually trying to find ways to work with my European partners (Directors of European Dance Houses) and keep discussions going on dancer’s soft skills, Parkinson’s research and vulnerable people going through forced migration. I feel Brexit is going to be an isolating situation, so I’m doing my utmost to think of ways I can still connect with these very close and inspiring partners. My intellectual circle would diminish if I couldn’t access these people.”

The BA Contemporary Dance 2020 graduate is the recipient of the coveted JV2 bursary grant.

Kent-born dancer George Perez trained at Trinity Laban, graduating with a BA in Contemporary Dance this summer. He now joins Jasmin Vardimon Company’s highly esteemed professional development programme as the recipient of a £2,500 bursary.

Designed to nurture emerging artists, the JV2 Professional Development Diploma provides a unique opportunity to learn the specific approach developed by Vardimon. Alongside dance techniques, students will explore theatrical skills, voice coaching, body conditioning, analytical and education techniques, music and the visual arts. George will continue developing as a versatile and multi-disciplinary performer under the guidance of influential British choreographer Jasmin Vardimon and members of her celebrated touring company including fellow TL alumni Jasmine Orr, Andre Rebelo and Joshua Smith.

George Perez comments –

“I am thrilled to be joining JV2 and be awarded the Ashford Designer Outlet Bursary. This financial support will make a huge difference, and it will allow me to fully concentrate on my dancing this year. I am looking forward to really focusing and getting as much as I can from this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

Reflecting on his recent studies at Trinity Laban, George adds –

“My time at Trinity Laban was filled with unlimited experiences in all kinds of styles and practices. The three-year programme developed my creativity, technique, and knowledge of the industry. With the help of some amazing teachers, my training prepared me for challenges and allowed me to grow in confidence and become a more rounded dancer.”

Learn more about studying dance at Trinity Laban.

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Image credit Fred Whisker

Paul Philbert awarded an MBE for services to music. 

Timpanist Paul Philbert has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours Lists 2020.

Paul, who is the Principal Timpani of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, completed a Dip TCL and Diploma in timpani and percussion at Trinity Laban (then Trinity College of Music), graduating in 1996. 

Over the course of his two-decade international career, Paul has enjoyed three years as the Principal Timpanist with the Orchestra of Opera North UK and 14 years as the founding Section Principal Timpanist with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuala Lumpur. He has also regularly plays with Chineke! Orchestra and has performed with the BBC Philharmonic, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Philharmonia, BBC Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, the Hallé, Royal Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony among others. 

In addition to a celebrated performance career, the timpani player has a dedicated interest in inclusive music education. During his time in Malaysia, Paul worked with the MPO’s Education and Outreach department to provide individual lessons, coach the Youth Orchestra and facilitate workshops. 

Recently, Paul was announced as a new board member for Sistema Scotland, a charity committed to supporting children and young people in deprived areas through their ‘Big Noise’ orchestras. He is currently a Timpani Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

In a recent RNSO press release Paul Philbert said –  

“It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be awarded an MBE. I am deeply moved and truly humbled to receive this accolade. Whilst I was born and raised in London and now call Glasgow my home, I have been extremely blessed that music has given me the opportunity to travel the world and to have had some extraordinary experiences working with great artists. Notwithstanding this, in many ways I feel that my voyage of discovery with this great art form is still in its infancy, and I am cognisant that there remains much to be done. 

“Music has given me the opportunity to work in a profession that I love, but the power of music extends far beyond the individual. Music can transform communities, countries, and most importantly, help children to recognise their full potential, and thus flourish in life. Our art form is exquisite, but we still have some way to go before all children will be able to see themselves reflected within professional orchestras. I hope sincerely that soon, all young people can see the world of classical music as a place where they can belong, and know that they can be assured that it is their talent and hard work that matters above all else.” 

To find out more about studying at Trinity Laban, visit our Wind, Brass & Percussion page. 

Also recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours was Trinity Laban Honorary Fellow Siobhan Davies, who has been awarded a Damehood for services to dance.  

A founding member of London Contemporary Dance Theatre, the renowned choreographer and Artistic Director founded Siobhan Davies Dance in 1988 and opened the RIBA award-winning Siobhan Davies Studios in London in 2006. Siobhan is an advocate for dance to work within and amongst other artistic disciplines.  

In the company’s press release, Siobhan comments –  

“I am tremendously touched and grateful to have been championed by my peers and chosen for a Damehood as part of the 2020 Birthday Honours. I sincerely hope that this moment of recognition also shines a light on the incredible contribution that many independent artists have made, and continue to make, at Siobhan Davies Studios and in so many other contexts and situations across the UK.” 

Siobhan works with Trinity Laban and Independent Dance to deliver our MA/MFA Creative Practice: Dance Professional Practice. Find out more about the postgraduate programme. 

Our roundup of some of the successes of Trinity Laban alumni.

At the start of the month, we were delighted to see several familiar Trinity Laban faces at the 2020 BBC Proms. 

Composer, cellist and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson co-hosted the first night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall alongside renowned actor and presenter Stephen Fry, discussing the works of Hannah Kendall, Eric Whitacre, Aaron Copland and Beethoven.

Percussionist Manu Delago performed with sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar in a collaboration with electronic music producer Gold Panda and the strings of the Britten Sinfonia.

The following week, eight-piece jazz ensemble KOKOROKO made their Proms debut. Led by TL alum Sheila Maurice-Grey and featuring fellow alum Cassie Kinoshi, the band performed some of their most widely known works, including ‘Carry Me Home’, ‘Uman’, and ‘Abusey Junction’.

Jazz alumni continued to shine on the London jazz scene this month.

Cassie Kinoshi, Joe Armon-Jones and Daniel Casimir joined Nubya Garcia to perform tracks from her debut album SOURCE in an NPR Tiny Desk concert on the Thames.

Gracing the stage of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club were saxophonist Camilla George and her band, Leo Richardson with his quartet, and Pyjæn with material from their latest EP Sage Secrets.

Further north, drumkit alum Abbie Finn performed at the Gosforth Civic Theatre in Newcastle with the Abbie Finn Trio in their first live concert since lockdown. Check out the latest edition of Jazzwise Magazine, where Abbie shares her experience of the North-East jazz scene over the Covid period, and Ayanna Witter-Johnson discusses her favourite Nina Simone album.

Many congratulations were in order this month for new appointments and award nominations.

We were delighted to see so many alumni and staff featured in the One Dance UK Awards shortlist this year, including Sonia Rafferty, Manuela Angioi, Lucie Clements, Katy Chambers, Sofia Ornellas Pinto, Shantel Ehrenberg, Joss Arnott and Mobius Dance (led by Gianluca Vicentini).

Composer John Powell was nominated for the Public Choice Award at the World Soundtrack Awards for his original score for The Call Of The Wild. 

Shelly Maxwell was nominated for the Best Choreography Award at the Black British Theatre Awards, alongside TL faculty member Dollie Henry. Celebrating the work of black performers and creatives in UK theatre, the awards will be announced at London’s Young Vic Theatre and will be broadcast on Sky Arts in late October.

International dance artist Leila McMillan was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Dance at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, while musical theatre alum Elliot Coombe landed the role of understudy Christopher Wren in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St Martin’s theatre.

As restrictions eased this month, alumni performed and had their work premiered at venues all over the world.

Marking the triumphant return of live opera, English National Opera premiered their drive-in production of Puccini’s classic La Bohème at Alexandra Palace, starring vocal alum John Savournin.

Audiences across the UK saw the amazing Ember Trio, featuring Elliot Lyte and Tom Huet, perform a mash-up of Destiny’s Child, Eminem and Dr Dre in the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals.

Vinzenz Stergin’s new work ‘Unwritten’ was selected as part of Ten Songs for a Lar, run by the Kent-Medway Museum Partnership. Inspired by a 2000-year-old figurine found in Frindsbury, Kent, Vinzenz’s commission explores the thoughts, power and worth of one unheard Roman woman.

Cellist Stjepan Hauser performed a stunning version of Hans Zimmer’s ‘Now We Are Free’ from Gladiator, surrounded by equally stunning scenery in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Dance alum Molly Hick was among the cast of Cunningham Centennial Solos at the Oriente Occidente Dance Festival in Roverto, Italy. Also featuring dance faculty member Benjamin Warbis and staged by fellow lecturer Daniel Squire, the ensemble performed the choreography of Merce Cunningham to a socially-distanced audience, with social distancing on stage as well.

Exploring themes of the near and distant future, dream logic and infinity, Maciej Kuźmiński’s new work I saw its premiere at the Plartforma Festival in Lithuania.

Back in London, an ensemble of TL alumni performed new work Seperation and Community, exploring isolation and new connections experienced by communities over the last six months, at All Saints Church in West Dulwich. The piece, choreographed by alum Laura Engholm and featuring 2020 graduates Laure Dubanet, Kim Chi Lee and Hannah Wallace, was accompanied by music from current student Ola Akinidpe and Trinity College alum Sally Zimmermann.

Alumni continued to stay creative in the month of September, undertaking exciting new projects and enterprises.

Recent Masters graduate John Sturt was commissioned by innovative company Tête á Tête to write original works for their Opera Festival 2020 in partnership with The Cockpit Theatre.

Tommy Cattin shared the latest from his Switzerland-based international company EREM Dance, featuring TL alumni Virginia Poli, Sara Maurizi, Massimo Monticelli and Giordana Patumi, in this video promoting their open rehearsals, workshops and artistic residencies.

Watch this recent TEDx coffee morning with Elisabeth Schilling, where the dance artist discusses her work, her thoughts on the arts during the pandemic and her innovative lockdown project, Shoe Dances.

Drawing from her research residency at Jacksons Lane, Maisie Whitehead adapted her physical theatre project When Grief Came to Stay into an online series of 5 video shorts, each by a different artist working in a different medium. Watch the video of Masie’s live performance at the end of her residency.

Shelley Maxwell shared the first project from her new multimedia production company Bennu Creative House in collaboration with Kiln Theatre. PIVOT is part of Pocket Com, a series of comedy sketches that partners with theatres or arts organisations in order to create charitable revenue.

New documentary Rising Phoenix, exploring how the Paralympics continue to change attitudes towards disability, excellence, diversity and human potential, was released on Netflix. The film’s soundtrack was recorded during lockdown and features violin from alum Gemma Lunt. 

Alumni continued to share their insights and expertise this month.

Dee Byrne, Cherise Adams-Burnett and Sheila Maurice-Grey featured in Trinity Laban’s Girls and Young Women in Jazz virtual taster day, sharing insights with young female musicians into staying motivated and building skills during lockdown, experiences of studying jazz in a conservatoire and the challenges that female musicians face.

We caught up with trombonist Gav Hall in the latest in our Alumni Spotlight series, to reflect on his time as a student, understand what it’s like to be a military musician, and to hear what’s next.

Mercury-nominated composer Cassie Kinoshi contributed to Ear Opener’s new series of videos on composition from top industry professionals, sharing her expertise on how to arrange, write to a brief and create balance in your music.

Shelley Maxwell talked to TL about her new multimedia production company Bennu Creative House and its vision to build innovative artistic concepts encompassing content across film, television, theatre and digital media.

Teaching Musician alum Kay Charlton released her new book How to teach Whole-class instrumental lessons – 50 Inspiring Ideas, and actress Shobna Gulati discussed her book Remember Me? Discovering my mother as she lost her memory in an episode of Women’s Hour on BBC Radio Four.

COMING UP

The Siobhan Davies Next Choreography Festival will take place online from 09 – 11 October, led by choreographer and TL alum Alexandrina Hemsley and featuring work from Renée Bellamy and Alison Thomas. Join the free festival on Zoom.

The Jazz Cafe has a selection of great concerts over the next couple of months, including Jay Phelps’ album launch on 22 October, Ayanna Witter-Johnson on 17 November and Camilla George on 19 November.

If you’re in London this weekend, head to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to see pianist, singer and songwriter Reuben James perform live on Saturday night.

Dance alum Joseph Houseal’s organisation Core of Culture is hosting a new four-part lecture series this month. The series of talks are on ‘Mudra and the Diamond Spheres’, the organisation’s four-year initiative assisting the preservation of Buddhist ritual heritage in dance and movement. Sign up for the weekly Wednesday online talks.

We’re so excited to see the EFG London Jazz Festival line-up of live and streamed gigs. Check out the schedule, including live performances from Daniel Casimir, Laura Jurd’s Dinosaur, SEED Ensemble and Ayanna Witter-Johnson, a composition masterclass with Peter Edwards, streams from Emma-Jean Thackray, Rosie Turton and Samuel Eagles, and Jazz 625 featuring Moses Boyd, KOKOROKO, Nubya Garcia and Ezra Collective. Moses Boyd will also join Gary Crosby and Tomorrow’s Warriors and in a celebration of Charlie Parker. Book your tickets here.

The Abbie Finn Trio’s new album Northern Perspective will be out on 1 November – preorder your copy on Bandcamp. 

Following the release of her critically-acclaimed album SOURCE, Nubya Garcia will perform in the Barbican’s upcoming series of concerts. Listen in from home or watch in person at the venue on 29 October.

Catch TL alum and choreographer Matthias Sperling in Transparencies at Siobhan Davies Studios. On Thursday 29 October, Matthias will join Siobhan Davies and Julie Cunningham for an evening investigating identity, knowledge and the mind in movement.

Trumpeter Gav Hall studied as a part-time postgraduate music student at Trinity Laban whilst also serving in the British Army.

Since graduating in 2006, he has continued his career in the forces. He currently serves as a Sergeant with the Band of the Grenadier Guards.

We caught up with him to reflect on his time as a student, understand what it’s like to be a military musician, and to hear what’s next.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

“I never intended to pursue a career in music and actively avoided music education until around the age of 21 when I commenced undergraduate studies in Manchester. By luck, I was performing to a very high standard with Brass Bands in Yorkshire at the time and a degree was a perfect next step.

“Upon graduating, I fell into office-based jobs. I found they got in the way of music, so I looked around for other avenues. I knew I wanted to be able to play for a living. When I started looking into what the Army offered, I was sold. After contacting one of the bands in London I was invited for an audition. Shortly after, at the age of 25, I commenced Basic Military Training. The rest has been a fantastic and rewarding experience.”

What was your experience of studying at Trinity Laban?

“Trinity Laban was a fantastic experience for me. I studied on the part-time PG Dip Course alongside my duties within the British Army. The band I was in were exceedingly busy at the time, undertaking numerous overseas tours and also ensuring that the daily State Ceremonial duties such as Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour and The State Opening of Parliament were completed to the highest of standards.

“The staff at Trinity Laban were understanding of my commitments and ensured that, where possible, I didn’t miss out on the performance opportunities available. I made friends for life both from the student body and staff. I truly believe Trinity Laban made a huge impact on the musician I am today.”

How has your training at Trinity Laban prepared you for your career?

“Trinity Laban certainly opened my eyes to more aspects of music and also encouraged me to become more free thinking as both a musician and an individual. This has enabled me to think outside of the box.

“We  undertake huge amounts of outreach work and I have been lucky enough to be part of the planning processes for this. I have drawn upon all my experiences at Trinity Laban to ensure we plan and execute high quality outreach at all levels including schools, universities and conservatoires.”

Tell us about your experiences as Sergeant with the Band of the Grenadier Guards

“My time within the Grenadier Guards, amongst some 200 musicians, has been rewarding in myriad ways. As a performer, being in the Army has taken me all over the world including Australia, Japan and the US in addition to most of mainland Europe. I have been very lucky to play in some amazing concert halls, to sell out audiences and luckier still, to be a featured soloist on numerous occasions.

“Work in the UK sees us perform as musical support to State Ceremonial and the main engagements, including the Queen’s Birthday Parade, Remembrance at the Cenotaph and the State Opening of Parliament. A recent highlight has been performing fanfares at The Commonwealth Service with Her Majesty the Queen in attendance.

“More recently I was honoured to play a part in the national response to the Covid-19 outbreak working as part of a Mobile Testing Unit. This was a far cry from the day job but was an amazingly worthwhile and rewarding experience.

“In all of these tasks I have worked alongside fellow Trinity Alumni  who always give their all and are equally as versatile as they are talented.”

Any advice to aspiring young brass players?

“My advice to aspiring players would be to grab every opportunity and immerse yourself in as many styles and genres as possible. More than that, try to enjoy every experience and take a moment to really appreciate where you are and what you are doing.”

What’s next?

“As we start moving back to some semblance of normality after the pandemic and lockdown, we are looking at new and ingenious ways to interact with audiences. A big part of my work sees me putting together outreach projects up and down the country and we are working on the creation of virtual platforms to continue encouraging the next generation of performers. We hope to be able to help music educators jump start their programmes and to help their students to make the most of all opportunities that may arise.

“I’m very fortunate, especially given the current climate, to have the opportunity to serve for at least another ten years. I hope to use this time to gain further experiences, performing at a host of nationally important events and enthusing future generations.”

–

Image credit: Dan Griffiths

The Trinity Laban alum has formed production company Bennu Creative House

New multimedia production company Bennu Creative House is now opening its doors to build innovative artistic concepts encompassing content across film, television, theatre, and digital media.

The company was formed in May 2020 by Trinity Laban alum Shelley Maxwell alongside: Clement Ishmael, Candian composer and worldwide musical supervisor of Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King; Michelle McGivern, Director of Wright and Murray Creative arts agency; and Celise Hicks, the resident dance supervisor of Disney’s The Lion King on the West End.

Shelley comments –

“We are a company motivated by diversity, representation and equality and we intend to curate, produce and develop work to reflect that. Inclusivity and freedom to thrive are at the core of our vision. We are a home where artists can grow and be supported from ideas to final creation.”

Jamaican-born Shelley completed her Masters in Choreography at Trinity Laban in 2007 and has gone on to forge a career as a successful Movement Director, Choreographer and writer, receiving the award for Best Choreographer at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards (BBTA) in 2019 for her work on Equus.

Bennu Creative House’s first project is Pocket Com, a series of comedy sketches that partners with theatres or arts organisations in order to create charitable revenue for them while also creating jobs within the industry for actors, writers, directors, film crews and postproduction teams.

The first series, entitled PIVOT, is delivered in partnership with the Kiln Theatre and launches on Friday 25 September. It will be made available for free across all the social media platforms associated with Bennu Creative House, the Kiln Theatre and the actors Shobna Gulati, Lucian Msamati, Fisayo Akinade, Dickon Tyrrell and Hiba Elchikeh.

Watch Shelley’s interview: