Sam Jackson (Image: Carsten Windhorst)

We are proud to announce that Trinity Laban Board Member Sam Jackson has been appointed as BBC Radio 3’s new Controller, with Alan Davey, Trinity Laban Chair of Governors, handing over the reins.

In his new role, Sam will be driving the strategy for the UK’s leading classical music network, as well as having creative and managerial responsibility for the running of the whole station.

“I’m thrilled to be tasked with driving Radio 3 forward, with the help of brilliant people across the BBC and the wider music sector”, said Sam Jackson on his new appointment.

Known as one of the industry’s most respected leaders, Sam started his career as a runner for the BBC Proms, moving on to work extensively across broadcasting and the recorded music industry, including running three national radio brands: Classic FM, Smooth and Gold. Named by The Hospital Club as “one of the 100 most influential and innovative people working across arts, culture, and the creative industries”, Sam brings a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles, most recently as Executive Vice-President of Global Classics & Jazz for Universal Music Group.

Coming full circle, in his new role Sam will also be leading on the delivery of the annual BBC Proms, the world’s biggest classical music festival, ensuring the network and the BBC Proms remain at the forefront of cultural life in the UK and across the world.

Sam commented on the honour and enormity of the task: “BBC Radio 3 is unlike any other station: a network delivering ambitious, unique content, with live classical music at its core. This ambition, quality and diversity must stay at the heart of everything Radio 3 and the BBC Proms deliver.”

Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music, welcomes Sam saying: “I’m delighted that Sam will be joining us as Controller of Radio 3, leading the strategy for classical music across the BBC. Sam’s track record in broadcasting, love of classical music and inspirational leadership will be crucial to the BBC’s ongoing commitment to bring great music to everyone.”

Sam will work alongside David Pickard, Director of BBC Proms, and Simon Webb, who was recently announced as the BBC’s first Head of Orchestras and Choirs. At Trinity Laban, we are extremely enthusiastic about this extraordinary team and look forward to seeing what Sam and his colleagues create.

You can follow Sam Jackson on Twitter here.

Jerwood Foundation has given an annual grant to Trinity Laban for the Jerwood International Chair of Violoncello and Chamber Music at Trinity Laban for three years and Trinity Laban String Ensemble: Jerwood Concerts and Tour over two years.

This grant has enabled us to employ Raphael Wallfisch as our International Chair of Violonchello and Chamber Music from the academic year 2022/23. Raphael Wallfisch is one of the most celebrated cellists performing on the international stage.

Trinity Laban String Ensemble concerts and tours will commence in 2023 and will feature TL students, giving them the benefit of industry facing experience.

Image credit: John Hunter

London’s creative conservatoire is delighted to announce Hao Zi Yoh as the new recipient of the Bagri Foundation Scholarship. The Malaysian-born pianist joined Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music on the one-year Artist Diploma Programme this September.  

Supported by the Bagri Foundation, talented young musician Hao Zi Yoh will study within Trinity Laban’s internationally celebrated Keyboard Department. The Artist Diploma is an ideal bridge to the music profession for advanced students who have already completed a postgraduate programme. During this academic year, she will further develop her technical, musical and entrepreneurial skills, work with fellow artists and study under renowned-pianist Martino Tirimo. 

The Bagri Foundation Scholarship

The Scholarship is part of the Foundation’s mission to encourage emerging artists from Asia to develop their work, especially those in need of additional financial support. Established in 1990, the Bagri Foundation is committed to individual excellence in the arts. It works collaboratively across artistic disciplines to engage and inspire, raising the visibility of artists and experts from across Asia and the Diaspora. 

As a Bagri Foundation Scholar at Trinity Laban, Hao Zi will continue to cultivate her distinct and individual artistic voice through performance, mentoring and collaboration to confidently enter the music world with a highly evolved professional profile and portfolio. 

Hao Zi’s plans

On being awarded the scholarship Hao Zi Yoh comments –  

“Being an international student, funding has always been a huge concern especially as a musician, where countless hours are spent in a practice room before performing to an audience.   

The Bagri Foundation Scholarship has been crucial in providing me the opportunity to further explore and widen my horizon as an Artist Diploma student, learning from incredibly experienced professors and still take part in international competitions and performances throughout the year. This would not be possible without such generous scholarship to aide my journey as a growing musician. I am immensely grateful.” 

Making a real difference

Trinity Laban’s Director of Music, Havilland Willshire comments –  

“Trinity Laban is a leader for international development in arts education and innovation, and we are proud to continue to work with the Bagri Foundation to further our commitment to widening access for talented and dedicated international students. Our relationship with the Foundation is highly valued and of huge importance to us in helping to support young performing artists from Asia.” 

Alka Bagri, Trustee of the Bagri Foundation says –  

“The Foundation is pleased to continue our partnership with Trinity Laban with the Bagri Foundation Scholarship. With our roots in education, we are excited to continue this legacy and to make a real difference to the artists we support. We cannot wait to see how Hao Zi develops her talents on the Artist Diploma programme and look forward to working with her and Trinity Laban throughout the academic year.” 

Interested in studying music at Trinity Laban? Download our digital prospectus here.

Image credit: Andreea Tufescu

London’s Creative Conservatoire has appointed Dr. Aleksander Szram as its new Director of Music, following an extensive international search. 

Aleks will take up the position in February 2023, following current Director of Music, Havilland Willshire’s retirement at the end of this year. 

Aleks joined Trinity Laban’s teaching staff 15 years ago and is currently Programme Leader of the BMus and Foundation programmes, a Reader in Performance Studies and a Senior Teaching Fellow supervising creative practice PhDs. 

Trinity Laban’s Principal, Anthony Bowne, said:  

“I am very pleased that Dr. Aleks Szram has been appointed as the new Director of Music at Trinity Laban. I am confident that Aleks’ passion for the conservatoire, inclusive leadership style, and vision for the future will equip him to lead our Faculty of Music to further successes as we continue to deliver the objectives of our strategic plan. 

“Aleks will be a worthy successor to Havilland Willshire who, since 2018, has led our Faculty of Music with generosity, collegiality and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.” 

Dr. Aleks Szram, said:  

“I am delighted and honoured to become Trinity Laban’s new Director of Music. I am looking forward to working with our extraordinarily talented staff and students and building upon on our rich history of innovation while providing an inclusive environment that supports all our students to achieve success.”   

Trinity Laban’s Director of Music provides strategic, artistic and educational direction and leadership for the Faculty of Music and ensures that its programmes, performance activities and business plans are implemented effectively.  

Congratulations to Luke Bacchus, 4th year BMus (Hons) Jazz piano student, for reaching the final of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022. The prestigious event celebrates some of the UK’s most talented emerging jazz performers.

The biennial celebration of the most talented up-and-coming musicians on the British jazz scene, BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 returns with a live final at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre on Saturday 19 November.

Luke is one of five shortlisted finalists – aged 20 to 23.  They will showcase their talents accompanied by the acclaimed Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum trio.

The Live Final

Staged in collaboration with the EFG London Jazz Festival, the Final will be broadcasted on BBC Four on Sunday 20 November from 8pm, presented by Jamz Supernova and Huw Stephens, both DJs and broadcasters.

All five young musicians will present a 14-minute set from the standard jazz repertoire. And each performance will include at least one piece composed or arranged by themselves.

The judging panel are saxophonist and composer Camilla George, pianist, composer and producer Bill Laurance, and member of global phenomenon Snarky Puppy and vocalist Claire Martin, OBE. Plus, TL alumni, multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer Emma-Jean Thackray and composer, singer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson.

Suzy Klein, BBC Head of Arts and Classical Music TV, said: “We are delighted to support some exceptional new British jazz talent, and to share their inspiring performances with audiences at home. It is such a privilege to shine a light on these rising stars, supporting them as they take their first steps in their careers in the music industry.”

2020 Winner

2020 winner, TL alum and jazz tutor, pianist Deschanel Gordon, is building a successful career performing in the UK and beyond. Only last month he featured on Reader’s Digest’s list of 50 Inspirational young UK jazz artists and composers to listen to as part of their profile piece on the UK jazz scene.

Where to watch and listen

As well as to the coverage on BBC Four, BBC iPlayer will host the Final for 12 months after initial broadcast, and BBC Radio 3 will broadcast event highlights on Saturday 3 December as part of J to Z, also on BBC Sounds.

Tickets for the live Final at the Queen Elizabeth Hall can be bought here.

Good luck Luke!

Interested in studying Jazz? Head to our Jazz pages to learn more.

We are delighted that three Trinity Laban BMus Year 2 students are recipients of Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrument Purchase Grants 2022. 

Originally established by the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation, the grant serves to ensure young musicians can train on good quality instruments. This year the Royal Philharmonic Society supported 18 students from eight UK music colleges by providing a total of £16,000 in grants.

Read on to find out about our student recipients. 

Morgan Key, Cello

Morgan is studying cello with Professorial staff member Naomi Butterworth and received a £1000 grant towards his instrument. 

As well as studying cello, he is also a Saturday assistant at Junior Trinity in Musicianship and Improvisation classes. Outside of TL he works with children on Pro Corda residential strings courses and runs school workshops to introduce students to classical music. 

Morgan also plays in the Orpheus string quartet, performing at venues around the UK. 

Olivia Hughes, Jazz specialising in Trombone

Olivia is studying Jazz at TL and is focusing on both tenor trombone with tutor Trevor Mires, and bass trombone with tutor Richard Henry. She received a £1000 grant towards a bass trombone.   

Olivia joined the Aldeburgh Young Musicians in 2018 playing both types of trombone after establishing a musical background on euphonium. 

Dexter Wong, Trombone  

Dexter received a grant of £900 towards a trombone, which he will use in his studies with Professorial staff member Philip White. 

Dexter is the principal trombone of several orchestras and bands, including the London Euphonia Orchestra, the Hong Kong Joint University Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong Joint University Symphonic Band. He is also currently performing as the resident guest principal trombone of the Hong Kong University Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong University Symphonic Band. 

Congratulations to all our student recipients and thank you to the generosity of RPS in supporting them in their studies and future careers. 

Interested in studying music at Trinity Laban? Download our digital prospectus here.

We are excited to announce that The Hearn Foundation has generously agreed to fund celebrated Irish soprano, Ailish Tynan, as the International Artist in Voice at Trinity Laban.  

Ailish will be joining us in September to provide expert coaching and feedback to TL’s Vocal Studies students. The Hearn Foundation’s generous gift will fund nine sessions across the year, for the next three academic years. She will also work with students on a mini concert, once a year, with one student receiving a bursary award of £500.  

Ailish won the 2003 Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, was a member of the prestigious Vilar Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. She was also a BBC New Generation Artist, where she recorded and performed prolifically with the BBC orchestras and in recital. 

Recent engagements include recitals at Wigmore Hall, Leeds Lieder and New Paths Music; Finzi In Terra Pax with the BBC Symphony Orchestra; Orff Carmina Burana with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Mahler Symphony No.4 with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra; and her return to Garsington Opera as Despina in Così fan tutte. 

Ailish joined our judging panel for the final of the Carne Trust Chamber Competition in June, hosted for the first time in front of a live audience, after its launch had been impacted by the pandemic. 

On hearing the news, Ailish announced on social media –  

“I am thrilled to say that I’ve been appointed International Artist in Voice for Trinity Laban. I could not be more delighted and can’t wait to start in September and join the fantastic team already doing brilliant work.” 

Interested in studying Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban? Find out more here.