Skip to main content

TL Students win Olivier Award

Thu 19 November 2020

Saxophonist Louis Suc and percussionist Betsy Selner part of ENO’s winning Children’s Ensemble

First year Wind, Brass and Percussion students Louis Suc and Betsy Selner are celebrating winning an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera.

Performing alongside professional singers, actors and musicians, the pair were part of the 120-strong Children’s Ensemble for English National Opera’s co-production of Noye’s Fludde with Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The production of Benjamin Britten’s joyous masterpiece involved ENO Baylis Learning and Participation projects, including a youth orchestra and children’s chorus from local East London schools.

The show ran from 1 – 31 July 2019 and was hailed as ‘enchanting’ by The Stage and praised by The Guardian for ‘winning performances all around’. The production was also nominated for ‘Best New Opera Production’ at this year’s Olivier Awards.

Betsy comments –

“Playing percussion in Noye’s Fludde with the ENO was an incredible opportunity. I got to perform with talented professional performers, such as Trinity Laban’s percussion teacher Mick Doran, who really helped me improve on my ensemble skills and techniques. I was also introduced to new instruments, such as slung mugs. I am very grateful to have had the chance to experiment with them.

“The fact that the production won an Oliver award is such an amazing achievement. I am so glad that the Children Ensemble’s hard work has been recognised.

“I am looking forward to continuing to collaborate with more talented musicians during my training at Trinity Laban.”

Louis Suc played second trumpet in the production. He adds –

“It was a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to play alongside musicians from the prestigious ENO for Noye’s Fludde. Being able to perform in the iconic Theatre Royal Stratford was an added treat.

“I was genuinely pleased that the production won an Olivier award. At a time when theatre and live music are on hold, it’s important to be reminded of the immense joy that the arts bring.

“Looking ahead, I am particularly to take part in TL’s CoLab in February 2021 where more thrilling musical experiences await.”

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