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Several representatives from the conservatoire joined a Parliamentary Reception marking the Association of British Orchestra’s 70th anniversary as the representative body for professional orchestras and youth ensembles across the UK.

Chair of Trinity Laban Harriet Harman, and Trinity Laban board member and Managing Editor of Classic FM Sam Jackson both addressed guests at last night’s event, while student ensemble The Dréme String Quartet delighted with a live performance.

Hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Classical Music, and sponsored by Classic FM, key sector representatives were welcomed by presenter John Suchet and speakers from across the political spectrum. They included Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism Michael Ellis MP, and Shadow Secretary for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Tom Watson.

Guests in the Churchill Rooms at the Houses of Parliament enjoyed live music courtesy of Trinity Laban student ensemble The Dréme String Quartet, including a feature performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 4, Op 18.

The ensemble’s members Elena Abad (violin), Melanie Gruwez (violin), Javier Morillas (viola) and Yunah Proost (cello) are all individual award winners of various national and international competitions, and have performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and Europe. They formed as The Dréme String Quartet in November 2017, and have undertaken masterclasses with the Carducci and Smith Quartet (both Carne Trust Ensembles in Residence) while studying at Trinity Laban.

The Dréme String Quartet will perform Beethoven’s fourth string quartet in the final of the prestigious Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition in May – a competition which has been won by Trinity Laban ensembles for the past two years. 

In his speech, ABO Chair Gavin Reid thanked the Trinity Laban musicians for their performance, and John Suchet commented that “Beethoven would be delighted to hear his music played so terrifically”.

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson MP further praised The Dréme String Quartet’s playing and noted how it had “brought serenity to proceedings in parliament” for the evening. He went on to speak about the necessity of investment in music education to continue the development of exceptionally talented musicians who act as cultural ambassadors for the UK.

Harriet Harman MP, Chair of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, said –  

“The success of British orchestras over these past 70 years is matched by the success of our world-leading conservatoires. As Chair of Trinity Laban, I am proud that our institution, alongside other specialist conservatoires, provides high quality training for the musicians of the future, with unrivalled graduate employment. Having an effective pipeline, from school to youth orchestra, conservatoire to professional employment in our great orchestras, is vital to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity for this country’s talented young musicians. British conservatoires are vital to ensuring our classical music industry remains the best in the world, and I’d like to thank the ABO for the support and advocacy that it provides for the sector.”

For more information about the Association of British Orchestras, visit the ABO website.

To find out more about studying at Trinity Laban, visit our music pages.

 

Image credit: Andrew Wiard