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Trinity Laban presents Honorary Fellowship in New York

Mon 13 November 2017

Trinity Laban has presented an Honorary Fellowship to alumnus former General Director of Santa Fe Opera and Opera Theater of St Louis Richard Gaddes, in recognition of his 50 year career in opera in the USA.

The Fellowship was presented by fellow Trinity Laban alumnus Sir Matthew Bourne at a “TL in NYC” reception in New York City on 2 November.

Both Richard Gaddes and Sir Matthew Bourne talked about how their time at Trinity Laban had set them on the path to career success. Richard Gaddes commented –

“Life takes strange twists and turns, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that Trinity College of Music was directly responsible for my career in opera, and for my coming to America in the first place. But more important, it was the four years studying that equipped me with the musical background I needed, and fine-tuned my ear for what lay ahead in my career.”

Sir Matthew added –

“Having limited experience as a dancer before studying at the Laban Centre – now Trinity Laban – I was thrilled to be accepted onto a course there, and even more excited to be accepted onto Transitions Dance Company, as I previously had not seen myself as someone who could dance professionally. The experience I had touring with Transitions Dance Company led directly to me setting up my own company. I never would have dreamed the career I have today was possible – and it’s thanks to my experience and training at what’s now Trinity Laban.”

As well as incorporating the Honorary Fellowship presentation, the “TL in NYC” reception also celebrated Trinity Laban’s increasing presence and importance in the USA. The reception was attended by key institutional partners, influential members of the artistic community, and also some of the many alumni who are building successful careers across the pond. After the reception, many of those present also attended a performance of Sir Matthew Bourne’s ballet The Red Shoes at the New York City Center.

Image from L-R: Sir Matthew Bourne, Richard Gaddes, Professor Anthony Bowne (Laura Massa/Michael Priest Photography)