2005 Awardee: Susan McCathie

I am so overwhelmed by your support and cannot thank you enough. You have given me the opportunity to move one step closer to my dream

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Susan McCathie gained a first-class honours degree in music teaching at the University of Aberdeen. Her singing tutor was struck by the potential of her singing, both by her technical ability and her artistic response to the music she was performing. She received maximum marks at her end of year assessments.

In gaining a place on the prestigious Royal Academy of Music’s one-year postgraduate Musical Theatre course, Susan beat off some serious competition. Over 1,500 people applied for the 30 places given.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award funded Susan on the one-year postgraduate Musical Theatre course at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Since the Award

Susan graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance, gaining a distinction in all but one subject.  She continues to write songs, and to sing, act and teach singing.

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I am so overwhelmed by your support and cannot thank you enough. You have given me the opportunity to move one step closer to my dream

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2005 Awardee: Steven Graham

Steven has the best potential of any young percussionist/drummer I have ever seen or heard.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Steven Graham ranks winning the World Pipe Championships as a member of the Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band as one of his greatest achievements to date.

Steven started drumming at six, by the age of 14 he became one of the youngest drummers to play in Grade 1 when he competed with the Dysart and Dundonald Pipe Band.

On the solo scene, Steven’s achievements have been equally impressive, winning every solo contest available at Junior grade at least twice. In 2004 he played Djembe and snare drums with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers when they supported ‘Darkness’ on stage at T in the Park. He achieved all this without a drum of his own.

From Inverkeithing in Fife, Steven is coming to the end of his studies in piping at RSAMD, under the tutelage of world-class percussionist, Jim Kilpatrick, where Steven’s tutors predict a stellar career.

Snare drumming is Steven’s passion, although he is equally talented on Djembe, Bohdran and other percussion instruments.

How the Award Helped

A Dewar Arts Award helped Steven to buy a performance-standard snare drum to match his prodigious talent.

Since the Award

Steven graduated with a music degree in 2005 and was set to teach snare drumming. His band, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, won the “When will I be Famous?” competition hosted by Graham Norton and since then have begun to carve out a performing career.

They released the highly successful ‘Bagrock to the Masses’ CD in 2007, performed at New York’s Tartan Week in 2008 and at Ewan MacGregor’s annual Burns Supper in London two years running.

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Steven has the best potential of any young percussionist/drummer I have ever seen or heard.

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2005 Awardee: Sophie Boyne

I have been doing well in my course and enjoying it immensely. Getting this award means I can concentrate on my course work without having to worry about when I can work

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Sophie started to learn to sing at the age of two and to learn to dance at three. Her first audition was at the age of five in Aberdeen for The Sound of Music.

By the time she was 18, Sophie had been a member of Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre for seven years and been accepted into the National Youth Music Theatre three times (once as the youngest person, twice as the only Scot).

She has performed twice at the Edinburgh Festival, danced in The Nutcracker with both Siaga Ballet in Japan and with the Scottish Ballet and toured with Atomic Kitten, Liberty X and Steps. When she supported one of her favourite pop bands 5ive, she performed solo in front of a 15,000 crowd at the Glasgow Exhibition and Conference Centre.

How the Award Helped

Since she was thirteen, Sophie dreamed of becoming a performer. Being accepted by the Guildford School of Music and Drama brought her a huge step closer to the fulfilment of that dream.

Since the Award

Sophie graduated in 2008 with a first class honours. After the final Showcase she was signed up by an agent and immediately walked into a job at Greenwich Theatre playing the female lead in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ where she got excellent reviews. Sophie writes, “without the scholarship I would have not been able to accept my place at Guildford School of Acting.”

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I have been doing well in my course and enjoying it immensely. Getting this award means I can concentrate on my course work without having to worry about when I can work

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2005 Awardee: Ross Dickson

I worked with some of the best teachers at college and I was hugely influenced by many of them.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ross is Dumbarton’s own ‘Billy Elliott’. He started dancing at the age of eight and quickly showed talent.

Natural-born talent, combined with dedication and commitment to his craft, helped Ross become a Senior Associate of the Scottish Ballet and go on to win most of the major Scottish prizes in tap and modern dance. In 2005 he became Scottish Tap and Modern Champion.

Ross is now studying musical theatre at the Doreen Bird College in Sidcup, Kent. As his dance teacher writes, “being a boy in the West of Scotland who wants to dance brings many challenges.” Facing these challenges has given Ross the determination and single-mindedness he needs in order to make a successful career in musical theatre.

How the Award Helped

Ross received a Dewar Arts Award towards his studies at the Bird College in Kent.

Since the Award

After a difficult start at college, Ross put his head down and worked extra hard to improve. He was cast in two numbers in the end of year show, roles which are usually reserved for second and third year students, which, he said, gave his confidence a massive boost.

By the second year he joined the Bird Theatre Company on its tour to Portugal and in year three was cast in one of the lead roles of the third-year musical. Before Ross graduated he was offered a place on a cruise ship as a dancer.

When back in the UK, Ross joins in classes at Scottish Ballet and does the rounds of auditions. Ross is now living his dream.

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I worked with some of the best teachers at college and I was hugely influenced by many of them.

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2005 Awardee: Richard Craig

The award has re-affirmed the self-belief needed to exist as a member of the arts community. I now feel that I have 'arrived' in Europe and I hope to build on this in the future

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.richardcraig.net
 
 

Biography

From Clydebank, Richard is regarded as one of the most versatile and talented young flautists in the UK. Studying first at the RSAMD, he went on to win one of only three coveted places at the Conservatoire in Strasbourg.

His tutor at the Conservatoire writes that he is one of the most interesting musicians of his generation. His musical sensitivity and talents allow him to play both mainstream repertoire and the most demanding contemporary repertoire with an absolute mastery.

This high praise is borne out by the number of musical prizes that Richard has garnered in the last few years.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award helped fund Richard for two years through his studies at the Conservatoire in Strasbourg.

Since the Award

The Dewar Arts Award helped fund Richard for two years through his studies at the Conservatoire in Strasbourg.

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The award has re-affirmed the self-belief needed to exist as a member of the arts community. I now feel that I have 'arrived' in Europe and I hope to build on this in the future

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2005 Awardee: Paul Jennings

One of the highlights for me [of 2006] was being able to perform the New Voices [piece] I composed along with fellow percussionist Fraser Stone. The show went great with between 250 and 300 people at the show, we had a great response. We will be looking to record the piece and release it later this year

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

At age 11, Paul was inspired to learn to play music when he first went to the Folk Festival in Shetland, where he grew up. Concentrating on folk and Celtic music, he has become an accomplished percussionist and is now considered to be one of the top players in his genre.

Paul became a professional musician at the age of 18. Since then he has played with, amongst others, Old Blind Dogs, Fred Morrison, Maggie Macinnes and Stuart Cassells and has performed on over 25 albums.

His current band is the up-and-coming Croft No. Five, who in 2005 were invited to perform in Toronto at the First Minister’s reception during his State Visit to Canada.

How the Award Helped

In 2006 Paul and Fraser Stone, also a Dewar Arts Award winner, worked on a New Voices commission for Celtic Connections.

Since the Award

According to Paul, his old drum kit sounded ‘more like an old bucket each day’ and he needed a new kit to do this important commission justice and to record the Croft No. Five new album.

The Dewar Arts Award enabled Paul to buy a new drum kit.

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One of the highlights for me [of 2006] was being able to perform the New Voices [piece] I composed along with fellow percussionist Fraser Stone. The show went great with between 250 and 300 people at the show, we had a great response. We will be looking to record the piece and release it later this year

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2005 Awardee: Nuño de Araujo Pereira

Opera is what I really love and enjoy doing and I am willing to go and work wherever I can to succeed. Without your generous support, I would never have had any of this.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 30
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Nuño is one of two Portuguese opera singers who have benefited from the Dewar Arts Awards, the other being Carla Caramujo.

While Nuño was studying mathematics and music at Coimbra University in Portugal his singing teachers began to encourage him to consider seriously a career in opera. Subsequently, his teachers at the Opera School at the RSAMD, Glasgow consider his voice – which is a strong baritone with a naturally attractive darkish timbre to it – to be a good Verdi baritone in the making.

A tall man with a big voice and a big stage presence to match, Nuño has already impressed as someone with a healthy ambition, keen to improve and not afraid to work hard.

Nuño has had to struggle financially throughout his vocal studies.  The support from the Dewar Arts Awards enabled him to continue studying at Glasgow at the point when he almost had to give up.  He writes, “I have a big ambition to succeed in Opera. I have worked hard for the last three years in Scotland and now have the wonderful opportunity to develop even more.”

Nuño has completed his studies in Glasgow and is in Germany working with a teacher who trained, amongst other top tenors, José Carreras.

How the Award Helped

Nuño received an award to help fund his postgraduate studies in opera at RSAMD, Glasgow.

Since the Award

Nuño successfully completed his studies in Glasgow and moved to Germany to work with a teacher who trained, amongst other top tenors, José Carreras.

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Opera is what I really love and enjoy doing and I am willing to go and work wherever I can to succeed. Without your generous support, I would never have had any of this.

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2005 Awardee: Nicole O’Neill

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Nicole, from Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, has been dancing since the age of two. In 1999, then aged 12, she was the only Scottish girl to win a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

In 2005, while still a student, Nicole was picked to tour with the Royal Ballet to Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. The same year, she was one of two students selected to do a Summer School of Excellence in New York at the American Academy of Ballet.

In her final report, the Royal Ballet says of Nicole that, “She is equally capable in classical, contemporary and dramatic works and has also produced many impressive choreographic works herself.”

Nicole graduated from the Royal Ballet School in 2006 and is currently auditioning with the major ballet companies. Because female dancers are returning to dance after starting a family – able to retain their fitness and performance quality throughout – this means that new graduates are having to wait a bit longer to get a start in a ballet company.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award helped fund Nicole’s final two years at the Royal Ballet School, London.

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Awardee: Louis Abbott

YEAR OF AWARD:
AGE AT AWARD:
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Louis caught the eye of his percussion teacher at an early age at Beeslack School in Penicuik. She considered him to be the most naturally talented young percussionist she had ever taught.

Joint winner of the Colin O’Rairdon Memorial Competition in 2003, Louis gained a place in the RSAMD Junior School, later progressing to the RSAMD to study music.

Equally at home in playing orchestral, jazz and rock styles, and a gifted soloist on both marimba and drum kit, Louis is also a talented composer and regularly records his original works. He has a wonderful career in music ahead of him.

How the Award Helped

Louis received a Daughter of Dewar Award for a range of new percussion equipment.

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2005 Awardee: Lauren Steel

I was delighted to received your letter informing me that I had been awarded a grant for a new cello bow

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Lauren’s family moved from Stornoway so that she could attend Aberdeen City Music School to continue studying ‘cello. The director of the Music School says that Lauren is simply one of the best musicians they have had.

In 2005, she was the only young musician from Aberdeen to win a place on the prestigious National Youth Orchestra for Great Britain.  A combination of outstanding talent and sheer hard work enabled her to pass grade 8 ‘cello by a massive 142 out of a possible 150.

How the Award Helped

Lauren received a Daughter of Dewar Award to buy a new ‘cello bow.

Since the Award

The day after she was told about the Award, she heard that she had been accepted to study cello at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Many string players believe that a good bow is just as crucial to their playing as a good instrument.  Lauren tried a selection of bows before choosing a modern French one for its lightness and ease of manipulation.

She writes, “the degrees of sound production were increased and the actual tone produced was noticeably different….there were many new colours to experiment with.”

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I was delighted to received your letter informing me that I had been awarded a grant for a new cello bow

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