2009 Awardee: Nicky Spence

Thank you so much….I can’t tell you how grateful I am to ..the trustees for your generous support. It’s true to say that without this award, my life this year would be significantly more difficult.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.nickyspence.com
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in rural Dumfries and Galloway, Nicky Spence showed early musical promise, which was nurtured both at school and in the community. From an early age, his goal was to sing professionally on the operatic stage.

Thanks to scholarship support he studied music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, completing a BMus, MMus and MMP with distinction. Nicky became a bit of a star in his own right at an early stage while he was at the Guildhall after he made a well-received CD. But this did not deflect him from pursuing seriously his opera studies. He has recently gained entry to the highly-competitive and prestigious National Opera Studio.

Already Nicky has performed in some of the coolest venues in Europe and has sung with well-known singers as diverse as Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Dame Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel. He is a Britten-Pears Young Artist and Samling Scholar and his awards include the Kathleen Ferrier Young Singer’s Bursary Award, the Young Classical Performer of the Year nomination at the Classical Brit Awards and a place in the final of the Gold Medal at the Guildhall School.

Nicky’s teachers consider him to be one of the most gifted singers of his generation who is developing into a professionally exciting operatic tenor. British Youth Opera cast him as Tom Rakewell in the 2009 production of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. For more information about Nicky, see www.nickyspence.com.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with Nicky’s studies at the National Opera Studio.

Since the Award

During the year, Nicky was selected to represent the Studio in the annual Bruce Millar Opera Prize and repaid their confidence by bringing the prize back after many years absence. He writes that “one of the most useful elements of the Studio is its ready connection with outside entities who are working in the operatic arena.” As a result he had the opportunity during the year of working with renowned singers, directors and conductors as well as auditioning for many of the major opera companies. Nicky has won principal roles in 2010-2011 at Scottish Opera (debut), ENO, Opera North, Opera Holland Park and in Paris and America.

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Thank you so much….I can’t tell you how grateful I am to ..the trustees for your generous support. It’s true to say that without this award, my life this year would be significantly more difficult.

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2009 Awardee: Patrick Kenny

I am delighted to accept your generous award.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born Patrick comes from a musical family, both his parents are musicians, and at an early age he showed himself also to be an exceptionally talented musician.

In 2007 Patrick won a Dewar Arts Award to attend the Beijing International Trombone Festival. Of his experiences there, he writes, “I had an unforgettable and extremely valuable experience and I cannot thank [the trustees] enough for their generous support, without which this incredible learning experience would have been completely impossible for me.”  Following the festival, Patrick had classes with Niels Ole-Bo Johansen at the Royal Danish Conservatoire and Pete Madson at the University of Nebraska, USA.

Patrick spent a gap year playing music and travelling the world. He went to India with the Ronak Baja Indian Fusion Band, to Toronto with the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra and to Europe with the Carnyx Youth Brass to play at the Philharmonie Essen in Germany where his brass quintet was broadcast on German radio. He has been a member of the European Youth Jazz Orchestra, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, Grand Union Orchestra, among many others. He has played in venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Barbican and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

In January 2009 Patrick was featured both as soloist and composer on the BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up with his composition ‘Turbulent Times’. Patrick is now studying classical and jazz music at the Guildhall School of Music.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award is helping Patrick with the costs of studying in London at the Guildhall School of Music.

Since the Award

After a successful year, of which the highlights include being selected as a member of the London Sinfonietta Academy 2010 and reaching the semi finals of the BBC Young Brass Soloist 2010, Patrick’s funding has been continued for a further year.

After a further successful year at the Guildhall School of Music, the trustees were pleased to extend their support of Patrick into his final year.

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I am delighted to accept your generous award.

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2009 Awardee: Paul Kirby

Thank you for … the wonderful news of my Dewar Arts Award. I am delighted to accept [it] and wish to thank sincerely the trustees.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Paul Kirby’s first degree was in maths at Cambridge. Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Paul’s passion is jazz piano and composition. For the past five years, he has been an integral part of the jazz scene in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond, performing over 1500 gigs both in solo performance or with the Paul Kirby Trio, Camerata Ritmata and Ken Mathieson’s Classic Jazz Orchestra, amongst many others.

Paul is regarded as one of the two most outstanding young jazz pianists in Scotland. He is accomplished in a variety of musical genres and roles – he is considered to be both a wonderful soloist and a supportive and inspiring accompanist. Paul has released two trio records as a leader with German bassist, Martin Zenker, and Chicago drummer, Adam Sorenson.

Paul has studied privately with Jason Moran, George Colligan and Kenny Werner. He is currently studying for a Master of Jazz Piano Performance at the Mason Gross School of Music, Rutgers, New Jersey with distinguished pianist Stanley Cowell.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Paul complete the second year of his master’s programme

Since the Award

During his second year of study, Paul lived in Brooklyn to be able to accept invitations to play in some of the iconic jazz venues in NYC. He writes that all his time was taken up by practising or being at school during the day and playing or watching music at night.

Paul successfully graduated with a Master of Music from Rutgers, where he performed an “outstanding recital”. He will stay in NYC until the end of 2010, playing at every opportunity, rubbing shoulders with some of his musical heroes and generally soaking up the intense atmosphere of the most exciting city in the world for a young jazz musician.

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Thank you for … the wonderful news of my Dewar Arts Award. I am delighted to accept [it] and wish to thank sincerely the trustees.

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2009 Awardee: Pauline Edie

I would like to say thank you, this grant will be a great help to what would have been an incredibly difficult year financially.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born Pauline graduated with a first-class degree in jewellery and silversmithing from the Glasgow School of Art. Her degree show exhibition stood out due to her range of designs, skilful making and an exceptional overall display.

Since then Pauline won in 2009 the Hammerman Award and the Goldsmiths Company Precious Metal Bursary Award and a professional development award from the Scottish Arts Council. Her work has been exhibited at London Dazzle, New Designers at Islington Business Centre, Bovey Tracy, Devon and in January 2010 is on show at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh and at New Beginnings 2010 at the SDC gallery in London.

Pauline has been accepted by the prestigious Bishopsland Educational Trust which aims to give new graduates the opportunity to produce work and gain skills to enable them to become designer/makers. As part of the course, Pauline will exhibit in high-profile shows such as Collect, the international art fair at the V&A.  For more information, see: www.paulineedie.com.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award has been given to help Pauline pursue postgraduate study in jewellery and silversmithing.

Since the Award

Pauline writes “when I look back over my year at Bishopsland, I can see how far I’ve come.” In early 2010, Pauline was selected to be part of the month-long National Museum of Scotland exhibition ‘Meet Your Maker’, followed by the V&A touring exhibition ‘Silver from Bishopsland’.

Later, she was invited to take part in the prestigious applied arts fair ‘Collect’ at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Since leaving Bishopsland, Pauline and some fellow students have formed a collective of designers and will be showing at the Liverpool Design Festival and the British Craft Trade Fair.

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I would like to say thank you, this grant will be a great help to what would have been an incredibly difficult year financially.

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2009 Awardee: Rachel Fisher

Thank you for enabling me to fulfil my aims in life.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

From Bathgate, Rachel Fisher studied music at Napier University, Edinburgh, specialising in guitar performance. She graduated in 2008 with a first-class honours degree, achieving the highest recital mark awarded by the University to date.   Rachel is a winner of the Edinburgh Festival Competition for Music. Her performance was rated as being both ‘sensitive and heartfelt’ and she was commended for her potential to be ‘an outstanding guitarist and musician.’

A keen composer, Rachel has produced some excellent work. Her winning entry into a national competition entitled ‘Whatever happened to music?’ was subsequently performed and recorded live by the Paragon Ensemble. Rachel herself has performed in a variety of venues ranging from quaint church halls to some of Edinburgh’s most prestigious venues, including St Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle’s Grand Hall. She writes, “What captivates me about performance is the aspect of communication … I have a deep love for music and my aim is to be a performer of great status.”

Rachel was offered a place on the Masters programme of all five conservatoires she auditioned for. She will study for a Master of Music at the Birmingham Conservatoire with Mark Ashford and Mark Eden.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will provide essential financial assistance during her postgraduate studies at Birmingham.

Since the Award

Rachel successfully completed a Master of Music in guitar performance, with Commendation. She is now a guitar mentor for the National Youth Guitar Ensemble and a peripatetic guitar tutor for Stewart Melville School in Edinburgh. Rachel writes, “Living as a performer / artist is not ony rewarding but it has reaffirmed that this is what I have always wanted to do. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my music with people.”

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Thank you for enabling me to fulfil my aims in life.

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2009 Awardee: Sean Reilly

I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have received this and I can only say thank you so much to the trustees for their belief in me. It means so much to me and this award will, without question, allow me to develop further as a dancer, as well as a performer.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

When Sean Reilly, from Glasgow, was born, the doctors pronounced that he would never be able to walk because of clubbed feet. When he was four, he started to move to music, and Sean says that he has loved to dance ever since.

Sean entered Anniesland College at the age of 15 and is remembered as a quiet and shy person. His peers had not understood, or accepted, his love for dance and performance. During the next three years, in a very different and supportive environment, Sean was transformed into a dancer of promise who loves to perform. He subsequently won a place at the well-known Bird College in Kent to study musical theatre.

Sean’s real passion and talent is in jazz dance. When he returned to Anniesland College to perform in their GoDance Festival at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal he wowed the audience. He has just finished his first year at Bird College and was selected to perform in the College’s third year end of show contemporary piece, which is a huge accolade for a first-year student.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards Sean’s expenses in year two of his studies at Bird College.

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I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have received this and I can only say thank you so much to the trustees for their belief in me. It means so much to me and this award will, without question, allow me to develop further as a dancer, as well as a performer.

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2009 Awardee: Siobhan Kelly

I would be delighted and extremely grateful to accept this incredible award …[which] will …..allow me to continue my studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Siobhan Kelly was born and raised in one of the tougher areas of Glasgow. She showed talent at a young age, participating in Youth Theatre and various summer school productions. She studied dance at Stow College in Glasgow, from where she won Gold for contemporary dance in the UK Skills Awards.

Siobhan went on to study for a first degree in performing arts at Hull, before gaining a place on the Master of Musical Theatre Performance at Glasgow’s RSAMD. She has always shown a natural talent in the field of musical theatre possessing exceptional dancing, singing and acting talents.

Siobhan has appeared in many stage productions, many in leading roles. One of her best leading roles to date was as Viv Nicholson in ‘Spend, Spend, Spend’ with a striking performance and interpretation of role.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the costs of studying at RSAMD.

Since the Award

Siobhan successfully graduated with an MA in Musical Theatre. Following the RSAMD showcase at the end of her course, Siobhan was signed with a top TV and theatre agent based in London and Manchester. She has already secured a number of roles and is auditioning for others.

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I would be delighted and extremely grateful to accept this incredible award …[which] will …..allow me to continue my studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

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2009 Awardee: Terri O’Brien

I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am [to receive the award]. I was on the verge of giving up my place before you graciously stepped in to help me!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Glasgow-based Terri O’Brien, whose stage name is Terri O’Ryan, started pursuing her ambition to work in musical theatre at the Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre. She went on to study at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts for three years, where she was considered to be one of the four top students of her year.

At LIPA she impressed particularly with her acting talent. In her second year, she had a major role in the workshop production of “The Boys in the Photograph” (formerly known as “The Beautiful Game”) with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton. Ben was particularly impressed with the truthfulness of her work.

Terri won a coveted place on the postgraduate diploma course in musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, for which the competition is extremely fierce. Here she can develop her skills in acting, singing and dancing in order to progress to the West End stage.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the fees for the postgraduate course at RAM.

Since the Award

Terri graduated in 2010 with a postgraduate diploma in musical theatre. She was signed up with a top London agent while still on the course. Terri writes of the course that as a result she feels a more established performer, “I know what I need to do in a practise room, but I also know exactly what I need to do in a situation that could end with me getting a job.”

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I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am [to receive the award]. I was on the verge of giving up my place before you graciously stepped in to help me!

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2009 Awardee: Toby Lord

I was over the moon this morning to receive your letter….I would be thrilled to accept your generous offer.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Toby Lord, from South Queensferry, was spotted as ‘one to keep tabs on’ when he attended a workshop on stage combat while still a first-year acting student.

Currently in the final year of a degree course in musical theatre at Guildford School of Acting, Toby has developed into a skilled and exciting performer, recently showing dexterity and playfulness in his portrayal of Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew.

Toby’s particular passion is stage and screen combat in which he has already achieved impressive qualifications. His quick responses and awareness of his surroundings, as well as a great deal of hard work, have helped him to become an Advanced Actor Combatant. He will be in great demand for both TV and film work.

Toby has already been offered an apprenticeship with a fight director when he completes his degree.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the expenses of his final year at Guildford.

Since the Award

Toby graduated with a good degree, was signed by an agent and landed the lead role in ‘Aladdin’ in the 2010 Christmas panto. During his final year at GSA, he worked with the Fight Director on a major new Disney blockbuster John Carter of Mars due for release in 2012, and through that work has been invited to work on the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie as part of the specialist fight crew.

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I was over the moon this morning to receive your letter….I would be thrilled to accept your generous offer.

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