2017 Awardee: Emily Norris

"The Dewar Arts Awards' incredible generosity and support have opened up a world of opportunity to me and will allow me to realise my full potential and aspiration of becoming a professional singer. Thank you!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:emnorris@hotmail.co.uk
 

Biography

Born in the Scottish Borders, Emily is a third-generation musician who began singing as a teenager under the tutelage of Patricia MacMahon.

As a youngster, Emily discovered her affinity with opera as it merges her two greatest passions – music and drama – fuelling her ambition to enter a career as a professional vocalist with the ultimate goal of becoming an operatic soprano. Whilst still at school and preparing for her undergraduate studies, she was winner of the regional final of the Rotary Young Vocalist of the Year Competition and a member of the Scottish Chamber Choir.

In 2013, Emily began her Bachelor of Music with Honours degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she was taught by Helen Lawson. During her undergraduate studies, Emily regularly sang in live performances, commercial recordings, radio broadcasts, fully-staged operatic productions and opera scenes.

She has performed as a soloist and chorus member for a number of vocal ensembles including Les Sirènes Female Chamber Choir (BBC Choir of the Year 2012), the RSNO Chorus and the RCS Voices in major venues including Edinburgh’s Usher Hall and Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. She has performed as a chorus member in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s latest production of Die Fledermaus and sung roles including Susanna from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Carolina from Cimarosa’s Il matriomonio segreto.

Emily’s other musical interests include Kodály Musicianship – a philosophy that focuses on the use of the voice. Emily discovered the value of this educational method when she was selected to take part in an Erasmus Exchange in the Netherlands and plans to complete her Kodály training as part of her Master of Music degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

How the Award Helped

Emily’s Award helped to fund her Master of Music (Vocal Studies) degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This two-year course offers world-class tuition, performance opportunities in major venues, and opportunity to further develop vocal technique.

Performing in Die Fledermaus at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

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"The Dewar Arts Awards' incredible generosity and support have opened up a world of opportunity to me and will allow me to realise my full potential and aspiration of becoming a professional singer. Thank you!"

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2017 Awardee: Peter Thornton

“I am so grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for helping me fund my living in London. I truly feel that I have the space to grow into the musician I know I am. Thank you.”

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.causewaytrio.com/
 
 

Biography

Growing up in the Highlands of Scotland, Peter began his journey as a musician by singing in school choirs and picking up the trombone aged 10. A year later he was given a guitar as a Christmas present, and began taking lessons on that too. Joining every band, club and organisation available to him at the time, Peter was fed musically with a wide array of styles whilst playing with the Highlands’ concert and wind bands, big bands and symphony orchestras for young musicians.

After a successful audition for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland; Peter gained tuition and guidance which would influence his approach to making music with others, and deepen his appreciation of music as an art form. During his final years of school, Peter developed a love of Scottish traditional music and co-founded his first group, the Causeway Trio.  Their collective enjoyment of trad spurred them on to write, record and tour together.

Gaining a coveted place to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Peter had the opportunity to perform alongside many inspiring groups and individuals all over the world.  He became a sought-after and versatile musician in classical, jazz, Scottish traditional and early music. He continues to grow as an artist, harnessing his passion to create true and honest performances of the utmost quality.

How the Award Helped

Peter’s Award supported him in his training at the Guildhall, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies and personal development as a musician.

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“I am so grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for helping me fund my living in London. I truly feel that I have the space to grow into the musician I know I am. Thank you.”

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2017 Awardee: Martin Thomson

"If it wasn't for the generous support of the trust i wouldn't be able to pursue my dreams of studying in London and making my projects flourish into a professional career."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://theoldjellyrollers.com/
EMAIL:martin@oldfountainjazzorchestra.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/dopeymonmusic

Biography

Originally from Elgin, Moray, Martin learned to play the Euphonium through the Council’s Music Education Scheme. He played with Moray Concert Brass and Moray Senior Windband, and in 2011 moved to Edinburgh to study at St Mary’s Music School.

Alongside his Euphonium studies at St Mary’s, Martin won the SMMS Concerto Competition. He has performed concertos and solo pieces across the UK; as a soloist with various brass bands as well as performing in his trombone quartet, Aeris Brass with fellow Dewar Awardee Adam Crighton. Together they have both performed alongside Carol Jarvis, John Kenny, Mike Lovatt, Rex Richardson, Glenn Munro, Susan Hamilton, Emily White and Rick Taylor.

Martin co-founded jazz tuba duo ‘Dopey Monkey’ with tuba player Danielle Price, exploring a more contemporary side to their instruments. He is also one of the founders of the ‘Old Fountain Jazz Orchestra’ –  a big band featuring musicians from conservatoires across UK. The orchestra raise money for various charities and provide an educational resource for areas where there is no jazz education.

As part of New Orleans style jazz band ‘The Old Jelly Rollers’, Martin and six fellow musicians raised money to go to New Orleans. There they interviewed various jazz legends, to educate themselves and others about the origins of jazz music.

In 2015, Martin gained a place to study at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. This offered him the chance to study under tuba soloist Oren Marshall, which had been his dream.  The BMus Jazz course offered him the perfect opportunity to advance his skills to the next level and pursue a career as a euphonium artist.

https://www.facebook.com/aerisbrass/

How the Award Helped

Martin’s Award supported his studies at Trinity Laban.

The Old Fountain Jazz Orchestra

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"If it wasn't for the generous support of the trust i wouldn't be able to pursue my dreams of studying in London and making my projects flourish into a professional career."

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2017 Awardee: Eva Macfarlane

"Without the support of the Dewar Arts Awards, I would never have been able to take up my place here in London...I am excited for the future, and for the opportunities to come!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Glasgow, Eva is a skilled and respected mezzo-soprano.

From a young age, Eva knew she had a great interest and passion for singing, and attended Douglas Academy Music School to further develop her musical talents. Here, through the combined work of Ruth Dean, Derek Norvall and Mark Evans, Eva developed her ambition to follow a singing career, and in 2013 she successfully auditioned for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Eva studied a Bachelor of Music in voice with Kathleen McKellar-Ferguson, and graduated with a first class honours degree in 2017. During her time at the RCS, Eva was a valued member of the RCS Voices and took part in prestigious performances of the St John Passion (with Bach choral scholar John Butt), and Beethoven’s Mass and Choral Fantasia (with the SSO).

Eva has performed as a concert soloist and operatically, and in 2016 performed the role of Fanny Price in Jonathon Dove’s ‘Mansfield Park’ with the Edinburgh Studio Opera. Other roles include Idamante in the Idomeneo Love Duet (Mozart Idomeneo), Mrs Quickly in the Letter Quartet (Verdi Falstaff), Sesto in Handel’s ‘Cesare’, and Gianetta in Donizetti’s ‘L’Elisir D’Amore’.

In 2017, Eva was offered the opportunity to study a Masters of Arts at the Royal Academy of Music, under the tutelage of Elizabeth Ritchie and Coach James Baillieu.

How the Award Helped

Eva’s award enabled her to pursue her passion for singing, by undertaking her Master of Performance (vocal studies) degree at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

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"Without the support of the Dewar Arts Awards, I would never have been able to take up my place here in London...I am excited for the future, and for the opportunities to come!"

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2017 Awardee: Marcus Swietlicki

"A Dewar Arts Award [will] greatly help to set me on this training path required to reach my full potential and...achieve my goal of becoming a professional opera singer on the international stage"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Marcus’ first foray into singing was with the The National Boys Choir of Scotland when he was 11 years old.  At the age of 14 he showed prodigious talent, described by tutors as “an extremely exciting young tenor with huge potential” and “the most outstanding young singer of this age group that I have taught.”

Marcus studied under Kathleen McKellar Ferguson, lecturer at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. At the age of 15 he performed the tenor solo “Like a Singing Bird” by Chilcott in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall accompanied by the National Boys Choir of Scotland.  He then successfully auditioned and gained a place on the Scottish Opera Connect Course for young singers, and took part in performances alongside professional singers.

Marcus was chosen to take part in a masterclass with Judith Howarth, and in 2015 gained a coveted place in the tenor section of The National Youth Choir of Scotland.  He toured to France as part of the choir, taking part in the Berlioz Festival at La Cote St Andre, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner.

In 2016, Marcus was awarded the Winifred Crawford Smith Medal for the under 18 recital at The Edinburgh Competition Festival, was invited to take part in the end of festival concert in The Queens Hall, and was awarded First Place at The Glasgow Music Festival for the Oratorio Under 18 Class Competition. He was awarded winner of the Rotary Club Young Musician 2016 Competition (Scotland & NE England Final), sang as part of the NYCoS choir at the London Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, and took part in a two-week tour to the U.S A. He then successfully auditioned to take part in a masterclass at the Junior Oxenfoord Course with Malcolm Martineau.

In April 2017, Marcus performed as the tenor soloist in two public performances of Handel’s “The Messiah” with Abbey Consort Choir.  He was just 18.

Marcus continued his studies at the RCS, tutored by Professor Stephen Robertson on the B.Mus Vocal Studies course. He has a genuine passion for opera and hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional singer and performing on the international stage.

How the Award Helped

Marcus’ Award supported him in his studies at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, on the four-year Bachelor of Music vocal course.

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"A Dewar Arts Award [will] greatly help to set me on this training path required to reach my full potential and...achieve my goal of becoming a professional opera singer on the international stage"

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2017 Awardee: Matthew Grouse

"This was a vital learning experience and one I feel has created a very tangible sense of forward momentum in my musical career"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.matthewgrousemusic.com/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/grouseyy

Biography

Matthew is a musician with exceptional credentials, exhibiting skills in a wide variety of settings from large scale compositions involving electronics and voices to delicate chamber works.

His work regularly combines media and is often concerned with human frailties and finding the remarkable in the seemingly ordinary aspects of everyday life. Activities include selection for Yaron Deutsch’s Electric Guitar Etude Project at Darmstadt; an EP release on New York based label, Not Art Records and being shortlisted in two categories of the 2018 Scottish Awards for New Music.

Matthew’s music has been showcased across the UK and internationally, in Germany, Italy, Egypt, USA, Canada and Ireland. His music has been performed or workshopped by artists including: Royal Northern Sinfonia; Hebrides Ensemble; Red Note Ensemble; The Assembly Project; DeCoda Ensemble; Gildas Quartet; Dohnányi String Trio; Sinae Lee (pianist) and Lewis Banks (saxophonist).

His work has featured at or is programmed for future performances at festivals such as Darmstadt; The Cumnock Tryst; St Magnus International Festival; Cottier Chamber Project; Leeds Lieder Festival; EviMus Festival and Sound / Image Colloquium.

Matthew is also passionate about inclusivity within new music. This has been reinforced by being awarded the 2017 Kimie Composition Prize, which resulted in Live Music Now Scotland commissioning an interactive string trio for performances in dementia care homes and traditional concert hall settings. Further to this, Matthew received an orchestral commission for the Nevis Ensemble’s inaugural tour, which will take in 70 performances in public and community settings around Scotland as part of Glasgow2018.

How the Award Helped

Industrious and dedicated, Matthew studied composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and whilst there was offered a place on the prestigious St Magnus Festival Composer’s Course. His Award supported him in accessing this exceptional opportunity to further develop his already commendable skillset.

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"This was a vital learning experience and one I feel has created a very tangible sense of forward momentum in my musical career"

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2017 Awardee: Niall Anderson

"It is a tremendous privilege to study at such an institution and my Dewar Award has contributed to my studies immensely."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.niallandersonbaritone.co.uk/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/NAndoBaritone

Biography

Originally from the Levenmouth area of Fife, Niall attended the Kirkland High School in Methil before going on to complete a Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Aberdeen.

Niall’s love for singing was encouraged from an early age, but his passion for classical singing was discovered during his undergraduate degree. Upon graduating from the University of Aberdeen Niall was awarded the Carlaw Music award for all round musicianship. He then went on to gain a place to study at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of  Glenville Hargreaves and Jonathan Papp.

Performances to date include Bach’s St Johannes Passion in Germany, Brahms Requiem, Rossini’s Petite Mess Solennelle and the title role in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. Niall made his Wigmore Hall debut in the Autumn of 2017 in a recital with Julian Prégardien and Christoph Schnakertz.

Niall has been a member of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music Song Circle and a featured soloist in the 2018 Royal Academy of Music/Kohn Foundation Bach Cantata Series.

How the Award Helped

Niall’s Award supported his postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

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"It is a tremendous privilege to study at such an institution and my Dewar Award has contributed to my studies immensely."

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2017 Awardee: Adam Lee

"By attending the NYOS Symphony Orchestra course, I will gain invaluable skills...helping me in my journey towards a career playing in orchestras as a professional musician."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/adamlee9916

Biography

Adam started learning the clarinet at primary school with Rachel Considine.  He joined the high achieving North Ayrshire Schools’ Senior Concert Band where he met Matthew Chinn and with much encouragement and support from both him and his clarinet teacher, he successfully auditioned for the Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied for two years with Alison Waller.

During his time at the Junior Conservatoire, Adam won the 2016/17 Gilbert Innes Woodwind Prize and was one of three people selected as a concerto soloist to perform with the Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra.  He has also enjoyed successes at many local, regional and national events, including the Ayrshire Music Festival where he was the first person to win the Elizabeth McNair Trophy for Best Overall Instrumental Performance three years in a row.

Adam was a member of the West of Scotland Schools’ Symphony Orchestra in 2017 and was selected as their concerto soloist, performing Malcolm Arnold’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2.  He was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Symphony Orchestra the same year, performing in top performance venues across Scotland, including the Usher Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Perth Concert Hall.

In 2017, Adam successfully auditioned for a place on the BMus course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studies with John Cushing.  He was also awarded a Robertson Trust Scholarship to support his studies.  In February 2018, Adam won a Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Clarinet Scholarship, being one of seven people selected from Conservatoires across the U.K. to perform in the live final at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.

How the Award Helped

Adam’s award allowed him to purchase a new A clarinet and attend the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Symphony Orchestra, helping him pursue his ambition of performing both as a soloist and in professional orchestras.

Juniors Concerto – Adam performing with the Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Claude Picard.

West Orchestra Concerto – Adam performing with the West of Scotland Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Lowe.

Yamaha Scholarship – Pictured with Heather Nicoll, Head of Woodwind at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, after winning a Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Clarinet Scholarship.

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"By attending the NYOS Symphony Orchestra course, I will gain invaluable skills...helping me in my journey towards a career playing in orchestras as a professional musician."

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2016 Awardee: Findlay Spence

"The support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed me to take the next steps on my path to becoming the best musician that I can be. It has made it possible for me to continue this amazing journey. Thank you!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:findlayspence@cooptel.net
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/FindlaySpence

Biography

Findlay began to learn the ’cello at the age of eight, first with Isobel Grant in his hometown of Fortrose on the Black Isle, before starting lessons with Ruth Beauchamp in Edinburgh. In 2013, Findlay gained a place at St. Mary’s Music School and, in 2016, he began his studies with Melissa Phelps at the Royal College of Music in London.

As well as performing with youth orchestras and ensembles around the country (he was principal cello of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, performing at the BBC Proms), Findlay has also had involvement with varied community music projects and has enjoyed working with Sistema Scotland, Fèis Rois, and Cromarty Youth Opera amongst others.

Findlay is a keen composer, having studied with Tom David Wilson and Simon Holt. In 2016, he attained places at five conservatoires in Britain and secured the position of Music Scholar and Composer in Residence at St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge.

Findlay writes:

“For as long as I can remember, listening to and making music has been centrally important for me. It is hard to imagine a life without this and I am certain that it would seem a very poor substitute. Knowing for myself (and observing in others) the power of music to influence and inspire, it is my life’s ambition and purpose to bring that to other people. As a musician, my personal goal is to become the best and most accomplished that I can. As a cellist, and as a composer, I aspire to make music of the very highest standard.”

How the Award Helped

Findlay’s Award supported his musical studies on the four year BMus (Hons) at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was offered a scholarship place to study with Melissa Phelps.

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"The support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed me to take the next steps on my path to becoming the best musician that I can be. It has made it possible for me to continue this amazing journey. Thank you!"

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2016 Awardee: Ethan Skuodas

"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ethan began playing percussion and the timpani at the age of 10, and through hard work and talent became a promising young musician with a will to succeed.

After studying at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for two years and performing with the likes of The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the West of Scotland School’s Symphony Orchestra, Ethan chose to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Music. His teachers include Simon Carrington for timpani and Andrew Barclay for percussion.

Ethan loves to perform, especially in an orchestral setting. He is also keen to encourage others into music and has tutored younger students, instilling his own passions with patience, talent and enthusiasm. On completion of his studies, Ethan is determined to become a principal timpanist on a worldwide stage.

How the Award Helped

Ethan’s Award supported him in his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, helping him fulfil his long-term ambition to become a professional timpanist.

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"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

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