2016 Awardee: Andrew Birse

"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Andrew is a highly dedicated violinist who strives for excellence, and whose dream has always been to become a professional musician of the highest calibre.

Born in Aberdeen, Andrew has played with many local orchestras including the Aberdeen Sinfonietta and the Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He was the deputy leader of the Grampian Youth Orchestra and the principal 2nd violin for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, playing in the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms as part of their tour.

As well as playing in orchestras, Andrew has a great interest in chamber and choral music. He has been a chorister at St. Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen and was a member of the Aberdeen Bach Choir. He has played in various quartets and ensembles, including the Scottish Ensemble on their “Concerts by Candlelight” tour around Scotland.

Andrew gained a place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  This provided him with the opportunity to hone his skills and take the next steps towards achieving his dream.

How the Award Helped

Andrew received an Award to support him in his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This enabled him to develop his skills as a musician, as well as share his ‘fire’ and passion for music with others.

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"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

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2016 Awardee: Magnus Green

"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

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

Biography

Brought up on a deer farm near Elgin, Magnus is a keen composer and a highly proficient multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, violin, and accordion. In 2016, he won a highly coveted place at the Royal Academy of Music to study Composition with Christopher Austin.

Magnus began learning the piano accordion and violin at the age of 6 and began teaching himself the piano around the same time, developing the skill of improvisation which ultimately lead to his interest in composition. Whilst at school he played violin with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, as well gigging regularly as a pianist. In tandem with his classical pursuits, he is also a keen Jazz musician, and performs regularly both as a solo pianist and as part of his jazz trio.

Magnus is very involved in traditional Scottish music, and appears regularly as an accordionist with his ceilidh band. Composition is his foremost passion, and it is his ambition to become a composer for film and television as well as for the concert stage.

Magnus says:

“For the last four years of my Grandpa’s life he struggled with severe dementia, and during this time, I discovered that through music I could communicate emotionally with him, even though he was otherwise unable to respond coherently. It is this potential for emotional communication which gives me an unbeatable thrill and is the primary factor driving me to compose. I love presenting my work to an audience and observing how they respond and interpret the music individually.

It is my ambition to become a composer for film and television, as well as the concert stage. For a young composer, I cannot possibly overstate what an extraordinary opportunity being able to study at the Academy is. The truly outstanding feature of my studies here is the vast array of performance opportunities offered to composers, providing second-to-none practical experience of writing for world-class musicians.“

How the Award Helped

Magnus’s Award supported his musical studies on the four year BMus (Hons) at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he gained one of only 4 places.

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"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

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2015 Awardee: Ewan Zuckert

It is amazing to be supported by this award and I am incredibly grateful.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Edinburgh, clarinetist Ewan began his studies at the City of Edinburgh Music School.  There he excelled as a musician, gaining the ABRSM’s Gold Award for highest mark in the Grade 8 Clarinet Exam and becoming a Rotary Young Musician of the Year in 2010.

At the age of 17, Ewan secured a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and was taught by many prominent players inlcuding John Cushing and Yann Ghiro. He played with the RCS Symphony and Chamber Orchestras as well as their most prestigious wind ensemble.  He regularly performed and competed, receiving numerous commendations, and has gained professional experience at home and abroad with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Opera and the Dunedin Consort.

Ewan achieved a 1st Class Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2014. From there he enrolled on the Master of Music in Performance course at the Royal College of Music in London. This gave him the opportunity to further develop his skills and to work alongside many world-class musicians.

How the Award Helped

Ewan’s Dewar Award allowed him to complete his final year of masters studies at the RCM in London.

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It is amazing to be supported by this award and I am incredibly grateful.

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2015 Awardee: Klaudia Korzeniewska

This award has made my plans and dreams possible to achieve. I would not be able to continue my studies and certainly could not give my full potential and focus to singing if not for this generous award...Thank you for giving me your support and belief.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Klaudia begun her musical education at the National Music School in Poland studying flute. After moving to the Scotland she entered the Royal Conservatoire, studying voice with Helen Lawson. During her undergraduate studies she had the opportunity to collaborate with the Scottish Opera on projects that captured her imagination, including Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen and Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea.

Klaudia’s childhood dream was to sing and act, and since discovering a love of opera she found this to be the perfect combination of her two passions. She set out to gain as much experience as possible in the operatic environment, and to study the profession at the highest level.

In 2014, Klaudia went on to gain a place on the Masters in Opera, under tutelage of Clare Shearer. Klaudia has played key roles in numerous high profile performances, and has finely developed her soprano voice. She was highly commended in the Frank Spedding Lieder competition; gained the Hugh S Roberton Prize for Scottish Singing, and won the Tony and Tania Webster Russian Song Competition 2015.

How the Award Helped

Klaudia received a Dewar Award to support her masters studies at the RCS, allowing her to pursue her love of opera and achieve her full potential as a soprano.

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This award has made my plans and dreams possible to achieve. I would not be able to continue my studies and certainly could not give my full potential and focus to singing if not for this generous award...Thank you for giving me your support and belief.

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2015 Awardee: Jamie King

Jamie has found his perfect instrument. He's very glad that he is able to play, meet likeminded people and aspire to be one of the best. (Jamie's mother)

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 11
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Jamie took up bassoon whilst at primary school in the southside of Glasgow, and very quickly showed a real aptitude for this complex wind instrument. Within a few short months he sat his grade 2 exam, passed with a high distinction and gained a place to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior School of Music.

Jamie has an impressive and ever-growing list of achievements. He secured seats with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (Under 12) as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (Junior Orchestra). At Glasgow Music Festival, he won the Hopkinson Award for most promising performer of primary school age, and won the regional trophy at the Robert Burns World Federation Schools Competition.

Jamie is a conscientious and focused learner, whose love of music and the bassoon will ensure his continued success.  He is developing his own sense of style on both the bassoon and the piano, and has ambitions to play in world class orchestras.

How the Award Helped

Jamie’s Dewar Award has enabled him to invest in an instrument and his studies.  This has allowed him to access a number of experiences that his family would not otherwise have been able to afford. He has participated in residential weeks, concert performances and additional studies, building up a repertoire that will stand him in good stead for the future.

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Jamie has found his perfect instrument. He's very glad that he is able to play, meet likeminded people and aspire to be one of the best. (Jamie's mother)

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2015 Awardee: Lily Caunt

"I am absolutely thrilled to have received a Dewar Arts Award, it will enable me to focus on what I love – playing the flute!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in the Scottish Borders, Lily began her musical life there before moving to St. Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh. She went on to study for a BA in Music at the University of Bristol, graduating with first class honours in July 2013.  Lily has been described as a powerful, dignified and sensitive performer who is destined for a truly wonderful career.

While at university, Lily embraced the wide range of musical activities on offer, studying the flute with Sarah Newbold, acting as Principal Flute of the University Symphony and Wind Orchestras, taking part in the New Music Ensemble and running the Music Society’s chamber music programme. During her final year, Lily spent a term at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance on an Erasmus programme.  She explored voice, dance and collaborations between the two.

Alongside her classical studies, Lily also has an interest in folk music, and received a scholarship to take part in the Boxwood Festival in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Lily has also had the opportunity to take part in masterclasses with Ian Clarke, Wissam Boustany, Ruth Morley, Alison Mitchell, Michael Cox, Kate Hill and Samuel Coles.

As a Resident Graduate Assistant and Practice Supervisor at the Purcell School for Young Musicians, Lily was able to nurture her love for teaching, which she hopes to continue alongside performance in her future career.

How the Award Helped

In 2015, Lily was delighted to gain a place on the Master of Music in Flute Performance course at the Royal Northern College of Music.  The Dewar Arts Awards supported her in accepting her place, offering her the opportunity to further develop her skills and pursue her ambition of becoming a professional flute performer and teacher.

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"I am absolutely thrilled to have received a Dewar Arts Award, it will enable me to focus on what I love – playing the flute!"

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2015 Awardee: Thomas Henderson

The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:director@magneticopera.co.uk
 

Biography

Thomas is young Scottish opera stage director based in Edinburgh. He studied at St Mary’s Music School, and went on to find his inspiration for the art-form whilst directing for the Aberdeen University Opera as an undergraduate. He continued to develop his craft by studying at the Accedemia Europea di Firenze in Italy, focusing on Italian opera.

Thomas is a trained musician, singer and English teacher, who speaks Italian and French.  This rounded background provides the perfect combination of qualities for his chosen career.  He has a flair for communicating, and is able to elicit natural and fluent performances from his cast.

Thomas has directed productions for the Edinburgh Studio Opera and Magnetic Opera, and has showcased work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2012, Alongside this he has gained professional experience including a two month ‘observership’ with the Scottish Opera, and has ambitions to write and produce his own material.

How the Award Helped

Thomas’ Award enabled him to study a course in Opera Directing with Rudolfo Tomasi at the Accedemia Europea in Florence.

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The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

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2015 Awardee: Daniel Griffin

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dewar Awards, as without your financial support my studies in New York City would not have been possible."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:dan.griffin1991@gmail.com
 

Biography

Born in Stirling, Daniel has always dreamed of becoming a professional musician. At 8 years old he began learning both piano and bass guitar, and went on to play in bands as well as singing with many choirs. After leaving high school he studied piano at Stevenson College Edinburgh, achieving an ABRSM Grade 8 with distinction. In 2011 he then joined the BMus (Hons) course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and graduated with a First Class Honours.

During his time at RCS, Daniel had an opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship with the BBC SSO.  He joined them for their 2014 Tour of India and played concerts in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. Daniel now plays with the BBC SSO as a frequent freelancer and in August 2015 was involved in their four Proms concerts in the Royal Albert Hall.

Daniel’s passion is for the double bass.  Through his determination and hard work he was accepted to study a Master of Music at the internationally renowned Manhattan School of Music in New York, with tuition from Tim Cobb, Principal Double Bass of the New York Philharmonic.

How the Award Helped

Although Daniel was offered a generous scholarship from the Manhattan School of Music, he was unable to cover the additional costs associated with accepting his masters place.  Daniel’s Dewar Award provided him with the additional funds necessary to access this opportunity, and to fully benefit from his placement at this prestigious institution.

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"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dewar Awards, as without your financial support my studies in New York City would not have been possible."

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2015 Awardee: Paul Grant

"The Dewar Arts Award has been a great encouragement... allowing me to take the next step towards becoming a professional singer."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.pauldgrant.com/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/pauldgrant

Biography

Paul Grant is singer whose baritone voice has an alluring quality, with excellent range, dynamic control and the strength required for a successful career in performance.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Paul attended a local state school before going on to study music at the University of Edinburgh.  In 2012, he graduated and was awarded the Eileen Cameron Music Prize for his contribution to the musical life of the Music Department, the University and the wider Edinburgh community.

In 2013, Paul completed a PGDE in Secondary Music Education from the Moray House School of Education. He went on to gain a place on the prestigious Masters in Performance course at the Royal Academy of Music in London, offering the opportunity for Paul to hone his technique and develop the essential skills for a professional career.

Performance highlights include so far include John Adams’s The Wound Dresser with the Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra conducted by Will Conway; a lunchtime recital with John Kitchen at the Usher Hall as part of the Get Organised series as well as featuring as a soloist with National Youth Choir of Scotland and Northern Sinfonia, and on a European tour with NYCoS in 2013.

How the Award Helped

Paul’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to study to professional level on the Masters in Performance course at the Royal Academy of Music.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has been a great encouragement... allowing me to take the next step towards becoming a professional singer."

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2015 Awardee: Christopher Roberts

"I can't thank Dewar Arts Awards enough for the assistance, I feel it came at the most crucial of times in my early career."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:chrisrobertstpt@gmail.com
 

Biography

Born in Edinburgh, trumpeter and vocalist Christopher Roberts showed prodigious talent from a very young age, quickly developing a full register, flexibility and clear articulation.  He began playing the trumpet from the age of 7, and from the age of 15 held the position of Principal trumpet in the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra.

In 2007, Christopher accepted a full scholarship place at St. Mary’s Music School where he studied with Bede Williams and John Kenny. During this time, he performed regularly, gaining professional experience with orchestras and ensembles in the UK and abroad. In 2014 he was a member of the KLANGSPUREN International Ensemble Modern Akademie where he studied with Sava Stoianov, and he has also studied with John Wallace, Tom Poulson and Mark O’Keeffe.

Making his concerto debut at the age of 15, Christopher has subsequently appeared as a soloist throughout the United Kingdom playing with the Milne-Graden Chamber Orchestra, Heisenberg Ensemble and with the world renowned Choristers of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

As a founding member of Carnyx Youth Brass, Christopher has been involved in many projects for ensemble, premiering new works for brass and featuring as the principal trumpet on the CD ‘Storm Chaser’. Christopher has been a major prize winner at festivals in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

While a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Christopher was conductor in residence with Brass Sounds Inverclyde. During this time, he proudly represented Scotland with SCOKENDIA, featuring as part of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He has taken part in numerous impressive masterclasses, as well as studying with Professor Urban Agnas and Professor Friedemann Immer at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln.

How the Award Helped

Christopher received an award to help him to continue to flourish in his bachelor degree studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln.

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"I can't thank Dewar Arts Awards enough for the assistance, I feel it came at the most crucial of times in my early career."

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