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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Awardee: Louis Abbott

YEAR OF AWARD:
AGE AT AWARD:
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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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2005 Awardee: Julia Somerville

The purchase of a first-rate pedal harp ..thanks to [your] support ..marked a major turning point in my career.

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

Biography

Julia Somerville’s CV would be impressive for someone twice her age.

In 2002 she was invited to perform in the public masterclass taken by Edward Witzenburg at the Edinburgh Harp Festival. In 2004 she won a chance to study with Charlotte Seale, internationally-renowned harpist and teacher, at Junior Guildhall. This required Julia to make weekly trips to London, demonstrating her dedication and commitment to her music.

In 2005 she was thrilled to be invited by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland to perform with Camerata Scotland in their summer tour. Given the exceptionally high standard of this pre-professional orchestra, it was a particular honour to be invited, especially since Julia was not yet studying at a music conservatory.

From Edinburgh, Julia is already an experienced performer and has won many major competitions in harp. Demonstrating such a talent already, it is evident that a very successful career as a professional harpist beckons.

How the Award Helped

Julia received a Daughter of Dewar Award towards a new harp.

Since the Award

Julia writes that “the [new] harp has allowed me to build on my record of achievement”. In 2006 she gained ABRSM Grade 8 Pedal Harp on the basis of a ‘superb recital of the highest standard’. Julia is continuing her musical studies at the University of Edinburgh.

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The purchase of a first-rate pedal harp ..thanks to [your] support ..marked a major turning point in my career.

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2005 Awardee: Joseph Armstrong

My new pipes are amazing... I really enjoy playing [them] and cannot thank everyone at Dewar Arts Awards enough

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 12
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Despite being only 12, Joseph had already achieved major goals in uilleann pipe playing when he was nominated for an Award.

Joseph, from Glasgow, showed rare and exceptional talent in pipe playing and in 2003 became both the under 12 Scottish and under 12 British Champion. In 2004 he retained his Scottish title.

Joseph’s tutor, also a well-known uilleann pipe player, writes of him that “there is the potential for him to join such world class players as Liam O’Flynn or even the late great Seamus Ennis.”

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award enabled Joseph to have a set of uilleann pipes made for him.

Since the Award

Since taking possession of the new set of pipes, Joseph has continued his winning streak, in 2006 coming first and second in two competitions at the All Britain piping Championships. In 2008 he finally achieved his goal of becoming the Under 18 All Britain Champion. Congratulations, Jo.

He writes, “If I had not been successful in getting a Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to continue playing the pipes as the old set that I had were falling apart. I was losing interest. Getting the new set gave me so much encouragement, knowing that someone else had faith in my talent. It has meant so much to me.”

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My new pipes are amazing... I really enjoy playing [them] and cannot thank everyone at Dewar Arts Awards enough

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2005 Awardee: Joanne Boag

I am in the wonderful position of being able to look at my diary and see it full. I want to thank the Dewar Arts Award for helping me to get where I am today.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Dundee, Joanne is a graduate of the RSAMD, where she gained both an Honours degree in performance and a Masters in opera with distinction. She won a highly coveted place on the Masters Course at the National Opera Studio, London – only two places were given, out of over 60 sopranos who auditioned.

The Studio prepares exceptionally talented singers for a career in opera.  Although the course is just a year, accommodation and living expenses in London are high and generally out of the reach of students. Without the Award, Joanne says that she would not have been able to finance herself through this course, which was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

Joanne is a lyric soprano of exceptional quality and undoubtedly has the talent to succeed in the highly competitive profession.

How the Award Helped

Joanne received a Dewar Arts Award towards her studies at the National Opera Studio, London.

Since the Award

Joanne’s first job after graduating from the Opera Studio is with Scottish Opera understudying the role of Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier.  The Welsh National Opera have subsequently offered her a principal artist’s contract for 2007-08.  Her first role will be Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola.

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I am in the wonderful position of being able to look at my diary and see it full. I want to thank the Dewar Arts Award for helping me to get where I am today.

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2005 Awardee: James Ross

The award has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to develop as a pianist on a suitable instrument. It's amazing

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

When tutors speak of Wick-born pianist and composer, James Ross, they use superlatives. Brian McNeill, head of Scottish Music at the RSAMD, Glasgow, says that James is “the future of Scottish Traditional Music in Piano. The instrument has been entirely revitalised in his hands.”

His New Voices commission for Celtic Connections ‘An Cuan (The Ocean)’ in 2005 received critical acclaim and was ranked as one of the most impressive compositions. It was described in Scotia Review as “a sweeping seascape of sound, surging up under rumbling skies and settling down to sparkling tranquillity… wave after wave of wonderful music rising from unseen depths to engulf the shores of the imagination.”

Having achieved the highest marks for piano solo performance both at RSAMD and at the University of Limerick, where he completed a Masters under the tutelage of Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, James is developing a career in performance and original composition.

His debut album “James Ross” was released in 2006.

How the Award Helped

James received a Daughter of Dewar Award to buy a piano.

Since the Award

Since obtaining the piano, James says that, as well as being a major benefit to his practice time, he has spent more time composing music, which has opened new doors for him.

He has completed a three-movement orchestral work for Caithness Orchestra and a piano pibroch, both of which have been performed. He was also invited to attend a composer’s course at the St Magnus Festival in Orkney.

James writes, “I feel my career would not be developing the way it is without having a good quality piano. This would not have been possible without being granted a Dewar Arts Award.”

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The award has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to develop as a pianist on a suitable instrument. It's amazing

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2005 Awardee: Graeme Truslove

The award enabled me to refine and enhance the methods I have been working towards for years now...I am very grateful to have received such an opportunity at this stage in my artistic development.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Graeme is a composer with a difference, his ‘instrument’ is a computer. He is the first electroacoustic composer to be funded by the Awards. Graeme combines technical innovation with artistic integrity to produce exciting new sounds.

Graeme works in electronic music, working with performing musicians in the studio to produce compositions based on the sounds of the instruments, and also producing music based on electronic sound.

Some highly innovative elements of his current research included ‘live electronics’. He explains, “in composing for live electronics… the composer creates an electronic instrument and writes a score for its performance, requiring the presence of a ‘technology performer’ to play it. This approach has influenced the way I structure my pieces.”

Recent work with theatre directors and a visual artist on a three-dimensional adaptation of ‘The Tempest’ has led to interesting collaboration on a new play, investigating the possible influences that interactive music can have on narrative when introduced at the script-writing stage.

How the Award Helped

Graeme received a Dewar Arts Award to support him while studying for a PhD in composition at the University of Glasgow’s Department of Music.  The award funded the creation of Electroacoustic Suite II, premiered in April 2007 in Glasgow.

Since the Award

Graeme successfully completed his PhD in 2009. His composition, Electroacoustic Suite II, which formed part of his doctoral portfolio, is in three movements, Portals, Convergence in Four Directions and Divergent Dialogues.

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The award enabled me to refine and enhance the methods I have been working towards for years now...I am very grateful to have received such an opportunity at this stage in my artistic development.

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2005 Awardee: Gillian Maitland

I have had the chance to work with some fantastic percussionists in an amazing percussion environment. It is like having a family of percussionists around all the time

YEAR OF AWARD: 2005
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Gillian caught the eye of international percussionists when she attended the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar, a festival for advanced high school percussionists.

She was one of only 16 pupils selected worldwide to attend the seminar. A graduate of St Mary’s Music School, Gillian’s consuming passion is the marimba.

As a young musician her achievements include winning the Director’s Recital prize at St Mary’s and winning joint first place in the inaugural percussion class at the 2004 Edinburgh Music Festival.

Gillian says that she chose to study at the Frost School of Music because it “has the broad percussion base I want to study and isn’t based purely on orchestral, but also has jazz, ethnic/world music and solo performance.”

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award is funding Gillian for four years at the Frost School of Music, Miami. She was put on the Dean’s list in Spring 2006.

Since the Award

Due to an unfortunate road accident, Gillian was forced to withdraw after three years’ study at Frost School of Music. We’re happy to note that this did not prevent Gillian from pursuing her career ambitions. She is now pursuing a solo career and in 2009 in Ireland premiered a work for solo marimba written for her by a Scottish composer.

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I have had the chance to work with some fantastic percussionists in an amazing percussion environment. It is like having a family of percussionists around all the time

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