Errollyn Wallen appointed artist in residence at Royal Welsh College
Harriet Clifford
Friday, November 5, 2021
Wallen has ‘changed the perception of what music means to society’, says RWCMD director of music Tim Rhys-Evans.
Kirsten McTernan
Composer and musician Errollyn Wallen CBE has been appointed artist in residence at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD).
Announced during a concert on 4 November, the appointment comes after Wallen was awarded a fellowship of the College earlier in the year.
The concert, which was held at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, was the culmination of a term of collaboration between Wallen and students at the College.
During her visit, the composer worked with brass and guitar students, joined a session with the Diversity Advisory Group for Music, and participated in a Q&A session with the Symphony Orchestra.
Earlier this year, RWCMD announced an overhaul of its BMus (Hons) course with a focus of ‘real-life musicianship’, digital skills, community music making, and teaching, alongside solo performance.
On Wallen’s appointment, director of music Tim Rhys-Evans said: ‘Her residency is the start of a long journey together. Errollyn is an artist that embodies our values as a College. She has changed the perception of what music means to society and we’re looking forward to her inspiring future work from our composers.’
Kevin Price, head of music performance, added: ‘Communication is central to her work - engaging the audience, speaking directly to hearts and minds, and creating work that responds to the community and enhances it.
‘Our job is to train professional listeners and Errollyn is the ultimate example of someone who has deep empathy and care, and that’s the influence and inspiration we want to bring to our students as they train to be the musicians of the next generation.’
RWCMD’s Brass Band will perform Errollyn Wallen’s Chrome in a concert on 10 November.
