Musical masterclass celebrates 10-year anniversary

A musical milestone is being celebrated this week as the Music Department marks the ten-year anniversary of the Harriet Tory Masterclass.

The Harriet Tory Masterclass Trust was established in memory of former pupil Harriet Tory (school leaver in 1986), who was tragically killed in an accident in 2005. A memorial fund was set up in her name to support the establishment of an annual masterclass and concert at school.

The inaugural concert in 2009 took place in St Mary’s Church, Dorchester, and was a performance of Handel’s Messiah (2009 being the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death). Masterclasses and concerts have been given in all genres of music each year since and we have been fortunate to engage some outstanding professionals including:

Simon Standage, virtuoso violinist; Peter Phillips, founder and director of the Tallis Scholars; Professor Ian Jones from the Royal College of Music; baroque specialist Dr Ricardo Barros; Sherborne Girls Old Girl, Dame Emma Kirkby; Samuel Coles, Principal Flute of the Philharmonic Orchestra; Ken Burton, one of the world’s leading figures in Gospel music and one of the judges for the BBC Choir of the Year competition; Embassy Brass and the Carducci Quartet.

John Jenkins, Director of Music at Sherborne Girls, said:

“Given Harriet’s life-long love of music and the personal support she gave to many friends to help them pursue their musical passions, we believe this is a fitting tribute to her and we are thrilled to be able to continue to share musical excellence by way of the annual masterclass.

“This year we are privileged to be joined by the conductor Richard Dickins. Richard will be working with our 45-strong orchestra throughout the day before putting on a performance this evening.”

John added that Richard is well known for his work with young musicians, and has built an enviable reputation working with orchestras throughout the UK including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Mozart Players and Ulster Orchestra.  He became conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at Imperial College London whilst still a student and was later appointed the College’s first Director of Music. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he maintains his links with the RCM where he was principal conductor of the Junior Department for over twenty years.