Alum Alpesh Chauhan has become a patron of UK charity Awards for Young Musicians (AYM).
Supporting talented young musicians for over 20 years, AYM helps those from low-income families to overcome financial and social barriers to musical success through holistic and tailored support, from instrument funding to performance opportunities.
Joining a distinguished list of patrons such as Sir Simon Rattle, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Julian Lloyd Webber and fellow RNCM graduate Jess Gillam, Alpesh regularly guests with major orchestras and frequently appears with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, where he held the position of assistant conductor until 2016.
Alpesh, who studied cello as an undergraduate (2012) and conducting as a postgraduate (2014), said: ‘My own musical journey started at the age of six when I heard a music teacher playing a cello in a school assembly. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the inspirational guidance of so many brilliant teachers and supportive organisations. I hope that I am able to make a difference to the lives of talented young people across the UK through my work with AYM.’
AYM chief executive Hester Cockcroft added: ‘Alpesh is an inspirational musician and we’re honoured that he’s become an AYM patron. He is a fantastic role model for the young people we support: his stellar musical career, from his first steps as a cellist to become a sought-after conductor, shows them that anything is possible.’
