Congratulations to the RNCM Percussion Ensemble, winners of the chamber music category and gold trophy at the China National Youth Percussion Competition in Shanghai.
Directed by Le Yu (Leo), our International Tutor in Marimba, and comprising Lizzie Brightwell-Gibbons, Leonardo Caleffi, Darren Gallacher, Aidan Marsden, Andre Nadis and Alex Smith, the Ensemble took part in the competition during a summer tour of China which also saw them perform at Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tianjin’s Grand Theatre and Wuhan’s Quintai Concert Halls.
Leo, who grew up in China and graduated from the RNCM in 2014, said: ‘The group has been amazing; I am extremely proud of every single one. This was a great opportunity for our students to travel to the other side of the world to show just what we do here at the RNCM and they were so professional throughout.’
The RNCM beat 170 ensembles to win the chamber music category and were praised for being the first from a wester conservatoire to secure the title. The group also presented a fantastic showcase concert during the event and were included in a new Chinese documentary focusing on how percussion has developed over the past 40 years.
