RNCM Young Violas
RNCM Young Violas is a series of workshops led by Alistair Vennart and Lucy Nolan, and featuring special guests. The aim is simple – Young Violas will provide a chance to learn about and celebrate all things viola!
Activities will vary but may include some or all of the following:
- Viola ensemble
- Improvisation workshops
- Performances by professional and conservatoire violists
- Interactive group workshops on various aspects of technique
- Workshops on orchestral excerpts
- Masterclasses on solo performance
Young Violas is open to all violists of school age, from beginner to post-grade 8.
Violinists wishing to try viola will also be warmly welcomed but we ask you to contact us in advance if you need help sourcing a viola to play.
All workshops are free of charge.
Upcoming Workshops
Sunday 17 September
Sunday 19 November
Sunday 14 January
Sunday 11 February
Sunday 14 April
Sunday 14 July
If you would like to take part, please email the Young Projects Team at [email protected].
About Alistair Vennart
Alistair Vennart is an award-winning violist, arranger and educator hailing from Manchester, UK. He has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned artists both as a Violist and Arranger, and sits comfortably within a huge range of musical genres.
As a violist, Alistair plays with Manchester Camerata, Manchester Collective, Aurora Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru, London Concertante, Le Cercle de l’Harmonie, RLPO and the Hallé, often sitting as guest principle. He has performed in many well-known concert halls across Europe, as well as touring Asia and the Middle East.
Alongside his established performance career, Alistair creates new versions of scores ranging from Telemann to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and has arranged music for the BBC, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Collective and London Concertante.
About Lucy Nolan
Lucy is an enthusiastic and experienced viola tutor and currently teaches at Birmingham Conservatoire, the University of Manchester, Yorkshire Young Musicians at Leeds College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music Junior Department, the University of Leeds and Pro Corda. She is an active member of the British Viola Society and has represented the BVS at the International Viola Congresses in Portugal and South Africa.
As a performer, chamber music is central to Lucy’s career and she has been a member of the award winning Eblana String Trio since its formation in 2006. As a soloist and chamber musician, Lucy has performed at notable venues including Wigmore Hall, St. Martin in the Fields, Kings Place, St. John Smith Square, and Yale University.
Aside from teaching and chamber music, Lucy is also busy as a freelance orchestral violist, performing with orchestras such as Manchester Camerata, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic.
