Donald Grant is New Deputy Head of Chamber Music
The RNCM is delighted to announce the appointment of Elias Quartet violinist Donald Grant as Deputy Head of Chamber Music, commencing in September.
Donald studied at the RNCM with the late Christopher Rowland between 1998 and 2002, before returning for a two-year term as Junior Fellow in Chamber Music with Elias. In his new role, the Inverness-born musician will work specifically with RNCM string chamber music students to complement the department’s current offering and enhance its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for aspiring chamber musicians.
He said: ‘I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the Chamber Music team at the RNCM. I met my quartet whilst studying there 18 years ago and had an incredibly happy and memorable time. Ever since then chamber music has been the focus of my musical life.
‘I have always been passionate about teaching and very much look forward to working with both students and members of the faculty. I have travelled the globe with my quartet and the RNCM Chamber Music department clearly has worldwide recognition. I can’t wait to be a part of this legacy.’
The RNCM’s tradition in ensemble training is witnessed regularly in concert halls worldwide, with RNCM-trained players appearing with ensembles such as the Heath and Navarra String Quartets, Gould Piano Trio, Haffner Wind Ensemble, Nash Ensemble, Colin Currie Group, Chamber Music Society of the Lincoln Center, and, of course, Elias.
The College is also the only UK member of the highly prestigious European Chamber Music Academy which enables advanced chamber ensembles to participate in classes at the highest level with tutors and ensembles from other leading European institutions such as the Paris Conservatoire and University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna.
Jeremy Young, Head of Chamber Music, added: ‘I am delighted to welcome Donald to the Department from September as our new Deputy Head and Strings Chamber Music Leader. Donald will bring a huge level of experience and knowledge to the RNCM and I’m confident his enthusiasm and energy will inspire our gifted young ensembles to reach even higher levels.’
As a member of the Elias Quartet Donald has performed in concert halls and festivals around the world, and has made many prize-winning recordings. The Quartet is now one of three RNCM Ensembles-in-Association alongside the Talich Quartet and Sitkovetsky Trio.
24 May 2016
