RNCM appoints three new professors to School of Keyboard Studies

The RNCM is delighted to announce three new appointments in the School of Keyboard Studies.

Versatile performer and distinguished educator Annabelle Lawson, leading Irish pianist Michael McHale, and RNCM alumnus Dr Simon Callaghan BMus (Hons), PhD, FRSA will join Graham Scott’s department as Professors in Piano from Mon 23 Sep.

Annabelle Lawson is a founder member of the 25-year-old Lawson Trio and has produced several acclaimed recordings of contemporary music, as well as commissioned many works for piano and strings. She has performed extensively across Europe and Australia and recently released her debut solo disc, The Complete Solo Piano Works of Gordon Crosse for Prima Facie. A former scholar of Chetham’s School of Music, Annabelle has taught at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, Sheffield University, and Sheffield Music Academy and is an ABRSM examiner. She has also led outreach and education initiatives for organisations including Wigmore Learning, Music in the Round, and Chamber Music 2000.

Michael McHale has enjoyed a busy international career as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician giving notable performances at the Tanglewood, BBC Proms, Tokyo Spring Festivals, London’s Barbican and Southbank Centres, Berlin Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Lincoln and Kennedy Centers, and Boston Symphony Hall. A founding member of the Wigmore Soloists and Associate member of his alma mater, the Royal Academy of Music, he is committed to showcasing new music and has given first performances and recordings of music by composers including Valentin Silvestrov, John Tavener, Arvo Pärt, Tyshawn Sorey, and Linda Buckley, plus concerto world premières by Irish composers Garrett Sholdice and Philip Hammond.

Simon Callaghan is a PGR alumnus of the RNCM whose research centred around the life and music of Derbyshire composer Roger Sacheverell Coke. He now performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, regularly appears in the UK’s major concert halls, and has toured in Asia, North America, and Europe. His concerto engagements have included BBC Philharmonic, Ulster Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and Sinfonieorchester St Gallen. A Steinway artist, Simon was more recently appointed Artistic Director at London’s Conway Hall, only the sixth incumbent since the founding of the series in 1887.

Speaking about the new appointments, Head of School of Keyboard Studies and Professor of Piano, Graham Scott said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Annabelle, Michael, and Simon to the RNCM’s School of Keyboard Studies. They bring to the school a wealth of knowledge and experience as performers and teachers that our talented students will hugely benefit from. I greatly look forward to working with them.’

6 September 2024