RNCM Singers Receive Inaugural Sarah Brightman Scholarships

RNCM singers Alexandra Lowe and Alexander Grainger have been awarded the inaugural Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Sarah Brightman Scholarships.

Established earlier this year after the famous soprano made a donation to the Foundation following the sale of two pieces of Cartier tiger jewellery (formerly from the collection of the Duchess of Windsor and a gift from her then husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber), the new Scholarships will support Alexandra (pictured) and Alexander in their postgraduate studies at the College.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: ‘It is crucial that proper training is available for the performers of the future. I am grateful for Sarah’s donation and it fills me with great joy that my Foundation can help Alexandra and Alexander fulfil their potential at RNCM and take vital steps towards a professional career’.

Sarah Brightman added: ‘It’s wonderful to see these two talented stars of the future being supported. The jewels which Andrew bought gave me immense pleasure and I’m so pleased proceeds from their sale will now play a part in enabling Alexandra and Alexander to enjoy their training without the additional financial concerns that are a burden on young singers.’

Both singers, Alexander a tenor and Alexandra a soprano, recently completed their undergraduate courses at the RNCM, and will start a two-year MMus in September.

Stefan Janski, Head of Opera at the College, said: ‘We are delighted that Alexandra and Alexander, both highly talented, exciting young artists, have been awarded Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Sarah Brightman Scholarships to support their postgraduate training.

‘Having recently completed undergraduate degrees, Alexandra and Alexander demonstrate exceptional professional potential, and the vital support provided by these prestigious awards will prove invaluable, both financially and in nurturing their early careers.’

28 August 2015