Rob Buckland Appointed Deputy Head of Chamber Music (WBP)

The RNCM has appointed alumnus Rob Buckland as Deputy Head of Chamber Music (Wind, Brass and Percussion), commencing this month.

Rob, an internationally-renowned saxophonist and founder member of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, has been a member of teaching staff for 19 years, becoming Deputy Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion in 2013. In his new role, alongside his continuing post as Head of Saxophone, he will now work specifically with RNCM wind, brass and percussion chamber students to complement the department’s current offering and enhance its position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for aspiring chamber musicians.

Rob’s appointment completes a new line-up of chamber music staff at the College, including Elias Quartet violinist Donald Grant who was recently recruited as Deputy Head of Chamber Music (Strings) to work specifically with RNCM string students.

He said: ‘Working at the creative cutting edge of the UK music scene for over 30 years with the Apollo Quartet, alongside many other ensembles in contemporary music, jazz and beyond, has given me a wide-ranging overview of the incredible potential in open-minded, collaborative and enterprising chamber performance, and I look forward to bringing this experience to my work with the outstanding student ensembles at the College.

‘The RNCM is recognised as a world-leading music college and chamber music is one of the key areas in which it excels, producing exceptional musicians and ensembles year on year. I’m very much looking forward to joining the department and to working with Jeremy and Donald to ensure that the College continues to pave the way in chamber music for many years to come.’

Jeremy Young, Head of Chamber Music, added: ‘The RNCM remains one of the most respected destinations for aspiring chamber musicians so it is important that we continue to invest in this area.

‘The appointment of Rob as our woodwind specialist and Donald as our string specialist will ensure that we remain at the forefront of chamber music education. Both are extremely talented tutors and musicians in their own right, with a wealth of ensemble experience that students from all over the world can benefit from.’

The College’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, Apollo and Elias.

As the only UK member of the highly prestigious European Chamber Music Academy, the RNCM’s advanced chamber ensembles also have the opportunity 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.

To learn more about chamber music at the RNCM click here.

27 September 2016