Julian Bliss and Sally Beamish announced as the School’s first Artist and Composer in Residence
We are thrilled to announce renowned clarinettist Julian Bliss as Artist in Residence, and acclaimed composer Sally Beamish as Composer in Residence for the2023/24 academic year. These newly created roles will see the musicians work with the School in a variety of guises and provide a unique opportunity for pupils to work and perform with both world-class artists.
The announcement coincides with Bliss’s first engagement at the School as he debuts at The Menuhin Hall, the professional concert venue based in the grounds of the School, tomorrow, Thursday 28 September. He will appear alongside violist and conductor Maxim Rysanov and pianist Dasol Kim for an evening of Schumann.
As Artist in Residence, Bliss will also perform Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time with pupils for a special Remembrance Day Showcase on Saturday 11 November, and his jazz Septet will be bringing the Autumn/Winter Season to a spectacular close, supporting the School and Hall’s mission to provide a diverse musical experience for pupils and audiences. Overall, Bliss’ appointment will widen the pupil’s educational experience by providing opportunities for them to work with an instrument that is not regularly taught at the School.
As Composer in Residence, Beamish’s works will feature in concerts throughout the year and pupils will have an opportunity to work with her directly in concert preparation. An accomplished violist and chamber musician, she will perform her Partita for String Octet with pupils on Monday 11 December as part of The Menuhin Hall’s Winter Festival. Beamish will also visit the school for talks, seminars and workshops about her career and composition, and she will provide coaching for composers studying at the School.
Julian Bliss said: “I am honoured to be Artist in Residence at The Yehudi Menuhin School this year. Through this appointment, I hope to provide the students experience in performing with an instrument that is not taught at the school. Our first collaboration will be on Remembrance Day, when we will be performing of Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time which is one of the most powerful pieces of chamber music ever written. Of course, I’m looking forward to my first visit there on Thursday too, for some Schumann.”
Sally Beamish said “I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role as Composer In Residence at The Yehudi Menuhin School. I look forward very much to meeting the pupils, sharing ideas, and playing together. In particular, I look forward very much to taking part in a performance of Partita for String Octet Monday 11 December at The Menuhin Hall.”
YMS Director of Music, Ashley Wass, said: “We’re honoured that two musicians of the stature of Julian and Sally have agreed to support the pupils of YMS, and we look forward to many months of exciting collaborations and educational rewards. Sally has been a major figure in my professional life, having written several works for me over the years, and I know her to be a remarkably generous person, whose insights and experience will undoubtedly enrich the lives of our pupils. Julian is one of the world’s great clarinettists, and his excellence across numerous artistic genres will serve as a wonderful example to the YMS community. I can’t wait to welcome both of them to our school.”
Find out more about music at The Yehudi Menuhin School.
For more information and to book tickets for upcoming concerts, please visit The Menuhin Hall website.