Composer and musician Errollyn Wallen joins RWCMD as artist in residence

On Nov 4th at a concert celebrating her work at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, composer, musician and RWCMD Fellow Errollyn Wallen, one of the most inspirational international artists, was welcomed as the College’s artist in residence.

Errollyn Wallen joins RWCMD

This term her work has been performed across the College’s music departments. On her visit to the College Errollyn spent time with students, including brass and guitar students, as well as a session with the Diversity Advisory Group for Music and a Q&A session with the Symphony Orchestra who then performed for her at the evening concert.

This was an immersive experience for the students, learning her music and then having her in the room with them, experiencing composition in context and ensuring the work reflects the lives of others. It also allies with the College’s redesign of its ambitious Music undergraduate programme which focuses on collaboration, artistry and society.

'Her residency is the start of a long journey together, Errollyn is an artist that embodies our values as a College.

She has changed the perception of what music means to society and we’re looking forward to her inspiring future work from our composers, and that our work will inspire her.'
Tim Rhys-EvansDirector of Music

'Communication is central to her work – engaging the audience, speaking directly to hearts and minds, and creating work that responds to the community and enhances it.

Our job is to train professional listeners and Errollyn is the ultimate example of someone who has deep empathy and care, and that’s the influence and inspiration we want to bring to our students as they train to be the musicians of the next generation.'
Kevin PriceHead of Music Performance

Errollyn, who was awarded a Fellowship of the College earlier this year, has become a well-known friend of the College and was one of the first guests on its 2020 Live Lockdown series.

Upcoming RWCMD concert featuring Errollyn’s work:

RWCMD Brass Band: Brass & Chrome

10 November, 7.30 pm, Dora Stoutzker Hall

An eclectic mix of music, which promises something for everyone to enjoy. Join our Brass Band for an evening celebrating musical diversity.

Mathias Fanfare from Vivat Regina

Hilary Tann All The Moon Long

Thea Musgrave Variations

Errollyn Wallen Chrome

William Grant Still In Memoriam: The Colored Soldiers Who Died For Democracy

Arthur Bliss Kenilworth

Thierry Deleruyelle A Viking Age

Lucy Pankhurst Wired

Malcolm Arnold Padstow Lifeboat

Conductor Dr Robert Childs

Editors notes

Composer and musician Errollyn Wallen’s impact on the classical world is hard to over-estimate. The first black woman to ever have a composition performed at the BBC Proms, her work was further recognised in 2020 when she was chosen to rework Jerusalem for the iconic Last Night of the Proms. The Observer has called her ‘a renaissance woman of contemporary British music.’