Five talented University of Aberdeen students have been awarded prestigious music scholarships.
The high level of excellence of Aberdeen's music scholars are recognised annually by the award of the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship and the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship. Paul Tierney, Patrick Keenan, Ross Whyte and Claire Singer are the recipients of the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship awards for 2007/08. Michelle Yarnell receives the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship, awarded to an undergraduate.
Paul Tierney is in the second year of his research toward a PhD in Composition. Paul, from Hawick, was previously an Ogston Scholar in 2006/07 and his award was extended for a further year, based on the excellent work he has produced so far.
Patrick Keenan and Ross Whyte, both undertaking a one year MMus degrees in Composition, are first-time recipients. Patrick Keenan, who graduated in July this year with a 1st class honours BMus (Bachelor of Music), from the University of Aberdeen, is a member of Paella, a new percussion ensemble combining traditional percussion instruments with found objects. Patrick and his fellow ensemble members seek to explore the horizons of experimental music and will be performing in Aberdeen later this year, as part of the sound festival. Ross Whyte is also a recent graduate from the University and he is specialising in electroacoustic composition.
Claire Singer will commence her PhD in February 2008. She returns to Aberdeen, having studied at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where she specialised in cello performance and electroacoustic composition. In 2005, Claire's work The Final Journey written for the new noise ensemble (oboe, percussion and electronics) was selected for the spnm Promoting New Music concert in London.
Michelle Yarnell, from the Netherlands, is undertaking the BMus Hons (Education) course. She receives the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship, founded in 2005, and awarded to a musically talented student entering the University for undergraduate studies. She plays bass clarinet and the award panel were extremely impressed with her ability to communicate on this instrement in the rare context of soloist.
Professor Ogston CBE LLD FRSE, is a former Senior Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Ogston has recently established a second Derek Ogston Music Scholarship - specifically directed at the tenor voice. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2008. Professor Ogston said that the performances of the many gifted students have given many great enjoyment. He said: "I have particular pleasure in having the opportunity of making a contribution to helping talented students fulfil their potential in music."
Professor Pete Stollery, Head of the Department of Music, said he was delighted with Professor Ogston's continued support. He said: "The Ogston Scholarships not only recognise the calibre and commitment of these students, they also contribute to the exciting and diverse music scene in the University. They offer great encouragement to our students. In turn these students' musical activities are brought to audiences within the University and the wider community."
The University's annual music season features a packed programme of recitals and concerts, as well as residencies and visits by leading international artists, orchestras and ensembles, catering for all tastes. More information on the concert series is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/universitymusic
- To mark the award of the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarships and the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship, a reception will be held on Wednesday, October 17 at 5.00pm in the Music Department, Room 028, MacRobert Building, University of Aberdeen. Professor Derek Ogston will join with Music Department staff including Professor Pete Stollery (Head of Music), Ms Myra Pearson (Head of School of Education) and Dr Roger Williams (Master of Ceremonial Music and Orgianist to the University) to present the awards to the recipients.