Congratulations to OP Sam Hird (06-17) who has graduated with a First in his Bachelor of Music degree from the Royal College of Music (RCM), London.  He was also successful in securing a scholarship to continue his studies at the RCM for a further two-year Masters course.

In other news, through an introduction by former Pocklington School singing teacher, Chris Thornton-Holmes (Former Staff 13-18), Sam was recruited for the bass chorus on Opera Rara's recently released recording of Leoncavallo’s Zingari which was also performed live at Cadogan Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Carlo Rizzi.  As the name suggests, Opera Rara produce unusual or rare works.

Sam’s other professional engagements in the past year include the bass solo in Handel’s Messiah conducted by John Lubbock with the Orchestra of St John’s at Dorchester Cathedral and the baritone solo in Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony conducted by Jonathan Willcox. Sam was one of a few young singers to win a place with the Josephine Baker Trust which helps young, talented musicians to find work in the performance world.

Sam has his first professional recital coming up in York on Friday December 9 2022 – A Winter’s Night Recital with guitarist Tom Bennett, a fellow Royal College of Music graduate – which OPs may be interested in going to. Here is the link with more details: https://tickets.41monkgate.co.uk/events/9816eb2f-d52a-4a1c-a22d-70994e8f8115/booking