A Trio of Appointments
In preparation for the introduction of a range of new training
opportunities and the launch of world-class training and
performance facilities, the Royal Welsh College is delighted to
announce three significant new appointments to its staff.
Angela Livingstone
Respected Opera coach and accompanist, Angela
Livingstone has been appointed to the role of Head
of Opera, Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting. Angela
is renowned industry-wide as an opera coach, instrumental coach and
pianist. She works with leading international artists and brings a
wealth of industry experience. She has been a regular visitor to
the College as a vocal coach in recent years.
John Hardy
BAFTA Cymru winner John Hardy has been
appointed Head of Contemporary Music, Composition and
Creative Music Technology. John has written original music
for broadcast for over 140 features, drama series and
documentaries. For 7 years, he was Musical Director of the
theatre company, Brith Gof, which delivered site-specific
performances with scores performed by Test Dept. John has employed
and mentored College graduates through his company John Hardy
Music.
Janet Smith
Janet Smith has been appointed as
Venues Manager, to manage the expanded College
performing facilities which will shortly incorporate 3 theatres, a
450-seat chamber recital hall and numerous small-scale recital
rooms. Janet is currently General Manager of St Donats Arts Centre
in the Vale of Glamorgan and has successfully led the centre since
2006. Prior to that she was General Manager of Blackwood’s Miner’s
Institute, Marketing Manager at the Sherman Theatre and External
Relations Director at Arts Council Wales.
Principal Hilary Boulding said: ‘We are delighted to welcome
Angela, John and Janet to these new positions within the College.
Each of them brings significant experience of the arts industry
which will benefit our students. Angela will lead the College’s
relationship with Welsh National Opera with whom the College signed
a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year. John’s extensive
track record of composition within film, television and theatre
will bring a specific industry insight to the College. Janet’s
appointment is key as we prepare to launch our new facilities and
build audiences for our performance programme.’
Commenting on Angela’s appointment, John Fisher, Chief
Exectutive and Artistic Director of Welsh National Opera and Board
Member at the Royal Welsh College said, ‘Angela
Livingstone's appointment is great news. She is a hugely
talented musician with a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is
greatly respected in the music industry. Her appointment will be
vital to ensuring the Royal Welsh College’s place as a leading
centre for vocal and operatic training in the UK.’