The Concordia Foundation Mentorship Programme
Concordia, through Gillian Humphrey’s mission to create ‘the whole artist’, is able to offer support for young artists interested in developing skills in creative management.
Concordia has been able to offer this fantastic opportunity to two young women with bright futures in the Arts. The first Mentorship was offered to Annie Yim pianist in 2008 and over 2 years included financial assistance in her performance degree and experience in developing and running an arts and music organisation.
In 2011 Concordia offered a mentorship to Tanya Cooling soprano. Within the programme, Concordia was able to offer Tanya four days a week on staff where she received training and invaluable experience in running an arts office and development of creative projects.
Concordia will soon be welcoming new Mentees Sophie Biebuyck and Christina Shand to the team for 2012/13.
2011-12 Concordia Foundation Mentee: Tanya Cooling soprano
Of both New Zealand and British heritage, Tanya Cooling studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama achieving both a Master of Music and a Master of Music performance with Distinction and became the first singer to be offered the Guildhall Artist Fellowship in 2008/9. As a solo artist she has performed in venues including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall,The Barbican Centre and performed for the Concordia 15th Anniversary Gala in the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2010. She has performed in opera and chamber music throughout England and Europe and in 2010 began covering roles at ENO.
Concordia also offered Tanya the chance to become an International Ambassador for its mission with the Lord Mayor of the City of London to Vietnam where she performed in an orchestral Gala at the Hanoi Opera House and conducted workshops to the Young Artists at the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. Tanya is now committed to pursuing a career in art and music education and creative development. In order to assist Tanya in developing her skills base, Gillian Humphreys (Artistic Director) has been able to offer Tanya a place on staff four days a week as mentee and P.A. to Ms. Humphreys to observe the day-to-day workings and consult with Gillian on the role of Artistic Director for an arts organisation. During this time Tanya has been called upon to utilise her skills in basic office operations, journalism and creative development. Tanya was also given the opportunity to direct Concordia’s seventh annual education project ‘Young Audiences’ The Pied Piper of Tower Hamlets’ and ‘Little Critics’, presenting the programme to schools in Tower Hamlets with a live performance encompassing music, art, movement and literacy at Wilton’s Music Hall, in November 2011.
Tanya Commented: “I felt greatly honoured to become a Concordia International Ambassador and to have been part of Concordia’s collaboration with the Mayoralty in 2011 which was a unique opportunity for any mentee. Taking the role of both artist and administrator gave unprecedented insight into the challenges that arise when artistic endeavour melds with business and politics and the incredible opportunities and outcomes this kind of collaboration affords both sectors on a global scale. Concordia put such faith in my ability and allowed my responsibilities to grow and change according to my development. It was inspirational for me to be able to work with Gillian who is such an excellent role model for young women in the arts and I am truly thankful to have been a part of Concordia’s fantastic work.”
2008-10 Mentee: Annie Yim piano
Born in Hong Kong, Annie studied with renowned Chinese pianist, Nancy Loo. Under the tutelage of Robert Silverman at University of British Columbia in Canada, Annie won many awards including the CBC Debut Competition in Vancouver.
She is a recipient of the Concordia Foundation Serena Nevill Award, and was the first participant of its Mentoring Scheme. During this time, she performed as a Concordia Artist, received financial support for to cover her music studies at the Guildhall from the Concordia Foundation and was able to observe and contribute to the day-to day running of the office during weekly sessions. During her time with the Concordia Foundation Annie was able to perform as a solo recitalist at the Royal Opera House – Linbury Studio, St. Paul’s Church Covent Garden, St. Georges Hanover Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields and St. James’s Piccadilly. Her solo debut recital was broadcast on CBC Radio 2 in Canada, and has broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and Portuguese Radio Antena 2.
In May, Annie presented her second year doctoral piano recital at the Guildhall School of Music with a programme of Beethoven, Brahms and Schumann. Thanks to an introduction by our Trustee, Dasha Shenkman, Annie was invited by renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt OBE to solo piano and chamber music works at the Trasimeno Music Festival – Young Musicians Concert in Perugia Italy in July to celebrate Canada Day.
Annie commented: “Throughout this period as a mentee, Gillian encouraged me to continue to practice the piano. Her vision of developing ‘the whole artist’ in fact inspired me to pursue further my piano studies. The Mentoring Scheme has enabled me to view the world of music and the arts with new perspective and confidence as a performing and academic musician, and thanks to the Concordia Foundation, I feel closer than ever to achieving the goal of being ‘the whole artist’”
