A woman wearing a dark black dress, playing the clarinet, with a man, wearing smart black attire, playing the piano in a wood panelled room.

News Spring 2024

New teaching room unveiled in honour of Jill Anderson

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On the evening of 27 October 2023, the Royal College of Music held a memorial event for the family and friends of RCM alumna Jill Evelyn Anderson. The event marked a celebration of her life and the unveiling of the newly named teaching room dedicated to her memory.

Jill, who began pursuing her studies at the Royal College of Music in 1970, later achieved distinction as a clarinettist, BBC presenter and newsreader. On her passing, she bequeathed a generous legacy to the College. In recognition of her contribution to the future of music, a teaching room overlooking the Royal Albert Hall has been named The Jill Anderson Room.

The memorial event commenced with a warm welcome from Royal College of Music Director Colin Lawson, who had enjoyed a long friendship with Jill Anderson, collaborated with her in concerts and taught her on the MMus course at Goldsmiths. Family member Lucy Yank delivered a eulogy, and the evening featured two musical performances: the second movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto in an arrangement for clarinet and piano, as well as Lachner’s Auf Flügeln des Gesanges for voice, clarinet and piano, performed by alumnus, tenor Robert Murray, with RCM musicians, clarinettist Emily Crook and pianist Iain Clarke.

Following the reception, guests were invited to view the teaching room and to attend the RCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus concert under the direction of Sir Andrew Davis. The College was grateful for the opportunity to host this important event in celebration of Jill Anderson’s enduring legacy and its significant impact on the RCM.

Annually, the Royal College of Music is generously supported through gifts in Wills. These life-changing contributions allow the community to flourish, enabling the RCM to foster the growth of the most talented young musicians. If you wish to find out more about leaving a legacy to the College, and how your gift can empower the future of music, please contact Natalie Matias, Development Manager (Legacies and Individual Giving), at natalie.matias@rcm.ac.uk.

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