Leeds Conservatoire hosted a multi-genre showcase to celebrate the breadth of talent from women of the conservatoire, as part of its ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Matilde Mirotti and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw. Photo credit throughout: Alice Bhowmick
The event, on International Women's Day, included a talk from Matilde Mirotti and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw, both Leeds Conservatoire graduates who work for award-winning, non-profit music organisation Come Play With Me.
Matilde and Lily spoke about their roles at Come Play With Me, and how the organisation supports people from marginalised communities to further their careers in music. Come Play With Me’s mission is to work towards a music industry that is equitable for everyone.
Leeds Conservatoire is delighted to have a developing relationship with Come Play With Me, and has already worked with them on music industry-based projects, with several students and graduates getting involved either through their music development or inclusion work.
Following on from Matilde and Lily’s talk, an audience of conservatoire partners, supporters, students and staff were treated to a mix of performances from students across pathways, including Pop, Classical, Jazz and Musical Theatre.
First up was Crimson Blue, fronted by the rich, soulful vocals of Eve Buckley. The band’s style is likened to artists such as Moonchild, Lianne La Havas and Joy Crookes.
Next Kexin performed an original track, ‘Sinking In My Soul.’
This was followed by a cello duet of ‘Moon River’ by Erin Bennett and Abbie Wheeler.
Singer-songwriter Ella Playford, whose influences come from many genres as a result of her eclectic music taste, performed a short set including original material.
Flute quartet, Helena Liberato, Carmen Craven, Sarah Furnell and Antonia Deeley then played ‘Umoja’ by African American composer Valerie Coleman.
Beth Bullas and Mimi Vorosmarthy
Beth Bullas and Mimi Vorosmarthy closed the showcase with renditions of ‘For Good’ from Wicked and ‘I’m Going To Fly’ from work-in-progress musical Wally Funk’s Race for Space by Helen Arney and Jenna Dyckhoff. Musical Theatre students worked on Wally Funk’s Race for Space during their recent research and development week. This tells the story of courageous pioneer Wally Funk who could have been the first woman in space, were it not for a combination of politics and prejudice.
