Graduation is the culmination of years of intensive study and creative endeavour for students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Graduating Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students were given the red-carpet treatment as they marked the end of their studies in style. More than 300 graduands across the performing and production arts took to the stage of the Stevenson Hall in July and October, before celebrating with their loved ones over a glass of fizz and capturing snaps at the photobooth – fun props included.
Three leading figures in theatre, drama and music shared in July’s special day. Honorary degrees were conferred upon a Golden Globe-winning actor, a multi-Olivier Award-winning lighting designer and one of the finest sopranos Scotland has produced. Alumni Richard Madden, star of BBC thriller Bodyguard, and celebrated soprano Margaret Marshall OBE were joined by lighting designer Paule Constable to receive the honours. The three ceremonies were live-streamed across the globe, enabling family and friends to be part of the occasion.
Bachelor of Education graduate Meghann Winchester received Principal’s Prize for all-round excellence in the School of Music while Contemporary Performance Practice graduate Sanjay Lago was presented with the award for excellence in the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film.
“To be here six years after I first started in Short Courses is emotional, amazing and I’ve grown so much.”
Sanjay Lago
Class of 2019 BA Modern Ballet graduates
Danila Marzilli graduated from the BA Modern Ballet degree and was preparing to join Ballet Cymru: “I can’t believe three years have flown by so quickly. It’s amazing to be here with the rest of my classmates and the rest of the RCS family.”
Tenor Matthew McKinney graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree: “The intimacy of the building, how small it is, and how everyone knows each other, plays into getting to know yourself better. I’ve definitely grown over the past four years.”
Robyn Ada McKay was no stranger to RCS’ graduation ceremonies – she was the official piper during her studies. This year, she was piped in to her own ceremony.
“RCS has provided so many incredible opportunities, from going to Canada to performing for the Queen and lots of different experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise; it’s been amazing.”
For TJ Taylor, graduation was one of his rare visits to the campus. TJ, who lives in Singapore, had been studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Arts Education but was keen to travel to Glasgow to soak up the celebratory atmosphere.
“It’s been challenging but rewarding and extremely exciting to be a part of such an amazing institution.”
Sanjay Lago with Principal Professor Jeffrey Sharkey
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