News – September 1, 2011
RSAMD Becomes the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama has officially changed its name to reflect the range of disciplines it teaches better. The newly named Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is unique in the UK in its offering of specialist training in the five disciplines of the performance arts. Dance, Screen, Production Arts, as well as Music and Drama, are all part of the Royal Conservatoire’s portfolio.
The RSAMD has become the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Clan Currie Society – producers of The Pipes of Christmas – sponsor the annual Col. William McMurdo Currie Memorial Scholarship for the Clarsach at the Conservatoire. Past recipients of the scholarship include Hannah Phillips (2009) and Jessica Burton (2010).
Commenting on the name change, Principal John Wallace CBE said: “The name change is a once in a generation event. This has been Scotland’s national conservatoire for many years, all but in name. Now it’s official and I am delighted to be part of this momentous event.”
After a lengthy consultation involving staff, students, alumni and industry professionals, the new name was approved by the Royal Conservatoire’s Patron, The Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay , the Conservatoire’s President, Sir Cameron Mackintosh and finally, the Scottish Parliament.
“The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland was chosen as the new name because it reflects who we are and positions us internationally as Scotland’s national conservatoire with a reputation that is second to none,” said Professor Wallace.
“We have always attracted the finest staff and best students from around the UK, Europe and beyond. Our alumni reach the very top of their chosen professions. The introduction of modern ballet, musical theatre, jazz and digital film and television over the past few years has opened up a new set of opportunities and we continue to set the bar and build upon our success.”
The Royal Conservatoire’s many orchestras, ensembles and productions are also renamed in this process. From 1 September 2011 they will be known as the Royal Conservatoire Brass, the Royal Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra and Royal Conservatoire Productions.
About Col. William McMurdo Currie (1916 – 1992)
The son of John Currie of Balilone and Helen Currie [nee McMurdo], Col. William McMurdo Currie led an illustrious life, highlighted by a distinguished military service during the Second World War and a lifelong commitment to sharing his extensive knowledge of the Clan Currie, anciently the Clan MacMhuirich.
Col. William McMurdo Currie – Founder of the Clan Currie Society
He was raised in Glasgow and attended the Royal College of Science and Technology, as well as the Glasgow Art School. In 1939 he joined the British Special Services. Cited for numerous acts of bravery, Sir William was recipient of a host of military honors including among others the Tunisian Order of Glory [1943], the Polish Virtuti Militari [1944] and the Croix de Guerre de Allies [1945].
In 1959, a Bond of Manrent (Bond of Allegiance), signed by over 400 WstHighland members of Clan Currie, was presented to Col. Currie as their acknowledged Chief. This action combined with his formation of the first Clan Currie Society in Glasgow also in 1959, were the first steps towards igniting an interest in reconnecting the far flung members of the worldwide Clan Currie.
Col. William McMurdo Currie
An avid historian, author, and genealogist, he was a Fellow of the Royal Celtic Society and the Society of Antiquitaries of Scotland. His publications included A History of the Curries of Cowal [1973], With Sword and Harp – The History of the Clan Currie [1977], and An Historical Description of Loch Lomond and District [1979].