Dame Colette Bowe has had a music scholarship award named after her to mark her successful tenure as Chair of ABRSM’s governing body
Dame Colette Bowe completed her term of office as Chair of ABRSM’s Governing Body on Tuesday 26 June. Dame Bowe succeeded by Tony Hales.
Members of the Governing Body, friends from the music and arts sector, and ABRSM staff of attended the grand send off at which the Dame Colette Bowe Award was announced.
The award of £1,000 is designed to reflect Dame Colette’s commitment to music for everyone and her passion for cello. The award will enable beneficiaries to meet subsistence costs and expenses related to their musical studies. Nominations will be invited from each of ABRSM’s four partner Royal Schools of Music – The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Royal College of Music-from the cohort of cello scholars participating in their respective junior programmes.
Chief Executive of ABRSM Michael Elliott, said: “Colette has led the transformation of ABRSM. Our journey of improvement started six years ago and today the calibre of ABRSM’s people, products, services and the partnership we have with the four Royal Schools go from strength to strength. We are an organisation that works at pace and to very high standards.
“Tony joins ABRSM as we prepare to deliver new digital products and services that will bring long term resilience to the business and new world-leading learning resources for learners and teachers. This is an exciting time and Colette’s contribution to it has been visionary.“
Dame Colette said: “ I’m touched by the significance of the award created in my name and extend heartfelt thanks to my Governing Body colleagues and to the Executive Board of ABRSM. The potential for ABRSM and the four Royal Schools, working together to impact the choices and career paths of young talented musicians is extensive and I will watch with interest while I am practising my cello!
“It was a kind and generous dedication of the Liberty Bell on Classical FM. As you can imagine, tears were rolling down my cheeks! I was so grateful to you for this. And for all the marvellous support ABRSM has had from Classic FM over so many years. ”
Tony brings with him considerable commercial and non-executive experience. In his former role of Chair of Canals and Rivers Trust, he led the organisation through its most transformative period. He is warmly welcomed as the new Chair of ABRSM.
Jem Girl at the Piano 