A graduate certificate program in orchestral studies, unique to Canada, was the reason for the “Pimms and Music in the Garden” reception that was hosted in June by British High Commissioner David Reddaway and his spouse, Roshan Reddaway, at Earnscliffe, their official residence.
The program, developed in partnership with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO), will couple practical training with professional experience, as well as feature mentorship. Building upon an already productive relationship that exists between the University of Ottawa and the orchestra, a number of faculty members, themselves leading members of the OSO, will serve as mentors to four talented students this fall. The students will come from Vancouver, Montréal, Ottawa and Nashville. They will take courses on campus and perform with the OSO throughout the year.
“The Department of Music was thrilled to receive the invitation from the British High Commission to host a party to honour our students and raise awareness for this innovative program in orchestral studies,” said Professor Lori Burns, chair of the music department.
While sipping on Pimms (a gin-based drink containing quinine and a secret mixture of herbs), a tradition as British as the cup of tea, guests listened to a special performance by OSO conductor David Currie and his students.
Since 1930, successive high commissioners representing the United Kingdom in Ottawa have lived at Earnscliffe, a grey-stone Victorian house on the south bank of the Ottawa River. It was originally the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. He lived in it for several years before his death in 1891.
