Royal Conservatory Students Participate in Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme

Published on June 19, 2024

Students from The Glenn Gould School and the Royal Academy of Music cross the Atlantic to share in a unique music experience

In February of this year, two students each from The Glenn Gould School (GGS) and London’s Royal Academy of Music (RAM) participated in The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme – a unique annual global music exchange. GGS is among 12 prestigious music education institutions from around the world participating in this programme from the Royal Academy which promotes global mobility, cross-cultural experiences and international collaboration amongst exceptional young musicians.

This is the second year of the program and this year’s GGS participants were Henry From (BMus ’26, Ihnatowycz Prize in Piano recipient) and Chelsea Ahn (ADP ’25, piano, recipient of The Bill & Janet L’Heureux Scholarships). They traveled to London, England for a 10-day immersive experience at the Royal Academy of Music where they participated in coaching sessions, masterclasses, performances, and of course touring some of London’s famous sights! Highlights included sessions with Mark Padmore, Christopher Elton, James Baillieu, a Master Class with noted pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, and concerts in the storied Wigmore Hall.

Chelsea Ahn and Henry From

Being part of the Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme was an exhilarating experience. It was great to get lessons from a variety of professors all in one week as it really opened up my imagination to another level of playing that I didn't know was possible.

Chelsea Ahn, piano, ADP'25, The Glenn Gould School

Making the trip from London to Toronto were RAM students Emily Su (violin, MA ‘25) and Zany Denyer (piano, MMus ’26). Emily and Zany participated in a whirlwind 10 days at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School that included Emily jumping in feet first and joining the Royal Conservatory Orchestra (RCO) during rehearsal week and then performing on the acclaimed Koerner Hall stage for the RCO’s third concert of the season led by Maestro Joshua Weilerstein. Both Zany and Emily attended master classes and participated in lessons and coaching by distinguished GGS faculty including Dean James Anagnoson, Rachael Kerr, Mayumi Seiler and Erika Raum. Their time in Toronto ended with a spectacular performance as part the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series in the Four Seasons Centre’s Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, where they presented repertoire in collaboration with fellow GGS students David Liam Roberts (ADP ’24, cello) and Jamal Al Titi (2023-24 Rebanks Fellow).

Zany Denyer and Emily Su

I had a wonderful time performing Mahler 5 with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and performing recitals with my duo partner Zany at Koerner Hall, and as part of the lunchtime series at the Canadian Opera Company. It truly felt like we lived a semester in a week, and beyond learning so much on the musical front, everyone at GGS was so lovely and welcoming, and I’m glad to say I made some friends for life. I’m truly grateful for all the effort that GGS put into making this exchange such an educational and enjoyable experience and will treasure the memories of my time at GGS for many years to come.

Emily Su, violin, MA '25, Royal Academy of Music

The Glenn Gould School thanks Emily and Zany for a wonderful 10 days and we are grateful to the Royal Academy of Music for hosting Chelsea and Henry. We look forward to next year's exchange!