REPORT December 2011
This Bursary Fund was set up by generous subscriptions as a fitting memorial to James Hunter Blair of Blairquhan. The objectives of the fund are to support local students studying at the RSAMD, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The administration of the fund was left entirely to the Conservatoire. The only request being that they let us have a report from time to time. They decided to award one £1,000 scholarship per year from the fund. Generally, this will goes to a post-graduate student as most undergraduates get their fees paid.
This year’s recipient is a saxophonist and composer, Jay Capperauld from New Cumnock. He graduated from RSAMD this year after studying saxophone under Josef Pacewicz.
As a saxophonist, Jay has worked with some of the major Scottish Orchestras including; the RSNO, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera and has collaborated with members of Sax-Ecosse and the Scottish Saxophone Ensemble in various projects. He is currently a member of Ensemble Thing, a contemporary Scottish-based group, for whom he has composed and with whom he has played for three years.
As a composer, Jay has had successful performances of his works within Scotland; most notably with his highly acclaimed piece “Heroin Chic” which premiered in 2011’s Plug Festival held at the RSAMD. He has written for various ensembles including; MusicLab, Ensemble Thing, Said Ensemble and has also worked with members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Jay is continuing his studies in the Masters of Music programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Look out for his name.
Sir Patrick and Lady Hunter Blair
12 December 2011
