Helena is a remarkable young woman. A virtuoso violinist. Proven over the past 6 years studying at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Helena was set to graduate this summer as a Master of Violin. She has performed on hit shows like It’s A Sin, Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton, whilst also playing with Blossoms, Little Mix, Sugababes, and even local-lad Liam Gallagher! Holding a first-class degree, multiple diplomas and planning to audition for orchestras as soon as she graduates – Helena is a star in the making! She also freely offers her time in primary school music provision, helping young musicians have the opportunities she had at that age.
However, talent only gets you so far, it is Helena’s hard work and perseverance despite adverse circumstances that has brought her to this impeccable level of performance. Coming from a working-class background, with the support of only her mother for most of her life, advancing in the arts is difficult. Helena has achieved all this without even owning her own instrument.
The rarified world of a professional violinist demands the ownership of a fine instrument, and the least expensive suitable one costs £7,000. Through her
time at RNCM Helena has borrowed a College violin worth many more times that sum. She has worked hard outside of studies to raise her tuition fees and to
save up £5,000 towards a new instrument, but needed further help to purchase a suitable instrument, as she would be left without one upon graduation.
We were delighted to award a grant of £5,000 from our Manchester's Rising Stars Fund, to enable Helena to purchase the viola of her choice and also the bow she needs to start auditioning for professional orchestras.
Her RNCM tutor picks up her story here:
“Helena’s playing is at a professional level. She is going into her final year of Masters study and would like to start auditioning for professional orchestras, having already freelanced in the music industry professionally. She is on target to achieve distinction for her Masters recital this year. Helena has also received diplomas from participation in masterclasses in the Mozarteum-Salzburg, Germany, and Krakow Music Academy Summer masterclass. With some financial support she will be able to buy the tools she needs to have a successful career”
Over the past summer since receiving the grant, she has been playing in the fantastic Classic Ibiza shows with Urban Soul Orchestra, and also recording with the Chineke! orchestra. She completed her Master of Music degree at the RNCM and has also been mentoring on youth orchestra courses with Opera North and Chineke! Junior orchestra.
We Love MCR Charity is so proud to support this incredible talent on her journey, and can’t wait to see her perform soon!
Click here for more information on our unique Manchester's Rising Stars Fund, and how we're supporting Manchester's future.