As recent recipients of the Academy’s Bicentenary Scholarships, Jasmin Iris Ghera and Charlotte Spruit have both recorded albums for the ongoing Bicentenary Series on Linn Records, which since April 2020 has issued 20 digital releases.
Jasmin Iris Ghera graduated from the Academy in July this year with an Advanced Diploma, having studied with Mark David, Head of Brass. Jasmin has recently performed as a soloist in the opening concert of the 31st International Music Festival in Prague, in a performance of the Telemann Trumpet Concerto with the Bristol Ensemble and in a recital for trumpet and piano at the Centre Le Phénix in Switzerland.
Jasmin’s debut album presents works by Mendelssohn, Bach and Mozart reimagined for trumpet and piano. The recording opens with Mendelssohn’s Cello Sonata No 2, arranged by Academy Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood and Academy lecturer Daniel-Ben Pienaar. Mozart’s vibrant Bassoon Concerto undergoes a transformation, while a movement from Bach’s Flute Sonata is revealed in a new light, enriched by the unique tones of trumpet and piano. For this recording, Jasmin is accompanied by this year’s Leeds International Piano Competition runner up, Academy pianist Junyan Chen.
‘The release of this album represents a significant step towards building the solo career I aspire to. I am immensely grateful for the Academy’s unwavering support and for providing an inspiring environment that has nurtured both my technical and creative growth. This album is a testament to the transformative power of that guidance and to the sponsors of the Bicentenary Scholarship, whose generosity made this possible.’
Jasmin Iris Ghera
Charlotte Spruit completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Academy, graduating this year with a Master’s in performance. Charlotte was a winner at the 2023 Young Classical Artists Trust international auditions and was selected as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars of 2024.
Charlotte’s album takes its name from a prominent magazine which reported on the vibrant cultural life of the French court and recreates the intimate atmosphere of a seventeenth-century Parisian salon. It explores music by Johann Paul von Westhoff, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre and Robert de Visée, all of whom were favoured by King Louis XIV, as well as songs published in Le Mercure galant composed by Michel Lambert and Marc-Antoine Charpentier. For this recording, Charlotte performs on the 1718 ‘Maurin’ Stradivarius violin loaned from the Academy's collections and is joined by Jonathan Manson (viola da gamba) and Sergio Bucheli (lute).
‘We had the most wonderful time recording this album with Linn Records. I am incredibly grateful to the Royal Academy of Music for making this experience possible and for being able to play the gorgeous 'Maurin' Stradivarius on this recording.'
Charlotte Spruit
Bicentenary Scholars are outstanding young musicians selected each year by the Academy. They are offered significant funding as well as artistic development opportunities which are designed to meet their individual needs and ambitions as they prepare for professional careers. Some record with Linn Records, who the Academy has partnered with since 2012. For over 25 years, recording experiences have been an intrinsic part of Academy life; many young Academy artists take these skills into their career and form alliances with major labels.