Ten out of Tenor

One young Perthshire man’s voice is about to take him on an exciting journey to London in pursuit of a career in the music industry.

23-year-old Liam Bonthrone will swap the Fair City for the bright lights on the UK’s capital after being offered a place to study at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The likes of Ewan McGregor, Daniel Craig, Damian Lewis and Orlando Bloom are previous alumni of this prestigious school but it has also helped produce some of the UK’s finest classical musicians and that’s the line that Liam will be looking to go down.

The former Perth High School student began singing at just ten-years-old, under the guidance of Fiona Brownsmith and Edna Auld – who I’m sure many people will have had the privilege of meeting in her past as a school music teacher.

“Liam immediately demonstrated potential, aged ten, with his fine treble voice,” Edna said of the tenor. He has inspired other boys to sing and he helps to mentor and coach some of my young singers.

“He has inspired other boys to sing and he helps to mentor and coach some of my young singers. He also gives generously of his time to entertain and interact with people in care homes and those living with dementia.

“He is an exceptionally talented young man, with outstanding musicianship skills, which was recognised by the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall offering him a place immediately after audition.”

Liam started his career with Perth’s Jambouree Singers while still in primary school and has just completed his final year of Undergraduate study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He will take up his place at Guildhall this September.

“I’m thrilled to have been offered a place,” said Liam, “I’ve always been attracted to the vibrant musical and cultural hub of London and the world-class tuition it has to offer.

“I’m excited to integrate into a new and diverse artistic community, and explore the next step in my training to becoming an opera singer.

“I’m enormously thankful for the support and encouragement I received from Edna Auld as a young singer in her Perth-based ensemble, Jambouree Singers.”

In his time at the Royal Conservatoire, Liam has won three of the Vocal Department competitions through demonstrating a sensitive grasp of music and languages and presenting as a natural, communicative performer. Passionate about music in the community, Liam engages in outreach work in both Perth and Glasgow – leading fundraising concerts for the Perth and Kinross Music Foundation, and conducting the Glasgow-based choir Sounds International. I’m excited to integrate into a new and diverse artistic community, and explore the next step in my training to becoming an opera singer.

In celebration of his latest achievement, Liam will be performing a varied programme of music alongside his colleague and friend, Wilson Chu.

‘A Summer Recital by Liam Bonthrone, tenor and Wilson Chu, piano’ will be performed in the idyllic setting of Methven Castle in Perthshire on Sunday 1^st July at 2PM and 7:30PM respectively. The recitals will include operatic favourites, Lieder, songs from the shows and Scottish songs. Having both just won the prestigious Elgar Spedding Lieder Memorial Duo prize at the Conservatoire in April they have formed a strong musical partnership and frequently perform throughout Scotland.

David Murdoch and Alex Cairncross of Methven Castle are opening the doors of their home to support Liam for this event and with a full-house anticipated you’ll want to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

Advanced booking will be required as tickets are not available on the door. A minimum donation of £10 per person is sought and you can make your reservation by contact David or Alex at Methven Castle on 07771566429 or at david@methvencastle.com.