RNCM Research Forum - Dr Rebeca Omordia

Our Research Forums provide in-depth insight into some of the cutting-edge research that is taking place at the RNCM. Hear presentations from academics, performers, and composers as they share the latest developments in their fields, discuss innovative techniques, and explore new perspectives on music performance, composition, and scholarship. These forums offer a unique opportunity to engage with ground-breaking work, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of music research at the RNCM. Talks usually last about an hour, including a Q&A session. Join us in person or watch this session livestreamed. About This study focuses on African Pianism,?a concept coined by the composers of the Schools of African Art Music, a piano style that?reflects the depth and diversity of African art music, the richly diverse genre of music which emerged in Africa in the 20th century, highlighting?the prominent African composers and the very different cultures and musical traditions reflected in piano works written in a Western style. The research emphasises the work of The African Concert Series as the world?s first ever platform for curating and developing?the African classical repertoire.?? Hailed as an ?African classical music pioneer? (BBC World Service) and ?a classical music game changer? (Classical Music), London-based award-winning pianist Rebeca Omordia is an exciting virtuoso with a wide-ranging career as soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and artistic director. Rebeca?s many recordings include the BBC Music Magazine Award-winning Piano Concerto by Errollyn Wallen, composed especially for her, with BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by John Andrews.? She has spent the last decade pioneering repertoire by African classical composers and has been unearthing and recording compositions by some of the continent?s influential past and present composers. She has toured worldwide her piano solo programme African Pianism described as ?wild and shimmering piano gems? (The Guardian) and ?appealing and pioneering in equal measure? (Gramophone).? In 2019 she launched the world?s first ever African Concert Series in London with the aim of creating a platform for the African classical music to be performed, featuring monthly concerts of music by African composers. The series was self-funded until 2021 when Rebeca was awarded a grant from Arts Council England, and in 2022, the series was given recognition by joining Wigmore Hall?s Family of Partners, becoming resident at the iconic?London venue in 2023.? Rebeca was born in Romania to a Romanian mother and a Nigerian father. Having begun to establish a profile in her native country, after graduating from National Music University in Bucharest in 2006, where she studied with acclaimed Romanian pianist and professor Dana Borsan, she continued her studies in the UK at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Trinity College of Music in London with Professor Mikhail Kazakevich. Rebeca holds a Doctor in Music degree from the National University of Music in Bucharest, Romania.? WATCH LIVE Wednesday 5 March 2025, 4.15pm