Tag Archives: Scholars Spotlight

Scholars’ Spotlight: a profile of Rachel Fung

In her second year studying Law, Rachel Fung is a University Music Performance Scholar, singing in the Chamber Choir, Cecilian Choir, Minerva Voices, playing the violin in String Sinfonia, and also singing in scholar lunchtime concerts. Here, Rachel reflects on her experience being involved in extra-curricular music, and the possibilities offered by the Music Scholarship she holds.


I entered the University when I was in Clearing, realising that the music-related Scholarship excited my vision to come to Kent. I’ve always been dreaming of being a lawyer, to uphold justice; I was born and raised in Hong King, where the social movements in 2014 and 2019 have been a major point for me to pursue a legal career.

I’ve been studying three music instruments since I was 3; being eligible for the Music Scholarship has definitely persuaded me to continue making music alongside my academic life. As I am a singing scholar, I’m involved in the choirs at Kent, and a singing lesson every two weeks. My uni life has been made more fruitful as I’ve got the opportunity to meet like-minded friends.

I like how the staff have been so supportive throughout the year, and very responsive. The facilities are very accessible and I really enjoyed myself coming to the Colyer-Fergusson Building! I enjoy music activities and was really grateful when I made many like-minded friends. The staff are really friendly and really hope for the best from you; I’ve definitely improved in terms of my singing abilities. The performance at the end of last year which I performed in is one of my fondest memories so far, it was also streamed online!

I’m hoping to enter the legal field, but apart from that, I’ve love to be a donor for the Music Performance Scholarship in the future, to continue this kind act. People really benefit from the scholarship, and I do think the scholarship improves the uni as a whole.

Scholar’s Spotlight livestream: Ridima Sur and Jonathan Mayer

The lunchtime concert on Weds 16th March is the second in our Scholar’s Spotlight series, and features international student and Hindustani singer, Ridima Sur.

As well as welcoming a live audience, the event will be livestreamed and may be watched for free on our YT channel here:

In her third year reading Astrophysics, Ridima is joined by sitarist and composer Jonathan Mayer, with tabla-player Denis Kucherov. The livestream opens at 1pm, and the concert begins at 1.10pm.

Composer and sitarist Jonathan Mayer to mentor University Music Award Holder

The Music Department is delighted to reveal that composer and sitarist, Jonathan Mayer, will be mentoring one of the University’s Music Award Holders during the coming academic year.

Image: (c) Matt Wilson / University of Kent

An active composer exploring connections between traditional Indian music and Western instruments, Jonathan’s Sitar Concerto No.2 was recorded with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales last year, as part of his continuing synthesis of east-west musical idioms.

Ridima Sur singing in Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Following his recent concert in Colyer-Fergusson to launch the new season of Lunchtime Concerts, Jonathan will be working with Ridima Sur, (pictured above), a third-year student at the University reading Astrophysics. Hailing from the Hoogly district, West Bengal, Ridima holds a Music Award at Kent, and last year was filmed as part of the Scholar’s Spotlight series of short performances in Colyer-Fergusson Hall given by some of the students.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity, and to have met with Jonathan,” enthused Ridima, “we talked about my vocal range and all the ragas I’m currently doing. He’s going to support me in my music-making this year, and we will also plan a few performances. My mum’s sister was a classical singer, she professionally pursued Hindustani classical music and was my motivation to keep following music myself; partially a reason I am trying to continue my music is a tribute to her.”

Three musicians in Indian dress standing in the foyer of Colyer-Fergusson Hall, including third-year student Ridima
Third-year Physics student, Ridma Sur, with Jonathan Mayer (r) and tabla-player., Denis Kucherov (l)

The extra-curricular Music department provides opportunities for its Music Performance Scholars and Award Holders to develop their musicianship alongside their academic studies, and runs a vibrant provision for all students and staff, as well as members of the local community, to be involved in University music-making. Thanks to the generosity of the donors who support the Music Scholarship Scheme, it promises to be an exciting mentorship, and a unique opportunity for one of the University’s students to learn with an established figure on the British musical landscape.

Scholars’ Spotlight: Michael Lam plays Schumann

Our series highlighting some of this year’s Music Performance Scholars continues with first-year Kent and Medway Medical School Music Performance Scholar, Michael Lam, playing Schumann.

In this single-take performance, Canadian pianist Michael performs a selection of movements from Schumann’s Album für die Jugend  (Album for the Young) , Op. 68.

Filmed in Colyer-Fergusson by KMTV.

Watch performances by other Music Scholars and Award Holders in the dedicated Playlist here.

Scholars’ Spotlight: filming continues

We’re back this week, continuing to film new material in our Scholars’ Spotlight series, highlighting Music Performance Scholars and Award Holders here at Kent.

This morning, it’s the turn of Arthur Zhang, reading French in the School of European Culture and Languages, recording pieces by Handel, Ligeti and Schumann. Keep an eye out for the film, coming soon.

Scholars’ Spotlight: Felicity Bourdillon (soprano)

The latest in our Scholars’ Spotlight series of short filmed recitals features second-year Psychology student and soprano, Felicity Bourdillon; a Music Award Holder at the University, Felicity’s recital comprises a brace of Baroque arias – ‘Oft she visits’ from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and ‘Quia respexit’ from Bach’s Magnificat,

Filmed in Colyer-Fergusson Hall and edited by Thomas Connor.