Harriet Tory Music Fund - Annual Masterclass for talented singers and instrumentalists
Harriet Tory
Harriet Tory was tragically killed in November 2005 whilst cycling to work in London, aged only 37.
After school at Sherborne Girls and a degree at Reading University, Harriet undertook a further degree in Land Management at Cirencester, before working at Goldman Sachs during the 1990s. In 2000, she left to set up Arete, an independent brokers founded on the principles of ‘independence, exclusivity and insight’. Harriet was considered heart and soul of the company and Arete’s quest for promoting the truth in a money-led industry gained her admiration and recognition. Her dedication and perseverance in her career was mirrored by her charitable work, and her time and support for her many friends.
As someone with a passion for outdoor pursuits, cycling and yoga, Harriet was also a lover of the arts as a dancer, singer, pianist and violinist.
The Memorial Fund
A memorial fund was set up in Harriet's name and this has been generously donated to Sherborne Girls to support the establishment of an Annual Masterclass and concert at the School. Given Harriet's life-long love of music and the personal support she gave to many friends to help them pursue their musical passions, we believe this is a fitting tribute to her very full and selfless life.
The Masterclass
The Masterclass was established in 2008 and will be an annual event in the music calender. The event will be varied each year to ensure that a wide range of girls benefit from this specialist tuition over time and also gives the pupils an opportunity to perform in public.
The first performance took place in February 2009 in Dorchester. Over 150 people turned out to hear the Madrigal Society of Sherborne Girls singing Handel's great oratorio 'Messiah'. The Madrigal Society, combined with tenor and bass students from the Royal Acadamy of Music and soloists Amos Christie (Tenor) and Stephen Foulkes (bass), gave a breathtaking performance of the work and were ably supported by instrumentalists from the Chamber Orchestra.
In 2010 a strings Masterclass, led by the distinguished baroque violinist Simon Standage was held at the School. The School's Chamber Orchestra were coached during the afternoon in pieces written by Vivaldi, Gabrieli and extracts from Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas'. The resulting concert that evening features all the works from the Masterclass and also included solo pieces by Simon. The event was a great sucess and those that took part commented on how much they had learned from the experience.
Sherborne Girls is honoured to be able to support Harriet’s family and friends by participating in such a fitting tribute in memory of this exceptional young woman.