Ellie Pirie Scholarship

A fund has been established in memory of Elizabeth Pirie LRAM ARCM ARCO, who was accompanist for the choir from 1956 until her death in 1988. The award consists of a Scholarship for a resident of the North-East of Scotland who is of Secondary school age or above. The recipient must have reached a standard of performing equivalent to that of at least Grade 7 Associated Board and must be receiving, or willing to accept, tuition from a teacher of appropriate standing. This is normally arranged through the North East Scotland Music School (NESMS).

Colin Brockie was the winner in 2006-7 and again in 2007-8. Colin sang the part of the Messenger in the Choir's performance of Samson in St Machar's Cathedral on Sunday 27 April 2008 and Alan Cooper said of him: ... there was an especially fine performance from young Colin Brockie as the Israelitish messenger. This is surely a young man to look out for in the future.

After gaining a BA Hons from Gray’s School of Art at the Robert Gordon University, Colin has continued to receive his singing lessons at the North East of Scotland Music School (NESMS), being taught by Ruth Black, Alan Watt and Raimund Herincx, as well as being one of the assistant administrators there. He hopes to pursue a career in opera after further studies in Manchester or London.

Colin Brockie, three times winner of the Ellie Pirie Scholarship

Paul Tierney, Baritone, then a final year student of music at the University of Aberdeen, was the winner of the Ellie Pirie Scholarship for 2005-6. Paul studied under Jean Webster at NESMS. He gave a short recital to the choir at St Margaret's School on Tuesday 17 January 2007.

The winner of the Ellie Pirie Scholarship for 2004-5 was Andrew House, a third year student at the University of Aberdeen. Andrew, a tenor, comes from Perth. He was a pupil of Jean Webster at NESMS and sang with the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

The Ellie Pirie Scholarship winner for 2003-4 was Colin Brockie. Colin was then in his third year at The Robert Gordon University studying 3D Design. A baritone, he was in his fifth consecutive year with the National Youth Choir of Scotland. A pupil of Ruth Black at NESMS, Colin performed along with the Aberdeen Bach Choir at the closing concert of the 2004 Brechin Arts Festival in Brechin Cathedral on 3 October 2004, giving a recital of songs accompanied by Donald Hawkesworth.

 

Page last updated 1 May, 2008 by Ian Downie