The Royal Philharmonic Society enjoys a close partnership with the ABRSM. For a limited time, we are pleased to share with friends and contacts of the ABRSM something that RPS Members are currently enjoying. If you’re a violinist, or violin teacher, it’s sure to have particular resonance, though there’s much to enjoy if you play or teach any instrument, or are simply a classical music lover.

Tasmin Little was all set to retire in 2020 with a string of farewell concerts nationwide. Instead, she found herself becoming an ardent, outspoken advocate for all musicians, both in light of the pandemic and the startling lack of income they derive from streaming services. She talks about her remarkable year, and remarkable career, with Jennifer Pike – herself blazing as bright and creative a trail as Tasmin, since becoming the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician in 2012. Here they talk about their careers, their teachers and influences, and all the challenges that face solo performers today, from learning tough cadenzas to dressing for the occasion to unexpected dramas mid-performance. You can watch their conversation here:

If you enjoy this film, we warmly invite you to become an RPS Member. For music lovers, RPS Membership is a doorway to musical discovery. You can attend, and exclusively watch online, our range of talks and events with great classical artists and unsung musical heroes – revealing a more human and candid picture of music-making today. There’s also the RPS Magazine to enjoy, and our dedicated Members Area of the RPS website where we share more content intended to inspire. Members also get the chance to feel that their voices and own classical interests are heard, and can nominate for the prestigious annual RPS Awards. Every subscription directly helps us fulfil our charitable aims, to champion and protect classical music, and to support musicians at vital stages in their careers.

The RPS is very grateful to the ABRSM for its support of the RPS Composers and RPS Women Conductors programmes, and the RPS Impact Award for initiatives that set out to have a lasting impact on the lives of people who may not otherwise experience classical music.