Members of The Rotary Club of Coventry enjoyed a superlative singing treat at their September meeting from Maame, one of Armonico Consort’s AC Academy Scholars.
“We were blessed to have Armonico back in the form of Maame to sing so beautifully for us. She is a huge talent and it has been a privilege to support Armonico Consort’s scholars over many years. Fingers crossed that she gets a place at Cambridge University.” The Rotary Club of Coventry
Maame (16) is living proof of the inestimable educational, social and wellbeing benefits that come with participating in music, and gratitude goes to Coventry Rotary Club and Honorary Alderman Michael Hammon who sponsor her scholarship.
“I’ve been in AC Academy for 10 years now, since Year 3. Going to AC has definitely improved my confidence and my stage presence so much that I’m applying to be a choral scholar at Cambridge University this year.” Maame
Her 10-year association with Armonico Consort began at St Mary & St Benedict School in Hillfields, Coventry, where she came to the attention of our AC Academy leaders, and joined the choir. Her mind-blowing opening solo in It Takes a City at the Royal Albert Hall in 2022 was the catalyst to her being made an AC Academy Scholar.
WATCH: Maame’s opening solo wows the Royal Albert Hall
“Maame has used singing and music to lever her way upwards, achieving exemplary GCSE grades and thus a place on our Oxbridge Choral Scholarship training programme,” says Christopher Monks, Artistic Director of Armonico Consort. “We have had Oxbridge success every year for the last five years” he continues, predicting that Maame is on course to gain an academic place and scholarship when she applies in the autumn.
Along with regular singing lessons with soprano Elizabeth Ann Atkinson, Maame has taken part in masterclasses with renowned singers Roderick Williams and Elin Manahan Thomas; has had multiple opportunities to perform in concert; and has recently enjoyed joining the Scholars on a tour of Belgium. She now regularly attends evening rehearsals with Armonico’s professional choir and local Armonico Consort singers.
Could you sponsor an AC Academy Scholar and support a young person like Maame achieve their full potential?
As we head to our 25 anniversary year, we have more exceptional young singers than ever, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, applying to be Scholars. We’re looking for individuals, charitable trusts, civic societies and more to help these young people gain valuable experience in the professional music world and benefit from:
- Free singing lessons, mentoring and coaching from the UK’s best teachers / leaders
- Solo opportunities and prestigious performance opportunities alongside professionals
- Boost in confidence and self esteem
- Concert tours and bursaries for music courses
- Oxbridge/University choral scholarship support
To find out how you could sponsor a Senior, Junior or Young Scholar, please contact Eva Williams ewillliams@armonico.org.uk
