The Scottish Association for Music Education (SAME) has announced the appointment of Sir James MacMillan CBE as its honorary president.
MacMillan, who is one of today’s most performed living composers, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Scottish Association for Music Education has invited me to become their honorary president. I share with them an acute commitment and resolve to maintain and improve music provision in Scotland’s schools, and to continue encouraging our young people to find ever more fulfilment in their engagement with the power of music. I feel that composers especially have a lot to bring to this vital discussion.’
Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, MacMillan first attracted international attention following the premiere of the orchestral piece The Confession of Isobel Gowdie at the 1990 BBC Proms.
His other notable works include the percussion concerto include Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, which has received over 500 performances; Quickening for soloists, children’s choir, mixed choir and orchestra; and the anthem Who Shall Separate Us?, commissioned for the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
MacMillan is artistic director and founder of The Cumnock Tyrst, a festival held annually in the composer’s childhood hometown, bringing together leading professionals, local schools and community groups for four days of music-making and a host of world premieres. He is also on the teaching staff of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Established in 1998, SAME aims ‘to advance the education of the children attending schools in Scotland in all aspects of music.’ Membership is free and open to all those involved in music education.
