David Willetts praises "great" RCM

Thursday 19 April 2012

In a major speech, universities minister Rt Hon David Willetts MP has been singing the praises of the Royal College of Music, and emphasising the importance of conservatoires in general.

Addressing the HEFCE annual conference, held at the RCM on Wednesday 18 April, the minister said:

“I'm delighted that HEFCE has chosen this wonderful venue for its annual conference. This great college has trained, amongst others, Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten and Joan Sutherland. Today, students from more than 50 countries have passed the sternest test of musicianship in order to develop their exceptional talents here.

We are very fortunate that our higher education system includes specialist institutions like this one. And the conservatoire is a fascinating type of educational institution, with training at its heart. It is a good example of what we mean when we talk about the diversity of our higher education system. Diversity of mission, diversity of pursuit are among our greatest strengths, and this Government will do all it can to protect both.”

The full text of his speech can be read on the government's news distribution service website.