On Tuesday, 3 November, 2015, HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, president of the Royal Academy of Music, hosted a private dinner and reception for its supporters, including Rebecca Wang, Rupert Murdoch, and Jerry Hall. Organized by Development Director Carol McCormack, this event was hosted on the illustrious grounds of Buckingham Palace. Attendees at this prestigious event were cordially invited to a lovely dinner and reception in a wonderful setting as a showing of gratitude for their continued support and patronage of the Royal Academy of Music.

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The Academy has committed itself to the highest national and international pre-professional, undergraduate, and postgraduate musical training for nearly two centuries. Over the years, the Academy has trained and educated a wide range of versatile and resourceful musicians, including such former distinguished students as: John Barbirolli, Harrison Birtwistle, Dennis Brain, Edward Gardner, Katherine Jenkins, Clifford Curzon, Lesley Garrett, Evelyn Glennie, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Moura Lympany, Michael Nyman, Simon Rattle, Arthur Sullivan, Eva Turner, and Henry Wood.

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Jonathan Freeman-Attwood has been the principal of the Academy since July 2008, and HM The Queen is the Patron. Diana, Princess of Wales also served as president of the Academy from 1985 until 1996.

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Through the Academy’s charitable programs, supporters and patrons can contribute to the education and training of successive generations of musicians and composers. Scholarship funds allow the Academy to support students from diverse backgrounds, giving those from every sector of society a chance at the highest possible education in music.

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The Masterclasses program is designed to give students at the Academy a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from the best musicians from around the world. Similarly, the Open Academy program exposes children and young people to classical and jazz music with lessons with the Academy’s own students. This presents a wonderful chance for young people to be exposed to music, as well as giving the Academy’s students specialized training and experience in communicating and teaching music to a younger generation. With such programs, the Royal Academy of Music fosters continued training and education in music for everyone.

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Other charitable endeavors include the rare opportunity for Academy supporters and patrons to contribute to the building of a new theatre for Academy students and faculty. This £12 million project helps provide the very best facilities for the Royal Academy of Music, and visitors and patrons will be able to enjoy a stunning piece of theatrical architecture for many years to come.

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The private dinner, hosted by the Academy in Buckingham Palace, included a reception and musical entertainment. Such events are one way that the Royal Academy of Music thanks its numerous, generous patrons and supporters.

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