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RCM musicians secure coveted places on London Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra programmes

Tuesday 23 September 2025

Thirteen Royal College of Music students have won highly competitive places on flagship development programmes run by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). 

Five Royal College of Music students have earned places on the London Symphony Orchestra's prestigious Conservatoire Scholarship scheme. Harpist Tannaz Beigi, pianists Lin Deng, Nikita Demidenko and Alexander Doronin and violinist Alix Vaillot Szwarc will receive personalised mentorship from LSO musicians, unique performance opportunities and access to a network of leading orchestral musicians. The scheme also provides grants of up to £15,000 per academic year to support their studies.

Tannaz Beigi said: ‘Coming from Iran, where the music industry is underdeveloped and opportunities for the harp are rare, my path has been defined by determination. This scholarship is transformative: it gives me the chance to grow within one of the world’s most inspiring communities and share my music on an international stage.’ 

Meanwhile, six RCM musicians have earned places on the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Foyle Future Firsts programme, which bridges the gap between conservatoire training and the professional stage. The 2025–26 cohort includes double bassist Isabel Garcia, flautist Billy Hui, clarinettist Emily Crook, trumpeter Katie Bannister, tuba player Archie McVicar and percussionist Julie Scheuren. This initiative nurtures outstanding orchestral talent and prepares players for future careers with the LPO and other world-class ensembles. 

Two RCM composers, Margot Pommellet and Michael Taplin, have also successfully earned places on the LPO’s Young Composers programme, where they will gain mentorship from the LPO’s Composer in Residence Sir George Benjamin and have opportunities to have their music performed by the orchestra’s players. 

Find out more about studying at the Royal College of Music.