Tribute to Lucy Hale: 1994 – 2021

It is with deep sadness that I report the untimely death of composer Lucy Hale, on Monday 11 January at the age of 26.

Lucy joined the RNCM as an undergraduate student of Adam Gorb and David Horne in 2013, furthering her studies at postgraduate level with Emily Howard and Gary Carpenter and graduating with distinction in 2019.

Lucy achieved so much both during and after her studies, never letting her challenging personal circumstances stand in the way of her musical aspirations. Last year she was awarded a place on the RPS Composers programme and was set to write a new work for performance at Wigmore Hall as the 2020/21 Rosie Johnson RPS/Wigmore Hall Apprentice Composer. She also delivered workshops with young disabled people in Liverpool as an Associate Musician with Drake Music, and made history as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Rebound’s inaugural Young Composer-in-Association and Orchestras for All’s first Composer-in-Residence.

Everyone in the RNCM community viewed Lucy as a remarkable and extraordinary young woman with whom it was a pleasure and privilege to work. She balanced her talent and determination to pursue her chosen career path with humility and was committed to make the most of every opportunity available to her. She was also a powerful role model for her peers.

We were extremely proud to see Lucy flourish in her studies at the RNCM and go on to build the career she had so desperately wanted. She touched the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know and work with her. Her music will live on, as will she in all our memories.

Professor Linda Merrick
Principal

12 January 2021