LSE artistic talent

The School is awash with artistic and musical talent. From talented students putting on plays, musical shows and pantomimes and taking their shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (see The play's the thing (PDF)) to the exciting concerts given regularly by the LSE Choir and Orchestra, there is much to celebrate.

Staff are also involved in the arts, as musicians, choir members, amateur and semi-professional actors and artists.

• Nigel Rogers, manager of the Centre for Economic Performance and the LSE Research Lab, has won through to the finals of the first ever UK Piano Competition for Outstanding Adult Amateurs. He was one of seven finalists.  See News&Views. 
• Dr David Lewis, reader in social policy, is a singer/ songwriter signed to Appleseed Records. His latest CD is called For Now
• Konni Deppe is a jazz singer who works part time at Rosebery Hall reception and performs at concerts around London and elsewhere

And then of course there are our alumni. Mick Jagger didn't finish his course, preferring a musical career, but other alumni include Ron Moody, famed for his role as Fagin in Oliver!; authors Pat Barker and Hilary Mantel; Radio 1 DJ Jules O'Riordan (aka Judge Jules); and Matt Osman, bass player for Suede. Newer artists include: 

* Sophie Solomon (MSc Economic History 2000) former member of world music band Oi Va Voi

* Maya von Doll (BSc Economic History 2001) of the Soho Dolls, see the website

* Rhian Benson, 2005 Mobo (Music of black origin) Jazz Act award winner, see Ghana web & the Times  

One way to connect with these arts- and music-related alumni is through the LSE Media Group, which organises various speaker events throughout the year.

For more about the School and music, see the Summer 2005 issue of the LSE Magazine, and the article The school of rock

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