HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO officially opened the WongAvery Music Gallery today (24 June) during a visit to Trinity Hall.
His Royal Highness was invited to a reception at the College, with a chance to view the new building. HRH joined guests in the Dining Hall for lunch, before a dedication ceremony was held in the Music Gallery.
The Directors of the Avery-Tsui Foundation, whose generous support made the building possible, were also present for the celebratory occasion, which had been delayed by pandemic.
During the dedication ceremony in the Music Gallery, Vice-Master Dr Daniel Tyler and Vice-Chair of the Avery-Tsui Foundation Natasha Wong, addressed the guests, before a dedication given by alumnus Revd Cortland Fransella. The ceremony concluded by the Director of Music Andrew Arthur, who played a piece on the piano in the new space.
Dr Tyler said: “Avery Court has been transformed by the addition of the WongAvery Music Gallery. This state-of-the art musical recital and rehearsal space is a stunning addition to the College. We are grateful to His Royal Highness for formally opening the building.
“We offer our sincere thanks to the Avery-Tsui Foundation for their support. It is wonderful to be in this space at the heart of Trinity Hall and know that it has been built thanks to the love of music and the love of the College on the part of a former student and his family. I am sure it will inspire future generations of students.”
His Royal Highness with the Vice-Master in Avery Court
The building was designed by architect Niall McLaughlin. It provides a much-needed space for choir rehearsals, classical music recitals, lessons and private practice.
The music gallery provides an inspiring venue for students, Fellows and visiting musicians to practise and perform.
The transformation of the Court has been made possible through a generous donation from the Avery-Tsui Foundation. Dennis Avery was an alumnus (1980), Honorary Fellow and donor to Trinity Hall. The Court was named for Dennis in October 2006.
Sally WongAvery (widow of alumnus Dennis S. Avery, and Chair of the Avery-Tsui Foundation), said: “Cambridge was very dear to Dennis’s heart. Dennis spoke often of his happy days at Trinity Hall.
“Dennis loved music. Dennis loved architecture. Dennis loved Trinity Hall. Seeing the iconic WongAvery Music Gallery rising up in Trinity Hall’s Avery Court would immensely please Dennis.
“The creation of the magnificent WongAvery Music Gallery, refreshes Avery Court and demonstrates Trinity Hall’s constant renewal while honouring tradition.”
Natasha Wong, Vice-Chair of the Avery-Tsui Foundation, and Vice-Chair of the University of Cambridge Avery-Tsui Endowment Trust, said: “My late father always described how grateful he was to study at Trinity Hall. At the start of his studies, Dennis could not have imagined that Cambridge would make such a life-long impression.
“Dennis supported many projects around the world – art, music, cosmology, humanitarian, and many others – but none were more dear to Dennis than those which touched Trinity Hall.
“Our family is honoured and humbled to be a part of such a beautiful architectural expression, fully worthy of Trinity Hall. We hope that the WongAvery Music Gallery will continue to inspire future generations as much as Trinity Hall has touched and inspired our family.”
Main image shows (R-L) His Royal Highness unveiling the plaque with Vice-Master Daniel Tyler and Sally WongAvery
