Alleyn’s alumnus and acclaimed conductor, Finnegan Downie Dear (Cribb’s 2008), was conductor of The Royal Opera House recent performances of Mozart's masterpiece, The Magic Flute.
In an Alleyn’s coincidence we were delighted to see Year 8 pupil Sophia was one of the singers taking part in the fantastical opera, which was described in a Guardian review as “assured, atmospheric and a lot of fun”, and Tim Hewitt-jones, one of our visiting music teachers, is also in the orchestra!
Sophia’s mother took the photo above and as they shared Alleyn’s stories and experiences, Finnegan remembered Alleyn’s fondly. Since leaving Alleyn’s, Finnegan graduated with distinction in Musicology from the University of Cambridge and in piano from the Royal Academy of Music. He came to international attention in 2020 when he was awarded first prize at the International Mahler Competition of the Bamberger Symphoniker. He has established an international presence through his work across both symphonic and operatic repertoire, developing close relationships with leading orchestras and opera houses throughout Europe and beyond.
Header photo image credit: Tristram Kenton: rbo.org.uk
Thumb photo image shows Year 8 pupils Sophia with Finnegan Downie Dear
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Last updated on 18 09 2025 at 02:48
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