The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts awards the title 'Companion' in recognition of outstanding achievement in the service of art and entertainment, and honours those who share their knowledge and their experience with the students. Mark Featherstone-Witty, who co-founded LIPA with Sir Paul McCartney, says: "Sennheiser provides the fuel of support to propel the vehicle of future talent. Their practical friendship is treasured."
According to Prof. Dr. Jorg Sennheiser, "We were fascinated right from the start by the idea of an institute that trains young artists and their technical counterparts under one roof. And we have supported that idea ever since the foundation of LIPA by giving lectures and providing scholarships for students studying for the Sound Technology BA Degree. Sennheiser also presents Student Achievement Awards every year in recognition of special personal achievements by students. And, of course, the students are able to work with the latest Sennheiser and Neumann products, for example with our wireless microphone systems and studio microphones."
LIPA embraces those who perform and those who make performance possible through a holistic curriculum that combines performance, technical innovation, understanding and business awareness. It requires students to extend their existing major skill into performing and non-performing allied skills, as well as business skills and intellectual development.
Further LIPA awards in 2006 went to Lynda Bellingham (actress), Sir Ken Robinson (educationist), Terence Stamp (film actor), and David Stark (founder and editor of creative resource 'Song Link').
(Chris Henry)
