When Southbank staged its production of The Crucible, one of our talented Grade 12 students, Constantin Raff, took on a remarkable challenge—composing original music to accompany the play. Working closely with the production team, he created a score that enhanced the drama and brought key moments to life. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was hearing his compositions performed live by Southbank’s string ensemble. “It’s such a meaningful exchange between the composer and the players,” he shared. “I learned so much from their input, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them.”

This passion for music and storytelling has shaped his journey as a composer, leading to a major milestone—his acceptance into both the Royal College of Music and Oxford University. While studying composition at the Royal College of Music has been a lifelong dream, Oxford presented an exciting new challenge. “The idea of applying to Oxford only came later, but the challenge of crafting a strong application made it even more rewarding when I was accepted,” he said. At Oxford, he will explore music as a broader discipline, opening new creative pathways.

His love for music began at 13 when he first heard a piece by Arnold Schoenberg. “It blew my mind,” he recalled. That moment ignited a passion that deepened in Grade 9 when he discovered Verklärte Nacht, inspiring him to pursue music professionally.

When asked about his ultimate dream, he spoke with clarity and ambition. “I want to compose music that’s innovative, beautiful, and appreciated by audiences. My hope is to create something truly original—something no one has ever done before.”

For aspiring musicians, he offers practical and heartfelt advice:

🎼 Take every opportunity to have your work performed—it’s invaluable experience.

🎼 Stay focused on academics while honing your craft.

🎼 Use early high school years to explore what excites you most—whether performing or composing.

🎼 Start preparing early—after Grade 9, it’s a sprint!

He also expressed deep gratitude for the support of Southbank’s teachers, particularly Mr. Linnane and Mr. O’Grady, who inspired and guided him throughout his journey. “Everyone at Southbank wants you to succeed. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback, no matter what your goals are.”

Looking ahead, Constantin envisions a future filled with creative possibilities—composing for concerts, theatre, or even pioneering new musical platforms. Southbank is incredibly proud to have been part of his journey and looks forward to celebrating his future achievements!