Salopian Music Scholars excel at Concerto Competition

The Concord College Concerto Competition was open to young performers from throughout the region.

We were delighted that three of the eight finalists were current Music Scholars; Max H (Rt, LVI), Jay W (SH, LVI) and Richard W (Rb, III). This was a rare opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra when the performers must immediately form a rapport, with the conductor, audience and ensemble.

Jay played the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto. His sensitive performance captured the colour and nuance of this joyful work so it was a joy just to sit back and revel in his classy sound.

Max performed one of the greatest works in the canon, Mendelssohn’s incomparable Violin Concerto. He rose to the occasion in a performance of much character and conviction. The technical challenges were dispatched with consummate ease in the service of a truly mature performance.

Although still in the Third Form, Richard was very much at home in this elevated company. His reading of the Gordon Jacob Little Concerto for Double Bass was compelling and rather brilliant. What future he has.

The adjudicator, Tony Coupe, Director of Music at Ellesmere College, talked about the heroic nature of the Concerto soloist, and commended all three boys on their skill, determination and talent.

Stephen Williams
Director of Music