Marina gains Third Place in National Piano Competition

Congratulations to Marina K (EDH, V) who came third in a national piano competition.  

Marina was one of six finalists chosen nationally to perform in the final of Coach House Pianos School Piano Competition on Sunday. The day began for Marina with an hour masterclass from Yulia Chaplina in which they worked on Beethoven’s Sonata No.3 in C major, 4th movement.  

The level of musicianship on display was exceptional and Marina navigated the subtle nuance changes to her playing with maturity and control. During the afternoon each of the six competitors performed a 30-minute recital, Marina’s programme was as follows: 

Beethoven: Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No.3, 4th movement “Allegro assai”  

Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C# major, BWV 872  

Schoenberg: Sechs kleine Klavierstücke, Op. 19 (Six Little Piano Pieces)  

Liszt: Transcendental Etude No. 10 “Appassionata”  

Granados: Allegro de Concierto, Op.46  

Marina performed exceptionally well, conveying the different styles and genres of each piece superbly, the finale of Liszt and Granados provided the perfect climax both musically and technically enabling her to fully convey her exquisite talent for the piano.  

Yulia Chaplina commented: “She has done an amazing job of incorporating my comments straight before the performance - impressive and so well done!” 

The panel were particularly impressed with her technique and choice of repertoire. 

After a tough adjudication, Marina was awarded 3rd place, a fantastic result and even more impressive given that Marina is only in the 5th form! 

Maria McKenzie

Director of Music