String Festival showcases encouraging talent

The annual instrumental festivals started last week in fine form with the Strings, Vocal and Brass. 

On Thursday 18th January, we held the annual string festival – an afternoon of performances on bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) with a competitive element. This year we had an intermediate and senior prize with the more junior players having their competition later this term.  

The visiting professor of violin to adjudicate was James Clark FRNCM, famous orchestral and chamber musician, who teaches at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. 

The standard of both classes was exceptionally encouraging. A few were lost to illness or choosing to aim for the piano or singing prizes if they are first study in those. 

The intermediate class was won by Bronson C (I, LVI), playing Dancla’s Air Varie no. 5. Con W (Ch, IV) was highly commended on the violin, and Samantha Y (QEH, IV) John L (R, LVI) were commended as is Chit S (R, III) on a count-back of marks.  

The senior class was very high quality and unusually open this year with no clear favourite to win. Every performance was highly creditable, and the decision was tougher than ever.  

Mia H (G, V) won the category with a brilliant performance of Cassado’s Requiebros for ‘cello. Don W (Rt, III) ‘cello was runner up (commended) alongside Lincoln L (S, LVI) violin, and Jensen K (SH, UVI) on double bass.  Charlotte vB (MSH, LVI), received the highly commended award for a memorable performance of Chopin’s ‘cello & piano sonata with Mr James Kellas on the piano.  

Susie Allan and David Joyce provided extra accompanying support and Maria McKenzie and Shelley Oliver assisted with other arrangements. Huge thanks go to all the teachers of the players for getting so many ready in such style! 

It was a brilliant afternoon, and we look forward to a similarly exciting event next year. 

Maria McKenzie 

Director of Music