The String and Piano Concert comes at a very difficult time of year, GCSE examinations, A Level examinations not to mention internal examinations for the 3^rd Form and L6^th Form; so it is great credit to the young musicians who performed on Wednesday evening despite the academic challenges that they face.

I particularly enjoyed the Guitar Ensemble who both opened the Concert and also brought the Concert to an end; the acoustics of the Hauser & Wirth Recital Hall seemed to enhance the already excellent tone produced by our guitarists. Other highlights for me, included Charlotte D who played Fauré’s 'Pavane' with great sensitivity, real attention to balance and well worked phrasing. Olivia H performed 'Take 5'; I’ve never heard this jazz classic played on the violin before, Olivia played with great confidence and rhythmic accuracy. Cynthia L performed Wu Zhu Qiang’s 'Water Plant' beautifully, playing sensitively in the higher register of the piano. This was the best performance so far by Felix F on the cello; mature and confident playing, excellent intonation and beautiful phrasing. It was also perhaps the best performance so far from Joseph L; he played 'Allegro' by Fiocco with great rhythmic energy, detailed articulation and strong intonation.

My congratulations to everyone at this particularly stressful time of year.

David Gorodi - Director of Music