Festival highlights exceptional musical talent
On 21st June, the school’s amazing musicians took part in the 2024 Music Festival.
The day was split into three sessions – one in the morning, one in the afternoon and a final one in the evening. The adjudicator this year was Mr Steve Threlfall, former Director of Music at Chetham’s School of Music.
The morning session started off with the First Year Instrumental Solo, which was won by violinist Christina Wong with her rendition of Kreisler’s ‘Tambourin Chinois’.
The Second Year Instrumental Solo was won by Anya Wells’ performance of ‘Andante from Trumpet Concerto’ by Hadyn. Thom K was also commended for his performance.
Charlotte Sullivan won the Junior Vocal Solo with Maxwell and Richmond’s ‘The Ballad of Jane Doe’ and Agnes Gooda, Sophia Hemmings and Emily Knight were commended for their songs.
The final section of the morning session was the Third Year Instrumental Solo which saw Nathan Hutchinson win with ‘Andante and Allegro’ by Ropartz on the cornet. Angus Reid also got a commendation.
Sophie Bates and Charlotte Sullivan’s winning song of ‘17’ by O’Keefe and Murphy in the Junior Ensemble section opened the afternoon session and this was followed by Will Harvey’s success in the Fourth and Fifth Year Instrumental Solo with ‘The Possible Drum Solo’.
The Fourth and Fifth Year Form Vocal Solo saw Abigail Sullivan emerge victorious with her rendition of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ by Andersson and Ulvaeus – Rosie Moore got a commendation – and in the Intermediate Ensemble section Dan Wood (piano and vocal), Zac Dow (cello) and Will Harvey (drums) won with an arrangement of Oasis’ ‘Half A World Away’. Sisters Abigail and Charlotte Sullivan picked up a commendation.
The evening session began with the Sixth Form Instrumental Solo section. Nathan Monk’s rendition of Debussy’s ‘Sarabande from Pour Le Paino’ picked up the top award and Sam Burrows’ euphonium performance got a commendation
Mia Krywonos won the Sixth Form Vocal Solo section with ‘Round Mightnight’ by Monk and the final section, Senior Ensemble, saw Mia Krywonos (vocal), Nathan Monk (piano) and Thomas Mo (bass guitar) succeed with Ellington’s ‘In A Sentimental Mood’.
Well done to each and every musician that took part across the day. It was wonderful to see the talent and confidence on display and we can’t wait to see how they continue to impress next academic year.
