18 January 2012
A modest audience in the Amey Theatre enjoyed a first class Music Scholars Concert this evening, an event that showcased some developing talent, notably in the Middle School. The concert was held in the Amey Theatre for several reasons – but most particularly the need to have two grand pianos, in both a piano concerto and the last item for four performers at two keyboards. It was particularly impressive that a good number of the performers played pieces on two instruments and without sheet music.
The third year were represented by Leon Wu and Joseph Kelly. Leon opened the concert with Ireland’s engaging Bagatelle for violin, whilst later on playing the solo part in Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A K488, accompanied by his teacher, a sparkling performance. Joseph gave a lovely confident performance of a Handel flute sonata movement.
Fourth year performers included Hector Stinton, Hugh Cutting, and Alexander Foster. Hector and Hugh played both violin (Vivaldi and Bach respectively) and piano (Schubert and Scriabin). Both gave fluent and highly musical accounts. Alexander treated us to another intelligent and thoughtful performance of the Chopin Nocturne that he played so beautifully at last week’s Piano Masterclass with Giorgos Konstantinou.
Sebastian Johns, from the fourth year, chose a virtuosic Gershwin Prelude for piano, which he played with considerable aplomb. Joining Leon Wu, Hugh Cutting and Daniel Tong, he also contributed to the final item, Smetana’s exciting Sonata for Eight Hands at two pianos, a spectacularway to conclude the concert.
Henry Binning, Joe Ereaut and Na’Im Peyman were our sixth form soloists. Henry played Rajna’s Prelude No 11 for piano, an exciting piece, suggesting the tonal world of Prokofiev and the rhythmic drive of Kabalevsky. Joe Ereaut gave two riveting performances, first, of the lush, romantic slow movement of Rachmaninov’s Cello Sonata and, later, of the third movement of Ravel’s sumptuous Sonatine for Piano. Na’Im gave a liquid rendition of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, slow movement, accompanied by Mr Cotton.
This really was a wonderful musical feast and much enjoyed by the musical cognoscenti of Abingdon School, parents and colleagues. Our thanks go to all these gifted musicians and their dedicated teachers.
MAS
