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Ten Taunton School soloists perform in annual Concerto Concert

Posted: 19th October 2021

Annual Concerto Concert

The annual Concerto Competition took place on Thursday 14th of October in the School Chapel and featured ten soloists showing off their talents in virtuosic show pieces. The performers, whose ages ranged from Year 9 to Year 13, played under the watchful eyes of Kevin Price who had travelled from Cardiff where he is Head of Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

The evening began with the youngest participant, Charlotte A (Year 9, Besley), who performed the second movement of Richard Strauss’ 1st Horn Concerto. The dark and thoughtful music was matched by Charlotte’s mature playing and rich tone. Following Charlotte was another year 9, Anna D (TSIMS), who performed the first movement of Mozart’s 5th Violin Concerto with a calm, clear and controlled tone, as well as the grace that befits the music. There was back-to-back Mozart as Daniel F (Year 10, Goodland) performed the Rondo movement of his 1st Horn Concerto with a “swaggering spirit” and great energy. There was a contrast in moods as Mina L (Year 12, Besley) performed the sorrowful 2nd movement of Tchaikovsky’s famous Violin Concerto. Mina’s innate musicality came through in her sense of phrasing, leading to a serious and emotional performance.

Lily B (Year 10, Jenkin) took to the Chapel stage next and performed Alexandre Guilmant’s Morceau Symphonique, or Concert Piece, for Trombone. Her dynamic control and excellent tone allowed her to fill the space with sound. Following Lily was Anthony K (Year 11, Marshall) whose chosen piece featured the familiar tune of Yankee Doodle in a sparkling series of virtuosic variations by Henri Vieuxtemps. The third of four horn concertos heard during the evening was performed by Rufus H (Year 12, FW) who played the first movement of Reinhold Gliere’s with an expansive and warm tone which filled the Chapel’s acoustic.

Daisy H (Year 13, Bevan) performed Weber’s Concertino, a classic showpiece for any budding clarinetist. Her playing was full of life and character, matching each of the piece’s moods superbly. The final horn concerto of the night was composed by Paul Hindemith and performed by Sebastian D (Year 13, Goodland) who handled it with “style and aplomb”. The final performance was given by George K (Year 13, Fairwater) who performed Lebedev’s Concerto in One Movement. George’s natural confidence and enthusiasm shone through in the varied and exciting piece.

Each performer rightfully received a huge ovation from the audience, as well as excellent feedback from Kevin Price who had the task of choosing two winners. Daisy H and Anthony K were the recommendations and they will receive the opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra in the Spring.

 

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