Outstanding Performances at the Annual Piano Festival

This year’s Piano Festival took place on Sunday 1 March.

We were delighted to welcome Mr Jonathan Dobson from the Royal College of Music Junior Department, who led the workshop and adjudicated the Piano Prize.

The day began with a workshop in which six pianists took part, performing in a relaxed and friendly environment. Working on their chosen repertoire, the students were guided by Mr Dobson’s insightful advice.

The Piano Prize attracted a total of 30 participants, divided into three classes according to level. I may say this every year, but performing solo on stage is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences imaginable—even for a piano teacher—and for that reason I am immensely proud of every performer who put themselves forward for this opportunity. The standard throughout the competition was consistently high, and as Mr Dobson noted, the results could easily have differed with a different adjudicator. Despite some very close decisions, the results were announced as follows:

Intermediate

1st: Charlie J (III, O) 

2nd: Logan K (III, Rt) 

Senior

1st: Harry W-R (LVI, Ch) 

2nd: Hironari N (LIV, I) 

Highly Commended: Hiro M (V, Rt) and Alice P (IV, EDH) 

Advanced

1st: Marie P (LVI, EDH) 

2nd: Apple S (V, M) 

3rd: Vigo G (LVI, Rt) 

Commended: Zara W (V, M) and Emma J (III, M) 

Each class produced deserving winners who delivered excellent performances. Special mention must go to Marie P, winner of the Advanced Class, who gave a stunning performance of "Lyrica Nova", Op. 59 by Bortkiewicz.

The day concluded with a recital by Kai Yang, a former student of Shrewsbury School. In his 30-minute programme, he demonstrated impeccable technique and strong artistic vision through a varied selection of works ranging from Bach to Ligeti. We were thrilled to witness his development into such an accomplished pianist.

Yuki Kagajo, Head of Keyboard, Music