Our Prep boys put their musical talents to great use over the summer, clearly enjoying a myriad of varied and exciting musical adventures.
Hot on the heels of his win in this year’s Royal College of Music’s annual junior competition, talented pianist Christian Hiemstra (Y8) enjoyed not one but two unique European musical experiences this summer. First, invited to attend a summer school for Young Talent at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague in July, Christian participated in intensive rehearsals and was greatly inspired by the different style of playing on the continent. His wonderful week culminated in an exhilarating performance of Beethoven’s Piano Trio in G Major.
Christian then had a second European adventure in the beautiful city of Salzburg at the Universität Mozarteum, (a city which has wonderful food too, we are reliably informed). Under the tutelage of Professor Andreas Weber, he took part in masterclasses each day before performing once again. Speaking after the summer, Christian told us that his experiences have only furthered his love of the piano, which he took up aged just five. A dedicated young musician (he heads to the Royal College of Music every Saturday as well as practising whenever he can), he has his sights firmly set on studying full-time at the Royal College of Music when his school days are over, with a classical performing career his ultimate goal.
Abhay Raghunath and George Kotsidis (Y7) also both enjoyed exciting summers after successfully auditioning for the National Schools Symphony Orchestra Academy Course. The boys spent an inspiring week practising and performing with over 100 musicians from the UK and beyond. During their week, the boys honed their skills in ensemble playing, performing as part of a team and learning new ways of keeping time. The highlight for both boys was the final concert, performed in front of the parents, which included music from The Pirates of the Caribbean, the New World Symphony and Renaissance Suite. Their advice for other boys considering applying is, “Go for it! It’s a really good experience.”
The Chapel Choir also enjoyed its first summer trip since the pandemic hit, spending four days in Salisbury, where they sang four services of Evensong and a Eucharist as a visiting choir at the Cathedral. Visiting choirs cover music at the main services while the regular choir is on holiday, and it was an amazing achievement for the boys, particularly as 17 of the 19 trebles were only admitted to full choir membership in June. Needless to say, it wasn’t all just singing, and Mr McCleery organised a full programme of activities, including bowling, Go Ape and a cultural visit to Old Sarum. The boys were all brilliant, and are looking forward to their next trip next summer, wherever that might be…
