On Monday 27 February, Bedford School pianists were treated to a wonderfully uplifting start to the week when our Piano Department Fellow, Steinway artist Simon Callaghan, paid a second visit to the Music Department. This time, Prep as well as Upper School boys benefitted from Simon’s knowledge and experience as an internationally renowned classical pianist.
The morning session for Y7 and Y8 pianists started with a masterclass, where Olly Meier (Y7) performed Douce Reverie by Tchaikovsky. His performance earned a well-deserved round of applause from Simon and the boys in the audience, followed by helpful advice from Simon, relevant to all the young pianists attending. He encouraged boys to be imaginative when practising and not just repeat aimlessly but to focus on specific sections and zoom in on technical details. Insightful ideas were shared on technique and phrasing.
In addition to the master classes, Simon played a short recital for his appreciative audience. He chose to perform extracts from Schumann’s Carnaval, which he described as one of his favourite works, due to the short and varied movements describing different personalities and scenarios through music. Simon introduced and explained some of these musical elements to the boys before each section, helping them to understand and identify the musical symbolism and characterisation.
Simon spent the rest of the day working with the pianists in chamber groups and individual lessons and provided all participants with individually tailored insights and advice to further improve their performances.
Mrs Hanja Bantock, Head of Piano, commented, “It was a delight to welcome Simon Callaghan back to Bedford School. The Year 7 and 8 pianists were enthused by his virtuosic performance of extracts from Schumann’s Carnaval in the Recital Hall, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore repertoire with Simon in the masterclasses throughout the day.”
About Simon Callaghan
Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, in parallel with his highly successful career as a recording artist. Callaghan has developed a wide following in response to his regular performances in the UK’s major concert halls, his international tours to Asia, North America and Europe, and his extensive, acclaimed discography. Callaghan’s repertoire includes over 50 concertos, highlights of the standard solo and chamber works of the 19th and 20th centuries, and much that is rare and unexplored. One cornerstone of his work is his commitment to British music, and he has recently begun a projected series with Lyrita, presenting world premiere recordings of British concertos with Martyn Brabbins and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.