News Music Scholars’ Concert 16.11.2023

On Friday 11 November, our music scholars from Year 11 and the Sixth Form gave a truly remarkable recital in the Bishop Centre.

The concert began with Josie Russell, who gave a beautifully poised and elegant performance of the first movement of Cimarosa’s Oboe Concerto in C Major, with dancing ornamentation and beautiful fluidity of line.

This was followed by Imogen Wan’s performance of Grieg’s Nocturne in C Major Op. 54 No. 4 for piano. This was wonderfully evocative, with a singing melodic line floating beneath exquisitely-voiced left-hand chords.

Inez Karlsson gave a remarkably moving and mature performance of Bruch’s Kol Nedrei Op. 47, infused with real beauty of melodic shape, wonderfully nuanced phrasing, and an innate understanding of Bruch’s musical intentions.

This was followed by Ella Dehnugara, who gave a truly spirited performance of the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in D Major K. 216, with a really Mozartian dance-like quality and a marvellously energetic cadenza!

Rania Firooyze performed Debussy’s famous Clair de Lune for piano with real elegance, and the rippling figuration enhanced a beautifully tranquil interpretation of Debussy’s moonlight-inspired miniature.

This was contrasted with a truly bravura performance of Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, played by Maya Sutaria, in which elegant lyricism was effectively contrasted with wonderfully fiery semiquavers.

The concert concluded with Youan Sohn’s performance of the infamously virtuosic Polonaise de Concert by Popper. Youan’s playing was infused with timbral colour, and the energy of the piece was communicated with real energy and passion.

Many congratulations to all performers on a superb recital.