St Austell Festival of Music & Speech 2024 Syllabus

St Austell Festival of Music & Speech 2024 Syllabus

2024 Festival Plans Unveiled 

The St Austell Festival of Music and Speech is very pleased and excited to  announce that its syllabus for the 2024 Festival is now released and available  online at https://staustellfestival.org/syllabus-and-entries/

Karen Frost, who is the Festival’s newly elected General Secretary says, “I truly  believe that the opportunity to perform is vital to our young people. The skills  they learn and the confidence that they gain from standing up in public and  performing are essential in adult life.” 

The Festival offers classes in the Spoken Word (poetry, readings and drama) for individuals and groups. It also offers a wide range of music classes for  individuals, small groups and larger ensembles. It aims to be a fun, friendly  Festival where people can enjoy performing. 

Heather Vaughan, the Festival’s Chairman, says, “We believe that we have a  class for everybody to enjoy performing, whether competitively or in a non competitive class. The Committee is always willing to listen to feedback and  if you can’t find a class that fits your requirements, our Spoken Word and  Music Secretaries will gladly seek to add one so that you can have the  opportunity to perform.” 

The Festival will take place at its traditional home, St John’s Methodist Church  in St Austell in late November and early December.

Entries close on Friday 18th October 2024 at 23:59:59.

Janet Elston's Big Day at Buckingham Palace

Janet Elston's Big Day at Buckingham Palace

Earlier this year, Janet Elston, ensemble lead for CMST, was nominated by a parent for her service to music in Cornwall. Because of this, she was invited to a garden tea party at Buckingham Palace with the royals! Here is what happened in her own words:

Just before half-term, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life—I attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Back in February, out of the blue, I received an email from the Lord Lieutenant with the invitation. I was so surprised and astonished that, at first, I thought it might be a scam. It proved to be real, though, and so I started the search for an outfit, one that was a long way from my usual attire of jeans and wellies. I even had to wear a hat!

I was allowed to take one other person with me, so I invited my brother Robert, who I felt deserved it just as much as I did because of all his charity work. 

I had never stayed in a posh hotel, so we decided to do it in style. We stayed at the May Fair Hotel and finished the day with dinner at the Ritz. 

The garden party was absolutely fabulous despite the torrential rain. Along with all the other guests, we stood under our umbrellas dressed in our finery and shared our stories and an afternoon with the Royal family. The band of the Household Cavalry and the RAF Central Band entertained us just as royally, and the tea tent provided an outstanding afternoon tea, including scones with jam and cream.

As we all left the palace and tried to dodge the deep puddles in our best shoes, everyone was still happily chattering with excitement and agreeing that it had been the most special of days.

CMST Spring 2024 Newsletter

CMST Spring 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the CMST Spring Newsletter! Dive into the vibrant world of music as we showcase the incredible events and performances our outstanding students and teachers have been part of this term. From captivating concerts to inspiring workshops, there's much to explore and celebrate. Join us on this musical journey and be inspired by the talent and dedication within our community!

The Big Wind Day: Chapel Street Festival of Music

The Big Wind Day: Chapel Street Festival of Music

The Big Wind Day will take place on Saturday April 27th 2024, as part of the third Chapel Street Festival of Music, in Penzance. It will provide a county-wide focus and celebration of the pleasures and challenges of playing wind instruments, and playing them together, in different combinations and styles, especially for young people.

We are encouraging new youth chamber music wind groups to form, and will give them, together with groups that already exist - whether it be in quintets, quartets, trios or duos - an opportunity to be coached, and to perform in a lunchtime concert as part of the Festival. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the evening concert, which will contain a newly commissioned piece.

Jacqueline Kershaw (CMST Teacher)

Participants will receive coaching from, and work alongside, members of Chapel Street Winds: Karen Green (flute), Tamsin Robinson (oboe), Jacob Perry (clarinet), Sally Bartholomew (bassoon) and Jacqueline Kershaw (French horn).

Players or groups interested in participating and taking advantage of this unique opportunity should either let their teacher know, inform one of the players mentioned above, or send an email to music@chapelstreetmusic.co.uk to register an interest, or make an enquiry.

For younger, enthusiastic players who are not yet ready to perform in a soloistic capacity, but have reached the level of Grade 3, or equivalent, there will be an exciting opportunity to attend, observe, rehearse and participate in a newly commissioned piece being written for the evening concert by Cornish composer, Paul Saggers.

Apart from French horns, other brass instruments need not apply on this occasion, but we are open to applications from saxophone and recorder groups.

The day will run from 11.00am until approximately 7.00pm. Players wishing to take part should be available for the whole day, which will take place in the magnificent surroundings and beautiful, warm acoustic of the Methodist Church on historic Chapel Street.

The Big Wind Day is generously supported by FEAST, and there is therefore no charge for taking part.

Bournemouth Symphony in Saltash

Bournemouth Symphony in Saltash

Members of one of the country’s best-loved orchestras will perform two exciting concerts in Saltash this March.

A 14-member ensemble from the orchestra will be coming to Saltash Wesley Methodist Church on Thursday 7 March, 7.30pm. They will perform a new concert of film-inspired music, journeying from London’s historic West End to the glittering lights of Hollywood. The concert is presented and will include well-known favourites alongside lesser-known cinematic works. The programme is designed for families of all ages, new audiences, and seasoned concert goers alike. Tickets cost £6-£12.

On Friday 8 March, 2pm the orchestra’s ‘Teatime Trio’ will host a special dementia-friendly Cake Concert at Saltash Social Club. They will be performing well-known classics for all to enjoy with a piece of cake, a hot drink and good company. The afternoon is presented by the musicians who will give insights into their instruments and guide the audience through a mixed programme of classical repertoire and special arrangements of popular music from Bach to Joni Mitchell. Tickets cost £10 and include the tea and cake.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has an international reputation for their superb performances. Their world-class musicians include some of the finest players in the UK and they are renowned for taking music out of the concert halls and into the hearts of local communities.

Tickets for both events are available at www.saltarts.org or from Piglets Haberdashery Shop on Fore Street, Saltash.

This is the orchestra’s first ever visit to Saltash and has been organised in partnership with local cultural producers Salt Arts CIC and the Carn to Cove rural touring scheme for Cornwall.

CELLO & PIANO MASTERCLASS OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS AND  AUDITORS IN CORNWALL

CELLO & PIANO MASTERCLASS OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS AND AUDITORS IN CORNWALL

MASTERCLASS given by Geithrudur Guðmundsdóttir (cello) & Antoine Préat (piano)

Saturday, 3rd February 2024, from 10am till 13.00 at Truro School Chapel, Trennick Lane, Truro, TR1 1TH

Two of the leading young generation soloists on the international concert stage. Icelandic-American cellist Geithrudur Guðmundsdóttir and Franco-Belgian pianist Antoine Préat. Are visiting Cornwall in February 2024 to give a series of Concerts Truro (2nd), Mylor 3rd and 4th February Penzance.

Musicians (cellists and pianists) are invited to an Open Class to share with Antoine and Geithrudur the music they are working on for coaching and advice. Cellists can bring their accompanists or Antoine or another may accompany (with notice of work). We suggest the standard of players should be Grade V and above. It is also an opportunity to play before an audience in a relaxed environment.

For those who wish to take part as players in the Masterclass (Piano or cello or both or chamber group). Please register burrelltheatre.com/whatson Fee for young students £5 or contact events@truroschool.com

All playing participants will be offered free tickets available to the concert on Friday 2nd February or 4th February in Penzance. Auditors are welcome to the Masterclass (£5 which will be discounted from concert ticket on 2nd and 4th February).

We thank Truro School for offering the use of their facilities and Cornwall Music Services Trust for supporting the Masterclass.

Truro Concert - Truro School Chapel, Trennick Lane, Truro, TR1 1TH Friday 2nd February at 1900

Beethoven - Seven Variations on a theme from The Magic Flute

Janacek Pohadaka

Adès Lieux Retrouvés I. Les eaux, IV. La ville, Cancan macabre

Brahms Intermezzo and Scherzo from FAE sonata

Shostakovich Cello Sonata

Truro Tickets:

Box Office www.burrelltheatre.com/whatson tel. 01872 246050

Mylor Concert – Tremayne Hall, Mylor Bridge, TR11 5NA

Saturday 3 rd February at 7.30.p.m.

Tickets carrickconcerts1.wixsite.com tel. 01326 374237

Penzance Concert – The Methodist Chapel, Chapel Street, Penzance TR18 4AW

Sunday 4 th February at 1500

Tickets 01726 63513. www.crbo.co.uk/metronome.

Mylor and Penzance Concert programmes

Beethoven - Seven Variations on a theme from The Magic Flute

Debussy Cello Sonata in D minor

Adès Lieux Retrouvés I. Les eaux, IV. La ville, Cancan macabre

Brahms Intermezzo and Scherzo from FAE sonata

Prokofiev Cello Sonata

Please do book tickets in advance to assist in concert/ seating planning!

Geirþrúður Anna Guðmundsdóttir.

Praised for her “agile and passionate” and “exceedingly lively” playing (Fréttablaðið, Reykjavik), Icelandic-American cellist Geirþrúður Anna Guðmundsdóttir has performed internationally at venues like Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and the Southbank Centre and appeared as a soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (ISO), the Iceland Youth Orchestra, and the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. Her recent concert tour of Iceland featuring the six Bach Cello Suites was hailed as “an awe-inspiring experience” (Jónas Sen, Fréttablaðið).

Born into a musical family in Reykjavík in 1994, she made her debut in 2013 with the ISO and graduated with a soloist diploma from the Reykjavík College of Music the same year. She went on to study with Hans Jensen at Northwestern University and completed her bachelor’s degree in 2017. She served as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago during their 2017-18 season and recently graduated with a master's degree from The Juilliard School, where she studied Natasha Brofsky. She is currently an Advanced Diploma candidate at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Geirþrúður has been a prize winner at numerous competitions, including the Anton Rubinstein International Cello Competition, the Hellam Young Artist Competition, the New York International Artists Association Competition, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist Competition, the Philharmonic Society of Arlington Young Artist Competition, and the Thaviu String Competition. Additionally, she has received fellowships from the Jean-Pierre Jaquillat Memorial Foundation, the Valitor Foundation in Reykjavík, the Rotary Foundation in Iceland, the American-Scandinavian Foundation, the American-Scandinavian Society, and the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation. She has performed solo and chamber music recitals across the United States, and Canada, as well as in Iceland, Denmark, Holland, France, and the UK.

A passionate chamber musician, Geirþrúður was the Gold Medal and Grand Prize Winner of the 2022 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition with the Terra String Quartet. Her festival appearances include Ecole d'Art Américains de Fontainebleau, where she was awarded the top prize for chamber music, the Valley of the Moon Music Festival, the Holland International Music Sessions, Banff Masterclasses, and the National Arts Centre Young Artist Program. She has also appeared as artist-in-residence at the Harpa International Music Academy, the Young Icelandic Chamber Musicians Festival, and the Mineral Point Chamber Music Festival. Geirþrúður plays on a Pierre Silvestre cello from 1857.

In addition to music, Geirþrúður enjoys photography, reading, running, and playing chess.

Antoine Preat

Antoine has been invited to perform in prestigious venues including the Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, Salle Gaveau, Salle Cortot, Paris Beaux Arts Museum, Frederyk Chopin Insitute, as well as festivals such as the Nohant Chopin Festival, Lisztomanias, Chopin à Bagatelle, Les Nuits du Piano in Paris, IMS Open Chamber Music at Prussia Cove and Encuentro de Santander. He has appeared on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, Scala Radio and RTBF Musiq3.

Antoine has performed alongside leading artists and orchestras, including Maté Szücs, Miclen LaiPang, Margarita Balanas, Manuel Blanco, Sinfonietta Lausanne, Lesley Hatfield, Robin Ireland, the Centre de Musique de Chambre de Paris, Sainsbury Soloists, Academy Festival Orchestra, University Orchestra of Alicante and London Student Orchestra.

Throughout his career, Antoine has also been fortunate to receive guidance from Philippe Cassard, Cedric Pescia, Thomas Adès, Boris Berman, Robert Levin, Jerome Lowenthal, Richard Goode, Imogen Cooper and Stephen Hough. 

After graduating with honours from the Ecole Normale de Paris where he studied with Liudmila Berlinskaia and Guigla Katsarava, Antoine furthered his studies at the Royal Academy of Music and at the Guildhall School of Music under the tutelage of Tatiana Sarkissova and Ronan O’Hora, while studying harpsichord and fortepiano under the guidance of Carole Cerasi.

Antoine was awarded the first prize of the Concours international d’Ile de France and the Los Angeles Colburn Piano Festival Competition, the honour prize at the New York Début Piano   Competition and most recently, was a semifinalist at the Clara Haskil Competition 2021.

Antoine is generously supported by Talent Unlimited, the Munster Derek Butler Award, Hattori Foundation and the Winifred Christie Trust Award.

Genesis Sixteen: Empowering Young Artists in the World of Choral Singing

Genesis Sixteen: Empowering Young Artists in the World of Choral Singing

Calling all choral singers!

Genesis Sixteen, the UK's leading FREE choral training programme for young singers aged 18-23 is recruiting now.

With group tuition from The Sixteen's conductors, singing lessons and workshops from top industry experts, and exciting performance opportunities, this is a unique and rewarding opportunity for those wanting to take their choral singing to the next level.

The closing date for applications is Friday 26 January 2024, 12pm.

For more information and how to apply visit thesixteen.com

This free program offers a year-long journey comprising week-long and weekend courses across the UK. Led by eminent figures like founder Harry Christophers and associate conductor Eamonn Dougan, the curriculum includes group sessions, individual mentoring, and masterclasses conducted by top vocal experts. Participants are also supported by The Sixteen members, who offer holistic guidance on vocal health and nutrition.

The Genesis Foundation's close partnership has made this fully funded program a pioneering venture in the UK. Alums from the previous twelve cohorts have achieved notable success in their musical endeavours, including performing, recording, and touring with professional groups like The Sixteen. Moreover, many graduates have established their choirs, charitable organisations, and music businesses, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and solidifying their presence in the music industry.

To learn more about Genesis Sixteen and access the online application form, visit https://thesixteen.com/genesis-sixteen/.

Join the movement to foster the next generation of talented ensemble singers and support the evolution of choral music among young artists! 

Join Enys Chamber Music Festival for an Unforgettable Weekend of Performances Introduction

Join Enys Chamber Music Festival for an Unforgettable Weekend of Performances Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of chamber music, where timeless melodies and passionate performances come together in harmony. Join us at the prestigious Enys Chamber Music Festival, featuring some of the most talented chamber ensembles from the Royal Northern College of Music. Get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend filled with classical masterpieces, contemporary gems, and the joy of music.

Schedule of Events

Friday, August 4th

Music in the Gardens at Enys Gardens (12:00-14:30)

As the sun paints the gardens with its warm hues, let the soothing sounds of chamber music embrace your senses. Experience the ethereal combination of music and nature at the heart of Enys Gardens.

Talland Quartet at King Charles the Martyr Falmouth (19:30)

The Talland Quartet takes the stage to showcase their exceptional talent. Their artistic expression and refined interpretations will transport you into the world of classical elegance.

Saturday, August 5th:

Franco-Mendes Quartet at Penryn Town Hall (13:30)

Aestus Quartet at Tremayne Hall (19:30)

The Aestus Quartet ignites the stage with their fiery energy and profound musicality. Be captivated by their innovative renditions of classic and contemporary chamber pieces.


Sunday, August 6th:

Grand Finale at Enys House (17:00)

The grand finale awaits you at the historic Enys House. Bask in the rich melodies of renowned chamber ensembles, creating a memorable and fitting conclusion to the festival.

Featured Chamber Music

Throughout the festival, you'll have the pleasure of experiencing some of the world's greatest chamber music. Classics like Schubert's Death and the Maiden, Samuel Barber's Adagio, and Mendelssohn's Octet will enrapture your soul with their timeless beauty. Additionally, the festival will introduce you to new and rarely performed works, expanding your musical horizons.

Embracing the Unforgettable

As the melodies resonate in your heart, you'll realise that the Enys Chamber Music Festival celebrates the human spirit and the universal language of music. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness exceptional performances, forge unforgettable memories, and participate in this enchanting musical journey. Join the Enys Chamber Music Festival for an experience that will leave you captivated and inspired.

Mark your calendars and be part of this remarkable celebration of chamber music. Prepare for a weekend filled with artistry, emotion, and pure musical brilliance.

Cornwall Music Service Trust Newsletter Summer 2023

Cornwall Music Service Trust Newsletter Summer 2023

Get ready to dive into a sensational musical journey as we look at what the CMST students have been doing for the summer term of 2023!

Experience the past term filled with harmonious melodies and thrilling musical updates, all in the Cornwall Music Service Trust Newsletter for the Summer 2023.

Three Spires Singers "Young Artists" Concert, 8th July

Three Spires Singers "Young Artists" Concert, 8th July

 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR OUR SUMMER CONCERT FEATURING A GREAT LINE-UP OF YOUNG ARTISTS

There’s something particularly appealing about a concert featuring young artists, it feels like being given a privileged early insight into the careers of rising stars who are really going places!

A youthful line-up of soloists will join the Three Spires Singers and Orchestra to perform Scarlatti’s St Cecilia Mass, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and J.S.Bach’s Cantata No 80 “Eine Feste Burg”. Soloists include Jacob Perry (clarinet), Katherine Gregory (soprano), Hannah Dienes-Williams (soprano), Tom Lilburn (alto), Louis Watkins (tenor) and Simon Grant (bass).
 
Four of this wonderful team of young singers are returning to their Cornish roots: Tom, Louis and Simon were all choral scholars at Truro Cathedral and Katherine is a former member of the cathedral’s Girls’ Choir (making her second appearance as soloist with Three Spires). The conductor will be Patrick Bailey.
 
To get your tickets:

https://www.minack.com/whats-on/three-spires-singers-summer-concert

or ring them on 01736 810181.
  
If you are looking at the Minack website at any other time, you will find Three Spires Singers concerts in the Other Venues section, which you will find by scrolling down on the Minack Theatre website front page.
 
Ticket prices are as before:
 
Nave £25 - Gallery £20 - Side Aisles: £18 - Age 25 or under £1.
The ticket price includes the cost of a concert programme.

 

Girls Rock - Workshop with The Eyelids

Girls Rock - Workshop with The Eyelids

 

Calling all young female rockers! Get ready for the ultimate rock extravaganza designed exclusively for you. Join Livewire Youth Project and Saltash Song & Shanties Festival for the Girls Rock workshop and concert featuring Cornwall's powerhouse, The Eyelids! The workshop will be held from 3-5 pm, where The Eyelids, an all-female, double-bass driven, garage rock band, will guide you through the thrilling world of rock music. Explore guitar riffs, killer drum beats, mesmerising bass lines, and powerful vocals in this amazing workshop. Book your spot now and learn to embrace your inner rock goddess!

After the workshop, from 7-11 pm, prepare for an unforgettable night of rock! The Eyelids, along with The Other Woman and other sensational support acts, will ignite the stage with their raw energy and mind-blowing performances. Witness the intoxicating blend of garage, blues, and punk from The Eyelids and be captivated by their double-bass-driven rhythms and fierce vocals. This celebration of women who rock is not to be missed! Tickets are only £5 (pay what you can from £1), so gather your friends and prepare for an unforgettable night. Get ready to rock out and show the world what you're made of!