Welcome back to the CMST Newsletter! It’s been a jam-packed, music-filled summer term, and we’ve got so much to share — from unforgettable performances to exciting new projects. Dive in and see what we’ve been up to!
Join us this summer for Song Treats Music Club, an exciting three-day event packed with music-making, creativity, and fun for Key Stage 2 children. From ensembles and improvisation to jam sessions, composition, and music games, every day offers something new to inspire young musicians. Hosted at Truro School’s Music Block from 29–31 July 2025 (9am–3pm daily), this is a fantastic opportunity for budding talent across Cornwall to grow their skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Just £120 for all three days or £42.75 per day. Run in partnership with Cornwall Music Service Trust.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/YfZUNT4Bttdpy3uh7
Welcome to the Spring 2025 Newsletter!
Discover all the incredible things our students have been up to across Cornwall this term!
Cornwall Music Festival March 10th – 15th 2025
Every year The Cornwall Music Festival takes place in Truro Methodist Church and musicians, both young and old, from all over Cornwall take the opportunity to perform live and to get some expert suggestions about how to progress and move forward.
Many competitors have gone on to become famous musicians across the world both as performers, composers and conductors and teachers.
The Festival has classes for all instruments, including a world music section as well as for rock, pop and soul bands. The music theatre class is always very popular with one class attracting 27 entries last year.
So why not come along and play your latest piece, your party piece, bring your backing track and sing your favourite tune.
Encourage your school choir to take part, there is a £100.00 prize awaiting the winning choir in Junior and Senior categories.
The syllabus and everything you need to know can be found at our website https://www.cornwallmusicfestival.co.uk Don’t take too long to decide though, the closing date is on 17th January 2025.
Looking forward to seeing you in March
David Hendry Chairman
Welcome to the Autumn 2024 Newsletter! See all the amazing things our students have been up to throughout the county.
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.
Welcome to the Summer 2024 Newsletter! See all the amazing things our students have been up to throughout the county.
Download the Newsletter here:
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.
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 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.
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.
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.