Music Competition

Twelve of the school’s finest musicians gave an immensely enjoyable recital last Thursday evening, as the winners of the four instrumental heats took part in the Grand Final in front of a sizeable and appreciative audience.

Each of the finalists played with technical assurance and great musicality, producing performances of the highest standard, from a range of musical styles. Those in attendance were treated to some astounding woodwind masterworks, sultry jazz art songs, exquisite piano preludes and beautiful cello sonatas in an evening filled with delectable music making. The performances were commended by the independent adjudicator as being “absolutely astounding”, as the depth of Highgate’s musical talent was demonstrated for all to see.

It was, nevertheless, the final of a week’s competitions in each of the instrument groups, and there could only be one winner: a deserving Sam Little 13SH took First Prize for his rendition of the fiendishly difficult yet charming Saxaphone Sonata by Denisov. Runners-up Henry Zeffman 10TL and Max Davidson 13WG were also worthy recipients of second and third place with some beautiful performances of Rachmaninov and Godovsky, respectively, but all of the performers involved did themselves, and the school, proud. Many parents, friends and staff members commented upon what was, all in all, an excellent evening.

Reviews of instrumental heats 

Piano Competition

The final day of the school’s Competition week was occupied with the Piano Competition, adjudicated by David Patrick, an experienced examiner and adjudicator as well as professional pianist and organist.

The Preliminary section was won by Polina Andreeva Asprem (9FG) for her characterful performance of “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale” by Krug. There was much light and shade in the performance and it was plated with great conviction.

The Intermediate section was hotly contested by pupils from Years 7 to 12. It was won by Madison Willing (8F) playing Dave Brubeck’s “Misty Morning”. It was a very sensitive rendition which brought across the mood of the music very well and revelled in the rich accompanying harmonies. Second placed was Baichuan Li (9SH) for his spirited performance of Arnold’s “The Buccaneer”, and Laurence Carden (8K) came third with a subtle performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s early unpublished Sonata in F minor.

The standard of the Advanced round was very high indeed, with performances given by pupils from Years 8 to 13. The three competitors selected to go through to the Grand Final were: Henry Zeffman (10TL) for his colourful and well-paced rendition of Rakhmaninov’s Prelude in G-sharp minor; Frances Jones (12MG) for her delicate performance of the “Mouvement de menuet” from Ravel’s Sonatine; and Michael Papadopoulos (13GH), who played the final movement of Beethoven’s “Sonata Pathétique” with great spirit and drama.

All pupils who entered are to be congratulated for putting on such fine performances, and Mr Patrick found it very hard to select only three top-placed competitors in each section.

Wind & Brass Competition

Day 3 of the Highgate Solo Music Competition saw an impressive 45 Wind and Brass instrumentalists competing for the coveted prize of a book token (no less) in the case of the Preliminary and Intermediate categories, and the top three Advanced performers battling it out to perform again on Thursday evening in the grand final.

Our esteemed judge was Mr. Dave Roach, woodwind specialist, teacher, session musician, Musician in residence at the South Bank Centre and founder member of the Michael Nyman Band. His words to the pupils were wise, measured and encouraging.

Winners of the Preliminary category were Theo Hurford 7M (trombone), Laurence Carden 8K (clarinet), Eloise Donovan 8F (clarinet) 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Ayra Agarwal 7O who has only been learning clarinet since the start of this term was awarded highly recommended for her assured performance of Puff the Magic Dragon.

Winners of the Intermediate category were Daniel Guenin NG (flute), Freddie Mills SH (alto saxophone) and Yoni Gordon-Teller FG (trumpet) again 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Each of these performers were congratulated on fine performances, each showing mature and sensitive understanding for their instrument and works they performed.

The Advanced category, which always promised to be an evening of outstanding performances, didn’t disappoint. Twelve of the schools best musicians gave their all resulting in an evening of what can only be described as at times breathtaking virtuosity. Mr Roach was astounded at the “astonishingly high standard” (which ranged from ABRSM grade 8 to post-diploma) and took time to talk each musician through their performance.

Mr Roach was however somewhat relieved that he didn’t have to decide 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, instead putting through the top 3 candidates for the final which will be held Thursday evening, 7.30pm in Big School. Mr Roach commented that the standard of three outstanding finalists was comparable to students studying at the top UK conservatoires. The lucky three in no particular order are Max Davidson WG (alto saxophone), Baichuan Li SH (flute), and Sam Little SH (alto saxophone).

The dedication and support that each of the pupils displayed this week was inspiring and if this is anything to go by the Grand Final will prove to be a nail biting and exhilarating experience if nothing else.

Strings Competition

On Tuesday last week, the strings competition took place as part of the music department’s competition week. The afternoon session started with the intermediate section of the competition and there were some very promising performances. The overall prize went to Connie Van Stroud for her mature and well-rounded performance of Ave Maria, the runners up were Tom Stephens, who played the guitar beautifully and Patrick Dodd for his lively, final performance of Tico-Tico Bird.

The advanced section saw many of Highgate’s finest string players performing extremely ambitious repertoire, to an impressive standard. Adjudicator Felix Tanner, violist of the Brodowski Quartet, was delighted with the quality of the playing and commented enthusiastically about the competitors efforts. Of the fourteen performers, Henry Zeffman, Frances Jones and Oliver Zeffman went through to the final but all performers deserve praise for their contribution to this fantastic evening of music. Well done!

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