Haileybury Young Musician of the Year 2021

A team of young musicians from Godstowe recently competed in the Haileybury Prep School Strings and Pianist of the Year 2021. 

The competition adjudicators wrote to us to say how much they enjoyed watching the submissions and acknowledged the immense passion for music and endless talent at Godstowe. They were impressed with every entry and, in their own words, ‘watching one superb performance after another, it felt like a concert’. They sent their congratulations to the Peripatetic Teachers and the Music Department for their impressive work, adding that the future of music talent at Godstowe is clearly bright.

Here is some of the feedback for each competitor’s performance:

Snow G - “What a beautiful performance, so expressive and warm coupled with musically shaped phrases. This was a delight to hear!”

Susie Y -  “A commanding performance that was musically played. There was a great drive to the music and attention to dynamics. Well done!”

Susie Y - “Such fine playing, elegant and stylish. There was lots of contrast and considered musical shapes throughout. This sonata may appear simple but the music’s greatest challenge lies in the simplicity. Its beauty, and profundity, is contained in a transparency of texture and expression which challenges the most technically assured and artistically insightful musicians. You took us on and a wonderful journey and we enjoyed your performance so much!”

Georgina E - “A virtuosic performance, with beautiful musical phrasing and contrasting dynamic shapes. You really made your instrument sing and played with energy from start to finish. This was sophisticated and stylish music-making, well done!”

Chizuru Y - “An enjoyable performance that was musically played. There was lots of contrast and all the phrases were carefully considered throughout. Well done!”

Jasmine S - “An impressive performance which was beautifully introduced. A fine technique coupled with clear attention to the musical details. You demonstrate great potential and have an exciting musical journey ahead of you!”

Alexandra L- “A charming performance with subtle phrase shapes and good use of vibrato. It is obvious you enjoy playing this piece. Well done!”

Evie VR - “A marvellous rendering of this piece: well done! You caught the light and shade of each consecutive phrase, and there is clear technical proficiency here. We were very impressed.”

The following girls were awarded first and second prizes in their category:

• Susie Y won both 1st place in the Piano Grade 6+ Category and 2nd place in the Viola Grade 6+ Category
• Chizuru Y won 2nd place in the Violin Grade 4-5 Category
• Georgina E won 1st place in the Viola Grade 6+ Category

Congratulations to our pupils and their teachers for such outstanding results!