The Final Saturday of the Eisteddfod 2020 - it's been an amazing week of music making, and the last day was no different; full of amazing performances, and high quality music making.
- One thing that I've also enjoyed from the Piano classes is when Nancy adjudicates, she'll get up on the piano to demonstrate the critiques she's talking about to the young performers. Nancy is clearly an amazing pianist, and it was lovely to see and hear her play whilst helping out the youngsters.
Following the pianists, we had the Songs from the Shows Open - of all the classes, this for me was the most weirdly placed, being on a Saturday morning - I feel this class is better served scheduled right before one of the other Songs from the Shows class (before the afternoon's Songs from the Shows Under 15 would have made more sense in my view). None-the-less, I had a lot of fun participating in this class, as I performed 'I know it's today' with two of my students, Sicely Mountford, and Emmelie Wright. We've had a lot of fun pulling this together, and I think this is what this class is all about, teachers and pupils able to perform together, or even family members or friends of different age categories. It's a shame that it's not filled to the brim like other Songs from the Shows classes! Next year, I'm determined it'll be a much bigger class! But this year, I'm enjoying celebrating that our 'three fionas' trio got an Outstanding mark of 93, and we took home the trophy.
- Before the interval, another piano class, which is always good fun, the 6 hands or more Open. As pianists, we most often perform solo, so it's really good fun to play duets or trios (and even quartets!) on the piano, and it takes such skill to get it right as well! The winners of the class were Sam Cole, Owen Cole and Judy Beaugeard for their performance of Benodet Breeze, for which they received a Distinction.
After the interval, we had a collection of vocal solo classes, the Vocal Boys Under 10, Vocal Boys Under 12, the Vocal Boys 15 & Under 18, and finally the Folk Song Solo Under 12. The boys classes all fielded only 1 competitor each, which tends to be the trend with these classes at present (it seems we see most of the male competitors in instrumental classes, or contemporary vocal classes like Pop, Jazz or Musical Theatre) - There's any number of reasons for this trend, but I do find that young boys perhaps aren't encouraged to sing as much as girls, and this is something I would like to see change for sure. Some lovely singing in these classes though, as we were treated to 'The Crocodile' performed by Ramsay Ismail winner of the Under 10, Highly Commended), 'Poco Poppa Pizza' performed by Jack Manheim (Under 12 winner, Commended), and 'Music for a While' by Purcell, performed by Sebastian Hazzan (Under 18 winner, Highly Commended). The folk solo Under 12, which incidentally is open to all singers but on this occasion only had female singers participating, saw some lovely performances of traditional folk music, both in the traditional unaccompanied style, and with piano accompaniment. I particularly thought that Zara Stafford-Bell did an exceptional job with her performance of 'Dona Dona', completely a cappella. This young singer has an excellent grasp on pitch, and a gorgeous vocal tone developing, and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future. A high standard of class all round here, with every competitor receiving Highly Commended, except class winner Sophia Roger, who received a Distinction for her performance of Danny Boy. Another fine voice here, with a beautiful tone. Well done everyone.
- Closing the morning, we had a wonderful class with the Choirs, Special Needs. Gateway Club presented a spectacular performance with the most vibrant and colourful appearance, complete with giant straw hats, a selection of percussion instruments, and accompaniment on guitar, flute and trumpet. The joy coming from this group was delightful to see, and their rendition of 'Is this the way to Amarillo' was particularly great. Nancy awarded them all Highly Commendeds, and the Melody Press Printers Cup.
 |
| Emily Northmore showing 'costume commitment |
Starting off the afternoon we had two classes, the Pop Song Duo/Trio/Quartet Under 15, and the Pop Song Duo/Trio/Quartet Under 18. In the first class, sole competitors Poppy Cochrane, Alexa Brock, and Freya Tardiff performed with lovely 3-part harmony in there piece 'Fade', receiving a Highly Commended, and the new presented trophy for this year, the Dawson and Wright Cup. The following class (Under 18) saw two very different performances, with a fun piece entitled the 'Elvis Medley', in which I believe Reece Kilminster, Drew Robilliard, Simone Ashplant and Lucy Mahy arranged themselves, and a lovely duet from Bella Lee and Lucia Enevoldseen. I particularly enjoyed the duet, and I thought Lucia's voice (whom I've not heard before) showed lovely promise, with a fabulous low range and a really great tone of voice. The quartet delivered with energy and commitment, as I've come to expect from them, and won the class with a Distinction.
- The rest of the afternoon was taken up with the last of the big musical theatre classes, the Songs from the Shows Under 15. Proving to be another stellar class of hugely high standards, we were treated to another selection of great music, with great performances to boot. Shows performed included West Side Story, Les Miserables, Once Upon a Mattress, and Little Women. Nancy complimented the youngsters on their confidence, their find developing voices (also praising the teaching in this island), and the commitment of everyone involved in pulling together such amazing performance. She also praised the presentations of costumes, which always seem to be brilliant. A truly outstanding class, we saw jointly in 3rd place on 94 marks Isabelle Lees with 'On my Own', and Maisie Webster with 'End of the Line'. In 2nd place was Freya Mitchell, on 95 marks for 'I Love Play Rehearsal', and on another super 96 and winning the class was Hermione Reoch-Brehaut for her performance of 'Shy' from Once Upon a Mattress. I thought Hermione sang with beauty, grace, and real maturity, and she seemed genuinely shocked to have won this class - I wasn't, it was wonderful! Congratulations Hermione, and everyone who took part in this amazing class!
 |
| Under 15 Songs from the Show winner Hermione Reoch-Breahuat |
Starting off the final evening session, a little bit of class to kick everything off, which was probably a good thing, since it was all going to descend into madness later! The first class was the Instrumental Bach Open, which saw John Morris and Martin Hassall battling it out once more. Two fabulous performances of such hefty repertoire, saw Martin receive 89 marks, and John take the win with another 90 for his playing. Next we had the Under 18s Country & Western song. A relatively new class to this festival, but it seems to be taking peoples fancy, and we had a good amount of performers, as well as some wonderful performances. I do think that half the fun of doing something like the eisteddfod is trying loads of different styles of performing, because then you get to find what really suits you. It might be Jazz, it might be Musical Theatre, it might be Classical, or it might be Country and Western! I certainly thought this of class winner Samantha Paines, that this genre of music just seems to work with her personality and voice, and I hope she explores this genre further. Another high standard of class saw the top three, Erin Vaudin, Isabelle Lees, and Samantha Paines, all receive Outstandings. The last class of this part of the evening was the Under 18s Novelty Class, which saw Elliott Hearne deliver a spectacularly hilarious rendition of 'The Trololol song', complete with the infamous brown suit, and expert comedy timing - as the accompanist, I promise you, I was struggling to keep it together! Elliott rightly received an outstanding 92 marks, winning the Pond House Trophy.
Next up, we had a wonderful speech from Barbara Minta, thanking everyone for their support and contribution to the festival, followed by the Presentation of the Special Awards, the winners of which are below;
The Janet Bran Cup for the most promising junior singer
– Isabelle Lees
The Marjorie Guillemette Cup for the most promising junior pianist
– Benjamin and Harry Childs (shared)
The Freeman Cup and Award for the most promising junior string player
– Joseph Stoller (Violin)
The E H Bodman Trophy for the most promising junior woodwind or brass player
– Cara Fitzpatrick (saxophone)
The June Bourget Trophy for the most outstanding junior or senior choir
– The Accidentals
The De La Rue Trophy for the most outstanding junior or senior instrumental ensemble
– Elizabeth College
String Quartet
The Longmire Baton for the most outstanding conductor or director
– Lydia Pugh and Azita Mehdinejad
(Shared)
The Peter A Malley Memorial Trophy for anyone who has entered into the spirit of the Eisteddfod
– Hannah
Beacom
The Miriam R Le Page Prix D’Honneur Trophy for the most memorable performance
– Darren Alderton &
Alison Castle for 'Classical Cats' by Rossini
The Adjudicator’s Cup; awarded for any reason at the Adjudicators discretion
– Sam Cole
 |
| Elliott Hearne (L) 'Trolololing', and Lindsey Veillard all dolled up for the Jazz Class |
A really wonderful selection for these special awards this year. I was very pleased in particular for Sam Cole, who I thought gave amazing performances throughout the week, and for Cara Fitzpatrick, who I also thought really performed beautifully this festival, and has developed into a fine Sax player. I was also delighted for Hannah Beacom for winning the Peter A Malley Trophy, and naturally, I was very happy (and somewhat shocked) to have jointly won the Longmire Baton. I never in a million years thought I'd ever be considered for that award, so I'm absolutely over the moon!
Continuing out evening, a little bit more class, but perhaps with more sass than the Bach class, we had the Over 18 Vocal Jazz. Always a great class with powerhouse performances, and this year really did not disappoint. Big love to Lindsey Veillard who performed in this class for the first time, earning a Distinction, and I'm really pleased for Tracey Robilliard, also in her first venture into the world of Jazz, for receiving an Outstanding mark of 90 for her performance of Summertime, which was sultry and truly in keeping with the Jazz idiom. Another highly marked class saw Jo Marsh come in third place with 91 marks, and a joint 1st on 94 marks for Dominique Ogier performing a sassy 'Mama Morten-esque' rendition of 'All about that Bass', and myself performing what Nancy described as a 'sultry, idiomatic and stylish' arrangement of 'Toxic'. A fab class all around, as always!
Continuing out evening, a little bit more class, but perhaps with more sass than the Bach class, we had the Over 18 Vocal Jazz. Always a great class with powerhouse performances, and this year really did not disappoint. Big love to Lindsey Veillard who performed in this class for the first time, earning a Distinction, and I'm really pleased for Tracey Robilliard, also in her first venture into the world of Jazz, for receiving an Outstanding mark of 90 for her performance of Summertime, which was sultry and truly in keeping with the Jazz idiom. Another highly marked class saw Jo Marsh come in third place with 91 marks, and a joint 1st on 94 marks for Dominique Ogier performing a sassy 'Mama Morten-esque' rendition of 'All about that Bass', and myself performing what Nancy described as a 'sultry, idiomatic and stylish' arrangement of 'Toxic'. A fab class all around, as always!
And finally, closing the show, and therefore the musical festival, the class where literally anything goes, the Over 18 Novelty Song. Unlike the Under 18s class, there was plenty of performers here in this class - perhaps some more Under 18s need to let loose and embrace the ridiculousness a little bit more, because honestly, I've never laughed as hard as I did for this class! There were some truly spectacular moments from everyone tonight; Darren & Alison kicked off the evening with the last of their mad 'Cat' duets, Lindsey Davies & Kirstin Radford delivered pure insanity with a re-interpretation of 'Common People', Matt Nichols & Sam Claxton expertly channelled The Flight of the Concords with their song 'I'm Not Crying', Linsdey Veillard had a questionably shaped 'Type of Wood', Laura Simpson performed 'Alto's Lament' with expert humour and delivery, I channeled my inner Bill Bailey with my a self-accompanied piece called 'Cockney Rocks', Darren took the audience way beyond any line they may have drawn for themselves with 'My Girlfriend and Her Car', and finally, Alison Castle closed the night with a show-stopping performance of 'Popsy Wopsy'. Another tough one to call, in which Nancy said she was advised to "not bother with critique, just say what you enjoyed!" - the top three were myself in 3rd place with 93 marks, Sam & Matt in 2nd with 94 marks, but way out in front with our last 96 of the festival was Laura Simpson, proving that just because you're an alto doesn't mean you haven't got a great top C!
It has been a truly amazing festival this year, and I thank Nancy for her in-sight, her knowledge, her wit, but most importantly her kindness in her approach to adjudicating. Thank you everyone who participated, accompanied, supported, chaperoned, shifted pianos and set, handed out certificates or tickets, and everyone else who was involved. Here's to the next one!
 |
| A super end to a super year! |
No comments:
Post a Comment