The U14 Junior String Quartet have progressed to the Final of the prestigious Pro Corda National Chamber Music competition.
The quartet, comprising Maya (Y7, violin), Luyang (Y8, viola), Valentino (Y8, violin) and James (Y9, cello), beat off stiff competition in the qualifying round and semi-final, and will take their place in the finalists’ line-up alongside schools from across the UK.
Their semi-final performance of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, movements 1, 2 and 3 received high praise from the adjudicator, professional chamber music violinist Dominic Moore, who commented:
“Great energy from the first note, there was a communal focus that made good ensemble inevitable. The lyrical sections were beautiful. Congratulations, a pleasure to listen to.”
At each round of the competition, the groups receive professional coaching in an individual masterclass, becoming more intensive as the groups progress through to the final. With individual feedback on building musicality, tips for improvement and cementing an ensemble performance, the masterclasses provide an invaluable experience for all the chamber musicians taking part.
Director of Music Tim Newberry said:
“I am delighted and very proud that the Lower School Quartet have progressed to this stage of this renowned chamber music competition. The Pro Corda competition is a wonderful national festival and celebration of chamber music within schools. As well as the prestige of reaching this stage, our musicians have enjoyed meeting peers from many other schools, performing for and learning from each other. Having the masterclass at each stage of the contest is also a fantastic opportunity for our musicians to receive direct feedback from world class professionals to develop their musicality and ensemble performances. We are now looking forward to the Final.”
