The most talented rising music stars from the South West are about to embark on one of the most exciting musical projects of their young careers – thanks to the Dartington Hall Trust and the ‘virtual’ South West Music School.
On the 22–24 February the 15 supremely talented young musicians, from a region spanning Cornwall to Gloucestershire, will be spending a weekend at Dartington Hall – where they will be learning and performing specially commissioned pieces of music by three of the most exciting contemporary composers in the UK.
South West Music School Director Lisa Tregale said, “The weekend residency at Dartington is a wonderful opportunity for South West Music students to work and collaborate with world class composers in an inspirational setting. The students will be given the chance to develop their natural talent and acquire the necessary skills to help them blossom into professional musicians.”
14 year old flautist Ruth Knight from Chippenham said, “I can’t wait for the next residential – it’s really exciting to have a piece specially commissioned for us.”
During the course of the weekend the students will be working in three quintets with Stephen McNeff (In House Composer – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra), Keith Tippet (Creative pianist–composer) and Issie Barratt (internationally acclaimed composer, conductor and baritone sax player). The weekend will culminate on Sunday afternoon at 5.00pm in a free performance of all three pieces in the 14th Century Dartington Great Hall together with the Schubert Ensemble.
South West Music School has also just started recruiting for 15 more places in the virtual school, offering students’ expert music tuition, professional mentoring, career development and performance opportunities. The closing date for entries is Friday 9 May and all details about entering can be found at www.swms.org.uk
Torquay recorder player Paul Fraser (13) said, “South West Music School has changed my life. It has provided me with so many opportunities such as starting piano lessons, getting an advanced teacher for my instrument (recorder) and learning about general all-round elements of music and performance.”
At 5pm on Sunday 24th February the group will perform in the Dartington Great Hall, where there will be interview and photo opportunities with all of the children and the director of South West Music School, Lisa Tregale.
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The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560. Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom. Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;