Millfield musicians take to the stage in day of Chamber Music Masterclasses

Millfield musicians take to the stage in day of Chamber Music Masterclasses

Millfield Musicians took to the stage as part of a Chamber Music Masterclass with CEO of Pro Corda, a national Chamber Music school, Mr Andrew Quartermain.

The day of intensive chamber music coaching was given by Andrew to Millfield’s diverse group of nine ensembles ranging from “Striking Sounds”, Millfield’s flagship percussion ensemble to the more traditional formations of piano trios who all submitted themselves to the masterclass. Andrew offered unrivalled advice to all groups which was positive, helpful, detailed and often insightful, treating the students as fellow musicians. Featuring music from Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, through to Shostakovich and Hindemith, there was a brilliant breadth of repertoire on offer during the day.

Millfield Music School’s Director of Music, Matthew Cook, and Head of Strings, Clive Hughes, are very keen on welcoming musician experts in their field into the Johnson Hall to offer students incredible opportunities, seldom seen elsewhere. It offers both students and staff alike an endorsement of their performances as well as new avenues to explore. The day was hugely enjoyable and productive for all and Andrew’s feedback was highly complimentary, both about the students and the facilities.

Matthew Cook says, “It was a privilege to welcome Andrew to Millfield to work with a number of our musicians. Chamber Music has a unique capacity to develop both skills of independence and collaboration simultaneously, ensuring the musicians involved listen expansively and understand the totality of their repertoire. Andrew worked with an inspiring collegiality with each of the groups, challenging them to explore many different elements of their performance. I was proud to see how effectively each student responded to this opportunity, progressing incredibly in such a short period of rehearsal.

Millfield Music School are partnering with Pro Corda this summer, hosting their eight-day Pro Corda West holiday course for the first time as well as hosting both the first round and semi-finals of the next year’s Chamber Music Festival. Millfield Musicians will take to the stage in an Evening of Chamber Music on Monday 14 June which will be streamed live on the Millfield Senior Youtube channel.

Learn more about Millfield Music School here.

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