2014 has been a vintage year for the Summer School for Pianists. with over 60 participants and observers in 5 classes led by tutors James Lisney, Karl Lutchmayer, Lauretta Bloomer, Graham Fitch and Christine Stevenson.
Participants have performed three times in their masterclasses, with private lessons, duets and accompaniment on offer as well, plus three student concerts, including the popular ‘Informal concert’ for those new to performing. Pianos at the state-of-the-art Performance Hub (above) are excellent – as an all-Steinway institution we benefitted from a range of Steinway and Boston Grand pianos for the masterclasses, and plenty of uprights for individual practice and for two piano works.
The tutors have given us five wonderful recitals of repertoire ranging from Bach to Bartok and beyond, as well as an hilarious ‘Encore’ evening – party pieces, duets and musical humour.
Then there were the Presentations – James spoke of the teaching legacy of Phyllis Sellick, Graham presented a session on ‘Practice – The Three S’s’. Karl spoke of ‘ The shock of the Old; Interpretation and the Horizon of Expectation’ and Christine presented ‘The Amazing Mr Smith ; Ronald Smith, Performer, Teacher and Mentor.’
Lauretta gave two masterclasses on duets and one on song accompaniment with baritone Brian White, Hazel James did a session on 17th and 18th Century dances, Pam Clements ran a choir – and each evening in the Bar the talented jazz pianists amongst us entertained all and sundry.
Our friendly, supportive and welcoming atmosphere rekindled old friendships and made our many newcomers soon feel at home.
Here’s to 2015!
