On Saturday 27th June, we held the John Grundy Concerto competition with a lovely line up from 13 of our talented students.
Esteemed Cellist Steven Collison adjudicated this year. He has previously been the adjudicator at numerous festivals and competitions, including the BBC Young Musicians competition, and he examines for the ABRSM.
An audience was invited to the final of the completion where pianist Amy Chang won first place with her stunning performance of Edvard Grieg’s Concerto in A minor, Allegro Molto Moderato.
All of our students surpassed themselves with some really impressive performances and judging between their performances; taking into account the different instruments, the different ages and different levels of ability between the students; was not an easy task.
Students were further placed as follows:
Lucas Ferguson came second on the violin playing Concerto in G minor by Max Bruch, Allegro Moderato.
Clarinettist Anna Fenton-Smith won third prize with her lovely performance of Mozart’s concerto in A, in Bb, Adagio.
Steven Bradley was highly commended for an excellent performance of First Horn Concerto by Richard Strauss and Thomas Shah was commended for his performance of Concerto in G minor by Antonio Vivaldi.
Each of these students received a cash prize and a certificate of their achievement.
John Grundy himself accompanied all 13 of the entrants on piano (with exception to the pianists) not just for the final but also for the preliminary rounds. John is a sight-reader of impressive standard and stamina but even for him, to play for 13 concerto movements twice through proved quite a challenge! Our congratulations also go to John for his performances and his enduring dedication and support for the Sheffield Music Academy.
The day was finished off by a fundraising ceilidh run by Friends of Sheffield Music Academy. This was a chance for students and staff to let their hair down, socialise, and have a good time. It proved a hugely successful occasion with a glorious spread provided by parents.
Students from Sheffield Music Academy folk group provided fantastic music for the dancing under the direction of tutor Simon Dumpleton. Dancing was exhausting in the summer heat but a good time was had by everyone and it was lovely to see some new faces as well as some alumni, members of the board and friends and family of current academy members.
Money raised from the ceilidh by the Friends of Sheffield Music Academy will be used to help fund essential teaching equipment.
Our thanks goes out to everyone who made these two events such a success.
