As a Sheffield Music Academy parent it was a pleasure to experience a small ‘piece of the action’ when I joined academy students past and present, other parents and friends for our 10th anniversary performance of Haydn’s Creation at Sheffield Cathedral.
After a few early Saturday morning rehearsals and an intensive Friday evening where former director, John Grundy, led us gently but firmly through the music, it was exciting and a little bit nerve wracking to be climbing the stage to take my seat with the other members of the tenor section for our performance.
As the orchestra – made up of Academy staff, alumni and friends – played the first few notes (Haydn’s depiction of chaos), I knew we were in for a musical treat that was enhanced further by the performances of three superb soloists and, of course, the work of the choir; all under John’s direction.
The final applause confirmed that the audience, as well as those taking part, had thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Let’s hope that this is the first of many collaborations on larger choral works.
Steve Burnage
The concert was a resounding success with a sell out on tickets and Sheffield Cathedral was packed full of audience members, both seasoned followers of the Academy and many new faces too.
The real joy of the event was the collaborative effort between different groups including Sheffield Cathedral, Academy staff, parents and alumni, experienced professional singers; Elenor Bowers-Jolly, Martyn Hill and Michael Bundy; the orchestra members, current students, and local choir members including from Sheffield Oratorio and Sheffield Philharmonic. All of whom made vital contributions to the success of the night.
This collaboration made the event; not just a celebration of the success Sheffield Music Academy has enjoyed over the past 10 years, but also a celebration of the wider community and the musical scene in Sheffield today.
Haydn’s creation was just one piece within a concert which highlighted the individual and group achievements of students at the academy over the past year, and students really rose to the occasion in demonstrating their talent and commitment.
‘I thought that the concert was amazing and well planned. The performance of ‘The Creation’ really fit nicely with celebrating the 10th anniversary of Sheffield Music Academy.’
New Student, Mia
This concert was the opening of an upcoming year of projects and concerts to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Sheffield Music Academy. We look forward to inviting you all to share this experience with us, keep checking our ‘What’s On’ section for future events!
