Hampton School’s inaugural Keyboard Festival was a resounding success, as musicians from across the year groups enjoyed a range of interactive workshops, music competitions and sessions with professional pianists.
The week-long event introduced pupils to the harpsichord, piano and organ, and provided tips on being an accompanist and how best to memorise music for performances. The festival also saw the launch of the Steinway Scholarship, a prestigious award sponsored by Steinway Hall, designed for advanced pianists. Fifth Year Hamptonian Ralph Y won the competition and will receive professional coaching from a Steinway Artist, as well as the incredible opportunity to perform a recital at Steinway Hall. Second Year pianist Pierce B was highly commended in the competition and has been invited to Steinway Hall to record a performance for their social media accounts.
Talented pianists from across the year groups were also on impressive form in two new piano competitions that took place during the festival. Performing music from composers such as Alwyn and Beethoven, the young musicians made the most of the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
The festival culminated in a visit from acclaimed pianist Danny Driver, who shared his knowledge and expertise with Hamptonians in a series of one-on-one masterclasses. The day culminated in Danny performing a superb evening recital to an appreciative audience in the Hammond Theatre.
Mr Daniel Roland, Director of Music, was delighted with the success of Hampton School’s inaugural Keybaord Festival:
It was a real treat to see so many of our talented young pianists actively engaged in our first Keyboard Festival. Throughout the week, pupils were treated to a number of interactive sessions led by our wonderful piano teachers, as well as an inspirational masterclass with Danny Driver. Something that stood out for me was how our young pianists really did rise to the occasion, with outstanding performances across the week in the informal concerts and competitions. A huge well done to everyone involved!
Piano Competition Class 1
1st: Reuben N
Joint 2nd: Oliver C and Oliver Y
Piano Competition Class 2
1st : Siddharth S
2nd: Brandon C
3rd: Ocean Y
Steinway Scholarship
1st: Ralph Y
2nd: Pierce B
Ralph, Reuben and Siddharth – winners of the Keyboard Festival 2024 competitions
