At the end of this academic year, it’s incredible to look back at the musical highlights of the last ten months. It’s been a rollercoaster of activity, made seamless by our incredible team in the concert and timetabling office who create risk assessments, order packed lunches, book train tickets, hire vans, move chairs, stands and large instruments, and help us deliver an unrivalled musical programme.

September

We began the year with Manchester Camerata and the culmination of their project to record every Mozart piano concerto in the Stoller Hall. As in previous instalments, soloist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy and the orchestra were joined by four string players from Chets. This edition included the rarely heard Triple Concerto, for which Bavouzet was joined by Andrea Nemecz and Chets alumna Rose McLachlan. We’re very proud that this award-winning series of recordings was made in our hall and has featured our students since it began in 2016. 

We joined Manchester Camerata again for a Mid-Autumn Festival concert with the Chinese Consulate. We played music by Mozart and Smyth alongside works by Chinese composers. We were also joined in the first two months of term by professors from the Royal College of Music, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the Central Conservatoire of Music (CCOM) in Beijing, who delivered inspirational masterclasses for our students.

October

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra Concert at Stoller Hall, October 2024

Sibelius Academy students from Helsinki joined us for Music Course while Professor Petri Aarnio, leader of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, gave masterclasses on chamber music and orchestral leadership. Chets alumnus Wayne Marshall conducted the Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in a programme of Carwithen, Holst and Rachmaninov with piano soloist Yurij Szyrokyj, and the Chetham’s Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) performed music by Galante, Smyth, Dvořák and Mozart with piano soloist Harmony.

Meanwhile, our vocalists were recording the colour of all things constant, a new work by Cassie Kinoshi. This was in conjunction with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and part of a fresh set of BBC Ten Pieces, a resource that brings classical music to schools across the UK. Vocalists were involved in a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and a concert for schoolchildren at Aviva Studios. These also featured Sixth Form hornist Claire Marsden, who played Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra live on radio.

November

Visit by Central Conservatoire of Music Beijing, November 2024

Shortly after half term, we welcomed guests from our partner school in Beijing, the CCOM. Professors delivered coaching and masterclasses in chamber music and composition. We then held a concert featuring new pieces inspired by an old Manchester hornpipe and written by student composers from both schools. We look forward to a reciprocal visit in the next academic year.

We held our annual Brass Academy Day, where students worked with guest tutors and musicians from across the UK for a day of chamber music, solo playing and coaching. We were also very pleased to welcome back alumnus Mathis Picard, who led workshops with composers, pianists and jazz students before giving an inspiring concert in the Carole Nash Hall.

A trio of students and a duo of tutors travelled to Finland for a weekend of chamber music as part of our exchange with the Sibelius Academy. They were hosted in cabins across the Helsinki campus and enjoyed a visit to the composer’s home, Ainola, in the deep Finnish snow.

December

Christmas Music at Manchester Cathedral, December 2024

Following their impressive performance at last year’s Hallé Steve Reich Festival, our percussionists were invited back to the Bridgewater Hall to play again with Colin Currie during his visit to Manchester.

We welcomed over a thousand children and families for our schools and family concerts at Stoller Hall. The vibrant programme included a setting of Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Festive Overture, and Mr Bear’s Adventure, a charming piece combining live orchestra and film. These concerts were conducted by Felicity Cliffe and presented with warmth and enthusiasm by Chets Governor and BBC Radio 3 presenter Linton Stephens.

Soon afterwards, we came together for one of the highlights of the Chets calendar: Christmas Music in Manchester Cathedral. This magical evening of music and readings marked the true beginning of the festive season for all in our community.

January

Claire Marsden (right), Benjamin Ellin (centre) and Joseph Buckmaster, January 2025

2025 began with our exchange with Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo. As our string players flew out, their woodwind players flew in… or that the was the plan. The 5mm of snow in Manchester caused flights from a more wintery Norway to be rerouted to Liverpool, but all was well in the end and both groups of travelling students enjoyed a brilliant week of music-making.

Our vocalists performed the off-stage voices for Holst’s The Planets and hornist Claire Marsden was the soloist in Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings at a concert in Slaithwaite conducted by Chets alumnus Benjamin Ellin. Peter Moore, another Chets alumnus, visited with his Nexora Trio, giving inspiring vocal, piano and trombone masterclasses, followed by a stunning recital.

February

 

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We welcomed around 50 young woodwind players to Chets for our Woodwind Academy Day, which featured guest tutors from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera North.

While CPO spent Music Course working on music by Takemitsu, Judith Bingham, Borodin and Bruch (with cello soloist Grace), CSO focused on an even broader representation of composers: Anna Clyne, Maconchy, Lili Boulanger, Sibelius, Beethoven, Bruckner, Price, Avril Coleridge-Taylor, Judith Weir and Mahler. The project was supported by the Association of British Orchestra’s Sirens Fund, which enabled us to take the orchestra to the Essa Academy in Bolton and perform to several hundred children, many of whom were hearing a live orchestra for the first time. Students from feeder primary schools had worked with our Creative Engagement team prior to the visit to explore and create music inspired by Maconchy.

In the first half of our Stoller Hall concert, Scarlet Banks sang Beethoven’s Ah Perfido and Claire Marsden played Glier’s Horn Concerto, both conducted by Alec Frank Gemmill.

Within two hours of the final chord of Mahler’s Second Symphony, 45 exhausted students and staff set off half asleep on a bus and plane to be resurrected in the Italian Alps. We spent a magnificent week skiing in Pila, though this being Chets there was inevitably music, with our very own Daisy Mitchell directing the whole Chets Ski Chorus in an impromptu performance for all the hotel guests on our final night.

March

Chetham’s Big Band in Rhyl, March 2025

Arriving back in Manchester with as many limbs as we left with, we were straight back into action. Our strings-playing colleagues from Oslo joined us for some chamber music, and our Big Band visited Rhyl Town Hall to bring joy to a capacity audience. We also held our annual Strings Side-by-Side project, where leading professional players coached our chamber groups.

After several months in the making, Bardo Tsa presented the completely student-led premiere of his musical-cabaret, Afterdeath. Staged in the Carole Nash Hall and featuring a cast of singers and instrumentalists, this hour-long performance was a captivating kaleidoscope of musical styles and colours. A project like this can only happen at Chets, and it reminds us of what a unique environment it is in which we’re all lucky enough to study and work.

April

As spring sprung, we were joined for a day by musicians from the Grenadier Guards. They marched and performed, coached some of our wind and brass ensembles, and gave insights into life within a military band. We were also joined by one of the world’s top brass bands, Foden’s, who led a day of rehearsals and workshops for our students alongside Foden’s Youth Band, culminating in a short performance.

The term ended with our annual Founder’s Day in Manchester Cathedral. It featured music from all our instrumental departments, new compositions by Stephen Frith and Andrea Price, and an address by guest speaker, viola tutor and alumna Gemma Dunne.

May

Chets Bakers at HOME during Manchester Jazz Festival, May 2025

As GCSE and A-Level study leave began, our younger students had the opportunity to work with violinist and Chets alumnus Callum Smart, who led a directing project with the Chetham’s String Orchestra around Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Ayana Witter Johnson’s Dream City. It was a pleasure to welcome Callum back to Chets before he moves to Pennsylvania, where he will take up a professorship at Carnegie Mellon University.

With Manchester enjoying blazing sunshine, a student septet made their way across town to perform at the opening event of Manchester Jazz Festival. Billed as Chets Bakers, they performed two spectacular sets at HOME that made a room full of strangers listen in wonder at the extraordinary music they heard.

June

Manchester Classical at Bridgewater Hall, June 2025

Before we knew it, June was upon us. Opera props were being sourced, rehearsal schedules finalised and the finishing touches added to the Leavers’ Concerts and Chetham’s Summer Festival. These events exemplify what Chets does best: uniting people and communities through exceptional performances and rich musical experiences.

As part of Manchester Classical, winners of our Sixth Form, Middle School and Years 7 and 8 Piano Competitions played beautifully at Bridgewater Hall’s Stalls Bar Stage. We also launched an Orchestral Pathway with the Royal Northern College of Music to provide talented musicians from China with an unrivalled opportunity to progress their studies here in Manchester, the UK’s most dynamic and innovative city.

July

 

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The year ended in spectacular style. As part of our Summer Festival we staged our first fully staged opera, L’Enfant et les sortilèges, by Ravel, staring Chets alumna Divine Sibanegavi in the title role. Working alongside a professional creative team including director Genevieve Raghu, it marked the culmination of a year-long journey for Chets vocal students and was both a showcase of extraordinary young talent and a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are given the space and trust to create.

Chetham’s Philharmonic Orchestra and other ensembles from our Middle and Lower Schools travelled to Bolton’s Victoria Hall to present a spectacular concert that included Kapustin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring guest soloist Jackson, selections from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and John Williams’s iconic The Raider’s March.

Finally, Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra performed side-by-side with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at MediaCityUK, marking the launch of an exciting three-year partnership between the two organisations. The ambitious and vibrant programme featured music by Mark-Anthony Turnage, Roxanna Panufnik, and George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture, all under the baton of conductor Lee Reynolds.

We were honoured to welcome our Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford for this landmark occasion. Their presence reflected the importance of this partnership as both a musical milestone and a cultural investment in the region’s young talent.

Chetham’s Philharmonic Orchestra Concert at Victoria Hall, Bolton, July 2025

We must also acknowledge our amazing Choristers. In addition to five regular services each week in Manchester Cathedral, they have been part of many exciting events, including: a service for His Majesty’s Judges; a special Evensong for the Cathedral Organists’ Conference; a performance of Duruflé’s Requiem on All Souls’ Day; performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St John Passion with Manchester Baroque; a Masonic carol service in St Ann’s church; three Christmas services, including the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols; a live broadcast of evensong on BBC Radio 3; and services over Holy Week and Easter! Congratulations to all our dedicated choristers and also to Chris Stokes and Geoffrey Woolatt, who make all of this happen.

Beyond these highlights, the year has been filled with a remarkable array of other concerts, workshops, performances, and collaborative learning opportunities — too many to name individually. Among them were 123 lunchtime concerts (including our much-loved relaxed performances), 70 external performances, the ever-inspiring Baronial Baroques, and countless sessions led by our students alongside the Creative Engagement team, using music to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Baronial Baroque in the Baronial Hall, March 2025

Much of this would not be possible without our extraordinary team of accompanists. Their dedication to crafting balanced programmes, supporting every student, and performing with such artistry deserves special recognition and heartfelt thanks.

We are also deeply grateful to the individuals and organisations who support our work, whose belief in what we do is essential. And, of course, none of this could happen without our brilliant young musicians and the vibrant, supportive community that is Chetham’s.

We depend on donations to enable us to provide an inspiring, world-class education to our young musicians. Support us to continue our important work at Chetham’s.

Are you a young musician and are inspired by all we do at Chetham’s? Join us for our next Open Day or book an Advice Audition today.

Anna is one of the UK’s up and coming ambassadors for an instrument that has fallen out of favour with musicians. We’ve seen an 80% drop in young people taking up the recorder at Chetham’s in the last ten years, despite its versatility and accessibility.

Chris Orton, Recorder Tutor and European Recorder Teachers Association Chair, is leading the way to initiate projects that he hopes might save the recorder from extinction. He says that Anna offers a glimmer of hope for the instrument: “The recorder is increasingly overlooked by students, and yet it has a rich history and incredible versatility.   As well as making beautiful sounds, it’s an accessible instrument in that it is low-cost, in comparison to other woodwind instruments, and it’s light and easy to carry.

“The recorder first became popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Famous composers such as Claudio Monteverdi, Jean-Baptiste Lully and Johann Sebastian Bach wrote for the instrument. Not confined to the classical genre, bands like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles have used the recorder in their songs. More recently, talented musicians like Tali Rubinstein are championing it and the National Youth Recorder Orchestra is an excellent ensemble of young recorder players.

“I’m immensely proud of Anna for being selected to perform with the Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra. This is a first-time feat for a young musician, and I hope she will inspire new generations of recorder players and help to save this instrument from extinction.”

Anna began her musical journey as a chorister at Chetham’s aged eight and continued it by taking up the recorder a couple of years later.  She said: “I can’t wait to perform with the Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra this summer and show people why I love the recorder. I’m performing a piece that was written in 2009 and it’s encouraging that although the number of professional recorder players is dropping, new works are still being commissioned by celebrated contemporary composers.”

Tom Redmond, Joint Principal at Chetham’s School of Music, passionately believes that every child should be introduced to music at an early age: “The true wonder of music is that it can have a profound effect on quality of life. It should therefore be an important part of the school curriculum and the recorder is a fantastic place to start, but primary schools need more financial support so that all children can unlock the huge benefits of music.”

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall will include performances by several Chetham’s School of Music students and, for many of them, it marks the end of their current musical education before heading off to conservatoires and universities around the world. Conducted by Grant Llewellyn (Chetham’s Alumni 1971-1978), Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra take to The Bridgewater Hall stage on 6 July. Tickets are on sale now: https://chethamsschoolofmusic.com/whats-on/chethams-at-the-bridgewater-hall/

The competition sees young musicians from around the UK strive to be crowned Young Musician of the Year, with the final two rounds televised on BBC. In its 38 years on air, it has seen numerous Chetham’s students take part and even some winners including Peter Moore, Jennifer Pike, and Guy Johnston.

We spoke to Sofía to find out more about what it was like to be part of such a prestigious competition…

Tell us about your background prior to starting at Chetham’s

I was born in Cambridge but at the age of three moved to Stockport where my Dad is originally from. My mum is from Madrid, Spain, and I’ve grown up bilingual. Both my older brothers started learning instruments through our primary school in Bramhall, Stockport, so I just had to copy them and picked up the flute when I was 8. My teacher there, Vicky Sunderland, (who also taught my brothers the saxophone and clarinet) inspired me to carry on and join Stockport Music Service bands. At the same time I started learning the piano and even tried the cello for a bit before deciding to focus mainly on the flute. I began with playing with my school band and eventually joining the Greater Manchester Youth Wind Orchestra and Stockport Youth Orchestra. I then gained a place at Chetham’s at the age of 12, beginning to learn with Fiona Fulton who has been a huge inspiration to me ever since.

What first inspired you to play the flute?

I don’t remember having a special moment that made me want to play the flute in particular, although I did want to play the saxophone but was told it would be too heavy for me at the time (I was 8)! But ever since I picked up the flute I’ve loved it and can’t imagine not playing it now.

Tell us about your experience in the BBC Young Musician competition

The competition was really about a year long, which is crazy when you think about it because you can improve a lot from preparing for the first audition to then competing in the final, so there were a lot of ups and downs but competing really made me think about the type of music I love to play and each stage pushed me immensely.

I couldn’t really believe it when I found out I’d won the category final because I knew the rest of the competitors well (from NYO and school) and knew how amazing they all are. But I tried not to let that affect me when I played and, although I was really nervous for the performance, I took a lot of comfort in the fact that my accompanist, Martyn Parkes, was performing with me and tried to focus on just making music.

The final was something that I don’t think I could’ve fully prepared for as it was unlike anything I’d done before, but the orchestra made rehearsing with them feel very natural since everyone was so smiley and encouraging! The conductor, Mark Wigglesworth, was so welcoming and was always listening to what I wanted to do as much as his instincts with the music which made working with him very easy and enjoyable.

It was very hard to ignore the cameras whirling around the stage in the final which made the performance more nerve-wracking because sometimes it felt as though they were really close, but on the whole I didn’t really notice them and the experience was very rewarding.

Why did you choose to perform the Ibert concerto?

I chose the Ibert concerto because it was an exciting challenge to learn (especially the first and third movements which have so many fun and cheeky moments) but probably mainly because the second movement just sold it to me. The second movement is for me one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever played because of the raw emotions that it evokes as well as the moments of pure, simple reflection. So of course, I couldn’t give up the opportunity to play it with the BBC Philharmonic in the Bridgewater Hall!

What was your favourite thing about taking part in the competition?

Definitely meeting the orchestra and playing with them – I was amazed at how approachable they were when rehearsing and how enjoyable the whole process was. To be honest, I loved the whole experience outside of performing as well – meeting all the BBC crew, travelling to Saffron Walden and using the space in Bridgewater Hall was so much fun.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of taking part in the competition in future?

I’d advise someone taking part in the competition to really think about your whole programme and make sure that you really do love each piece that you’ve picked, but also how they fit together.

If I were to compete again, I would try to put less pressure on myself (which is always easier said than done) and not be overly critical when preparing for the performances, because at the end of the day it’s about enjoying making the music that you love.

What are you hoping to do next year, after leaving Chetham’s?

I’m currently applying to conservatoires in London and hope to be there next September, fingers crossed…

You can watch some clips of Sofía’s performances on the BBC website using the link below:

BBC Young Musician – Clips

This year for the first time our chamber music event was also supported by a number of visiting guest artists. Clarinettist Yann Ghiro (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Euphonium player Dr David Thornton (Royal Northern College of Music), and Trombonist Phil Goodwin (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) worked with many of the ensembles between concerts.  It was a great opportunity for our students to further develop their skills in ensemble playing, alongside some of the country’s finest chamber musicians.

Congratulations to all 96 performers and a huge thank you to the tutors for their tireless commitment to chamber music throughout the year.  A big thanks too to all the mums, who celebrated Mothers’ Day in musical style this year!

The Chamber Music celebration will return in spring 2020, when students across the School once again come together as small ensembles to create a packed day of performance.

We are very grateful to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for their generous support of our celebration of wind chamber music.

Yann Guiro

On Sunday 24 March, Chetham’s saxophone tutors Andrew Wilson, Carl Raven, Jim Muirhead and Dan White led our saxophone celebration.  Chetham’s fifteen saxophone students were joined by saxophonists of all ages from far and wide, in workshops and seminars ranging from improvisation and practice strategies, to ensemble skills and performance classes. We were thrilled to welcome back to Chetham’s our alumna and celebrity saxophonist Naomi Sullivan, who was joined by her students from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Highlights included a lunchtime concert given jointly by Chetham’s  and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Saxophone Choirs. The saxophone choirs gave a mind-blowing joint performance of Ivor McGregor’s exciting new work Firm Noir. After lunch, Eric Claeys from Selmer Paris gave a saxophone presentation which was followed by a masterclass led by Selmer Paris Artist Naomi Sullivan. The event culminated in a massed performance of Holst’s Jupiter given by all participants and tutors, and arranged by Andrew Wilson.

We are very grateful for the generous support of Selmer Paris, Windstruments and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and look forward to future collaborations together.

“Chetham’s Saxophone day was a happy crossing of lots of paths: the generous and inspiring staff of Chetham’s Woodwind Department who provide young musicians with exceptional support and a thorough grounding.  It was a wonderful collaboration between students from Chetham’s and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.I really enjoyed working with many of the youngest generation of saxophonists who brought ideas, energy and fun to the day. Thank you for the opportunity to remember a truly brilliant inventor whose life was overshadowed by adversity but whose legacy clearly shines very brightly!” Naomi Sullivan- International Saxophonist and Selmer Paris Artist.

This year was a particular momentous one, marking the first performances of Chetham’s 50th anniversary year for our two orchestras, Sax Choir, Wind Band and Violetta Strings, as well as for singers in an innovative new take on ‘Opera Extracts’.

Sixth Form Singers: the Drama of the Oratorio

It was the singers who started the week on Sunday 10 February, giving two performances of Margaret McDonald’s reduced version of Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Semi-staged, and taking place for the first time in the Carole Nash Hall to take advantage of our new building’s lighting equipment and projection, it told the entire tale in miniature, drawing out all the drama of the original oratorio. Our thanks to the many students and staff who helped bring it together!

Chetham’s Sinfonia and Ensembles

Next up were our smaller groups and younger ensembles. The Sax Choir, under Andy Wilson, gave the North West première of Ivor McGregor’s Film Noir – to be performed again at our forthcoming Saxophone Day for players of all ages. Violetta Strings, our youngest ensemble led by Dr Owen Cox, performed popular selections by Karl Jenkins, Britten, Bizet and Grieg, ending with the mounting excitement of In the Hall of the Mountain King. Next were Wind Band with David Chatterton, performing Woolfenden’s Illyrian Dances, and after the interval our Middle School orchestra, Chetham’s Sinfonia took to the stage.

Bassoonist George Bailey, 13,  was one of the recent winners of our Lower School Concerto Competition, and performed the first movement of Hummel’s Grand Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra, to the pride of the numerous family and friends who filled The Stoller Hall and of his teacher, Ben Hudson, who dashed back from work in Yorkshire to ensure he wouldn’t miss it. After George’s well-deserved ovation, and flowers presented by little sister Jemima, Sinfonia closed the concert with Arnold’s Little Suite and Coates’ London Suite.

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra

It wasn’t over yet! After inviting parents to join them in rehearsal at the weekend, and the public to sit alongside them onstage to explore the context and challenges of the programme, Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra performed in both Manchester and at the Royal Academy in London with Director of Music, Stephen Threlfall, at the helm. Their programme opened with Britten’s Four Sea Interludes and continued with Sibelius’ virtuosic Violin Concerto, performed by Molin Han.

Molin, meanwhile, is in her final year at Chetham’s. After many successes in her native China she joined the School for Sixth Form, and looks forward to continuing to the Royal College of Music in September. Her performance was met with huge applause, impressing audience members with her poise and expression.

Last was Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations – a celebration of friendship through music, and the perfect piece to celebrate the many friends, supporters and allies who have been part of the School throughout its first half century. Our ability to challenge and support students as they reach new musical heights is down to every one of our students, staff, parents, alumni and donors, and it was those friendships which our orchestra expressed with such flair on, appropriately enough, St Valentine’s Day.

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra: Review

Students are now enjoying a well-deserved half term break, but not for long. Singers return tonight and tomorrow, for a weekend of song with former students Marcus Farnsworth and Ruby Hughes, as well as fellow students from the Royal Northern College of Music. For many of our orchestral players, it’s only a short break until our next concert on Sunday 10 March, a celebration of music and faith with Manchester Chamber Choir which includes music by Purcell, Handel, and Poulenc’s Organ Concerto performed by Chetham’s soloist, George Herbert.

For the rest, the next challenge is a mighty one indeed – Mahler’s magnificent Symphony No. 8, live on BBC Radio 3 from The Bridgewater Hall on Friday 5 July. We know it’s been performed by young players before, by the National Youth Orchestra and by the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, conducted by former Chetham’s student Daniel Harding. But are we the first school to tackle it? Let us know in the comments if you’ve heard of such a feat before!

The event began with a spell-binding public Lunchtime Concert given by RCS post-graduate oboist Sergio Vega Dominguez, clarinetist Pawel Jaworski and pianist Lauryna Sableviciute. The eclectic programme included works by Cimarosa, Silvestrini, Bliss and Mozart. For the finale Pawel and Lauryna were joined by John Cushing in a stunning performance of Istvan Kohan’s Konzertstück a lá Feidman.

Inspired by the Lunchtime Concert, Chetham’s oboists and clarinettists performed in an afternoon of masterclasses with John Cushing and Stephen West.  Many thanks to Lauryna for being on hand to accompany our oboists! A fantastic opportunity to perform for two of Europe’s leading woodwind performers and educators.

“‘Don’t be afraid to blow down the instrument….Tell your fingers to behave’: Such simple instructions that have given me a new perspective on playing the oboe!’” – Edward, Year 9

The day ended with a question and answer session for our upper-school students, focussing on conservatoire auditions, processes and preparation.  It was wonderful to hear the RCS staff and students talk so passionately about their programmes of study.  Most striking of all was the focus upon developing each student as an individual – a shared goal with our work at Chetham’s.

“We had a fabulous day and loved working with your students. The students seemed happy and well supported and it was a pleasure to meet you all. – Stephen West, Oboe Tutor, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Thank you RCS for a fantastic day, and we look forward to our exciting future collaborations.

Five fabulous flute leavers

2018 was quite a year for Chetham’s flutes leavers, Doris Cao, Bogdan Jeler, Ieva Kupreviciute, Beth Stone and Zoë Rasmussen. Hailing from China, Romania, Lithuania and the UK, all five flautists won scholarship places to UK conservatoires – an outstanding achievement! After A-level results in August, they’ll begin the new year at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Northern College of Music and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln.

Over seven years at Chetham’s, Beth Stone has also performed as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and was an EMI Foundation Scholarship Winner in 2017. Beth studied with Rachel Forgrieve and Dr Martyn Shaw and will continue next year at the Royal College of Music, where she will be joint principal study Modern and Baroque Flute:

“Studying flute at Chetham’s for seven years has completely changed my playing. Through my time at Chetham’s I have had the opportunity to work with all of the flute teachers within the department, through lessons, classes and coaching. With the addition of masterclasses from world-renowned flautists, we’re constantly inspired to follow our dreams. I certainly would not be where I am today without the tuition & opportunities that are offered at Chetham’s” – Beth Stone, year 13

Beth Stone, Year 13 flautist at Chetham’s School of Music

Chetham’s flute students study with some of Europe’s leading flautists. Joint Heads of Woodwind Belinda Gough (Australian flautist and pioneering educator) and Dr Martyn Shaw (a leading authority on early nineteenth-century flute performance practice), lead a vast programme of solo and ensemble opportunities for young flautists. Katherine Bryan (Royal Scottish National Orchestra), Rachel Forgrieve (Sinfonia Viva) and Fiona Fulton (former member of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra) guide our flautists through a unique timetable centred around individual interests and musical passions.

How does our timetable support young musicians’ development?

There’s not one timetable at Chetham’s, but 300 – a unique schedule for every student, centred around their individual interests and passions. So whilst one flautist might combine orchestral playing with Baroque music, another might take up Jazz, composition, or take a second study in a contrasting instrumental department. The timetable begins with two hours of individual teaching on first and second study instruments, but that’s just the beginning – classes, lessons and concerts combine to make music around one third of the Chetham’s timetable.

Specific support for flautists

In addition to core instrumental teaching, flute students of all ages take part in:

• Performance class weekly opportunities to play for staff and peers, developing performance skills, stage presence and artistry
• Technique class tone production, articulation, intonation and dexterity
• Alexander Technique posture, confidence, tension and self-awareness
• Breathing class relaxation, technique, strength and development
• Masterclasses high profile visiting artists offer enrichment, style, interpretation and inspiration
• Choir all students take part in choral singing classes, developing their sense of breathing and harmony, and may choose to join the Chamber Choir, Chorale or other ensembles
• Jazz improvisation all students are invited to try improvising in an ensemble matched to their age and level
• Music theory is taught to A-level and beyond

Performances and Ensembles

The School’s flagship ensemble is Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra, which performs three programmes each year in Manchester, Lancaster, London and elsewhere, often with guest artists or conductors. Younger flautists may also join Chetham’s Sinfonia, the Middle School orchestra, Chamber or Wind Orchestra, or Wind Band.
Many woodwind students explore Baroque music and historical performance, with regular concerts in the School’s medieval Baronial Hall, at Greenwich Early Music Festival, and across northern England. And for solo repertoire, five or more Lunchtime Concerts every week, and a regular programme of chamber music and solo concerts across the region, give students of all ages the chance to develop their performance skills in front of a public audience.

A tradition of success

This year’s leavers follow a strong tradition of success within the flute department, and across Chetham’s as a whole.

Adam Walker is Principal Flute at London Symphony Orchestra, and returned to lead a masterclass with current students in 2018. In Manchester, Amina Hussain plays with Manchester Camerata and Sarah Bennett with the Hallé. In competition, Silvija Scerbaviciute won the Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Competition 2016, and two players, Lucy Driver and Joanne Lee, won the Woodwind Category Finals of the BBC Young Musician competition the same year.  And to prove that Chetham’s leavers remain part of the school community throughout their careers, Dr Martyn Shaw and Katherine Bryan both joined the school as students and now teach the next generation of players.

Find out more

Auditions, and informal advice auditions, can be booked throughout the school year from September to June. Young flautists and their families are also welcome at a series of Open Days, with the next one taking place on Saturday 6 October 2018. Find out more about studying at Chetham’s, how to apply, and funding through the Music and Dance Scheme, by exploring our website.

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Applying to Chetham’s

Highlights included some spectacular reworkings of Rossini, Bach and Strauss. Year 13 Saxophonist Daniel Poole featured as soloist in Nigel Wood’s Under the Veil, in a spellbinding performance on the soprano saxophone. Congratulations Daniel!

Alongside a team of internationally renowned saxophonists, including Jim Muirhead, Carl Raven and Iain Dixon, Andrew Wilson guides Chetham’s saxophonists through a vast programme of solo and ensemble opportunities. Since graduating from the RNCM with first-class honours, Andrew has performed with many of the country’s leading orchestras including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic and The Hallé. He is a former member of the Adelphi Saxophone Quartet, with whom he toured widely. Alongside his work at Chetham’s, Andrew’s other work includes tutoring for the National Children’s Orchestra, and at Huddersfield University, where he is currently the External Woodwind Assessor.

The saxophone department at Chetham’s offers a broad range of learning and performing opportunities to all our saxophonists. The saxophone choir brings all the saxophonists together for a weekly rehearsal in which they enjoy learning music from the Baroque to present day including pieces written by the students themselves. All the players develop their versatility playing music of classical and jazz styles as well as gaining experience on the baritone, soprano and sopranino saxophones. The saxophone choir continues to be a very popular ensemble and give many concerts both in and out of school and the highlight of this year was our lunch time concert at the Bridgewater Hall where we were warmly received for our Little Bite Music Concert. The audience were very appreciative and most complementary about the ensemble.

Andrew Wilson

The Bernstein Beat involved a full orchestra of players, all aged 18 and under. Hosted by Nina Bernstein Simmons, and devised by Bernstein’s three children, the event invited audiences of all ages to discover and enjoy the unforgettable rhythms and rich Latin flavours of Bernstein’s music. Extracts included music from On The Town, Trouble in Tahiti, Candide and West Side Story, with audience members invited onstage to discove the ‘hamburgers’ and ‘hotdogs’ that make up those incredible patterns. “We first performed The Bernstein Beat in 2008 as part of Bernstein’s 90^th anniversary celebrations, and it was one of those especially memorable events – whether you were onstage or in the audience,” explained conductor Stephen Threlfall, Chetham’s Director of Music. “Led by Nina, local children, young players and audience members all combined in exploring the infectious rhythms, melodies and orchestral colours which are an intrinsic part of his Bernstein’s genius as a composer. Some of those involved were experiencing his music for the first time, others returning to old favourites, but everyone was instantly captivated by his music – and even had chance to join in at a few crucial moments! It’s particularly appropriate that the concert was performed by an orchestra of young musicians. The music was demanding but hugely rewarding – I’m sure they won’t forget it in a hurry!”

That might be particularly true for the young brass player who took up the Shofar, a ram horn flute which influenced Bernstein’s early compositions – and who received a private lesson from Nina herself in how to extract its sound!

Two days later,  Nina took to the stage a second time – on this occasion, introducing her father’s 27 ‘Anniversaries’ for piano. “They are miniature musical gifts,” continued Stephen; “each dedicated to a different one of Bernstein’s friends, relatives or colleagues, from Stephen Sondheim to Nina herself. Framed by anecdotes from Bernstein’s life, presented by his daughter, they form a remarkably intimate look into his personal life.”

Each Anniversary – some lasting barely a minute – was performed by a different piano student from years 7-10, following a rare screening of the 2005 documentary film A Total Embrace, which pays tribute to Bernstein’s life and music. “The whole evening was a chance to get closer to the brilliance and charisma that Bernstein brought to his life and work,” Threlfall continued. “We’re absolutely delighted that Nina Bernstein Simmons was be with us in person to lead our celebration of her father’s work.”

Away from Manchester, the celebrations continued. Five pianists also travelled to Leominster to perform Bernstein’s Anniversaries in their Music in Quiet Places series; and to Jersey Academy of Music where they performed alongside young singers and instrumentalists from the school and local area.