The incredible Carducci Quartet coaching our students and high quality music all round - Overture Week Day 3
18th July 2019
More renowned musicians have come through our doors to perform for and coach our students, and what a blast it has been!
The Carducci Quartet having lunch with our students
Today, whole school warm up was led by our enthusiastic composition tutor Lucy Armstrong. It featured fun rhythmic songs and jazzy dances to move along to. We finished feeling full of energy to make some brilliant music.
Our chamber musicians were lucky enough to have coaching from members of the dynamic Carducci Quartet today, and the results quickly showed. In group coaching, the students focussed on balancing the individual parts and agreeing on interpretations, as well as intonation. String players also had individual lessons with members of the quartet, offering them the chance to take their parts and look over specific passages. It was an invaluable day full of progress for all our students.
Chamber music rehearsals with Eoin from the Carducci Quartet
Piano students continued their hard work with our committed staff, stretching themselves in their abilities, as well as collaborating with other students to perform duets. There was also an exciting piano class on Minimalist music where the group came together to perform original material in several rooms at once! It was a visual and musical spectacle.
Piano students in their Minimalism class
The composers collaborated again with the chamber musicians to finalise and run through their pieces. Some of our pastoral team even had the chance to take their instruments out and help the composers bring their pieces to life. We were also joined by the inspiring Anna Appleby, who worked closely with the composers. She was quick to praise the commitment that went into each of the compositions.
Composition students with Anna Appleby
The afternoon brought a tantalising concert from the Carducci Quartet. The room was in complete awe as they played works by Beethoven, Ravel and Piazzolla with huge stage presence and an infectious energy. The students were clearly captivated from the first note, and it was inspiring to see this professional quartet, at the top of their game in concert.
An electric concert from the Carducci Quartet
What better way to follow such an amazing concert than with some afternoon tea? We made the most of the sunshine by having tea, coffee and ice creams out on the lawn. Everyone was chatting and having fun, and students were making the most of their opportunity to talk with members of the Carducci Quartet.
The Carducci quartet with our students
After such an action packed day, the students deserved to relax with a classic film and popcorn. Both kids and staff enjoyed the British humour of Wallace and Gromit and there were plenty of laughs.
With just two more days of rehearsals before our Oxford concert on Saturday, tomorrow will undoubtedly bring more great music all round!
Post-Concert Afternoon Tea
See more photos from this summer on our Facebook page.
Musicians of the day:
- Piano: Ferdinand, for being a fantastic musican, throwing himself into 1-armed playing (he has broken his arm!) and for arranging a piece of Debussy for 1 hand.
- Chamber Ensemble: EVERYONE, for being responsive and open with each other as well as with staff and for creating a supportive atmosphere in masterclasses and always reaching for more. The sky is the limit for what they can achieve with their performances!
- Composer: Isabella, for being focussed and involved in sessions and contributing , sharing knowledge and asking insightful questions to everyone's benefit. In addition Isabella worked fantastically with her chamber group, was prepared for her workshop and took agency of her own learning.
Our Programmes
More information on our seven programmes: Chamber Music, Composition, Conducting, Orchestral, Piano, Saxophone and Vocal.
Programmes range from 1 week to 4 weeks long. Students can attend one immersive programme, or broaden their experience by combining programmes to suit their interests.
Any Questions?
We love speaking to young musicians, teachers and families from around the world - so don't hesitate to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!
Email: info@ingeniumacademy.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7060 4076
Follow more of our adventures...