The inaugural Gresham’s Piano Festival took place in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall on Saturday 8 February. This event, open to Prep and Senior School pupils, provided our pianists with a platform to experience formal performance in a familiar, supportive and rewarding setting.

The Music department was able to draw on its own staff for the adjudicators. Chris Green-Armytage and Archie Bonham are both renowned pianists and popular teachers at Gresham’s Senior School. Throughout the day, they gave feedback at the end of each class, and the common theme of which was to congratulate pupils on their performance whilst giving positive critique.

Parents, pupils and staff were treated to some wonderful performances, from pre-Grade 1 or Grade 8 and beyond. Our Prep pupils rose admirably to the task of performing in the recital hall on the Steinway C, a piano which can be a challenge to tame and is very different to the small uprights they have their lessons on! 

Bravo to Hummer and Hansen W, Etta F, Francesca E, Pheobe C, Rowan B, Blake P, Ottilie B, Larissa C, Nathaniel G-B, Willow H, Georgie and Oscar B-W and Zia T.

The afternoon session showcased the Seniors in classes starting at Grade 3 and 4, up to recital level. It was clear the pupils had worked hard on their chosen pieces which delighted the adjudicators and audience alike, who were treated to familiar pieces by Chopin, Grieg, Mussorgsky, Debussy, Einaudi and Beethoven.

Congratulations Jack S, Samuel B, Shemi A, Pablo B-G, Tara G, Amelia M-L, Elie G, Lene N, Peter R, Evie M, Amelie B, Naomi H-S, Ferdinand vD, Benny S, Milan H and Hugo J on contributing to an afternoon of impressive musicianship.

The highest achievers from the festival will be invited to play in the Piano Recital on Wednesday 12 March which is open to the public.