Repertoire Day One: Afternoon, Masterclass and Concert – Strings

The SATB choir turned to Mozart and Byrd, that latter being one of my favourites. There was a handy hint from Alex, “Get round it by cheating,” and praise for the altos, “That moved me somewhat.” I was so caught up in it all that I missed the saxophone group. Sorry about that.

P1110228Owen Cox is a violinist and alumnus of Music for Everyone. He played with the youth strings before progressing to the CBSO, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and many other orchestras and quartets around the world. He also teaches and is currently Assistant Head of Strings at Chetham’s and honorary lecturer in performance at the University of Nottingham. See what MfE can do for you!!

In his masterclass he helped Gar Yein find more volume in her violin and to see that over thinking can stifle a musical performance. He said, regarding tricky sections, ‘Start slowly, use lots of confidence and lots of bow. Every day imagine you’re starting all over again, and one day it will just happen.’

Owen, accompanied by Martyn Parkes, rounded off the day with the second concert. HP1110242e gave a light and beautiful performance of Mozart’s Violin Sonata K301 in G and a lyrical and lively rendering of a Franck Sonata – not, he pointed out, a Frank Sinatra. The movements alternate between slow and fast and are as demanding for the pianist as the violinist.

We have had a wonderful day of music in many styles, from many instruments, including the voice, gifted musicians and conductors, and talented accompanists. What could have been better? More tomorrow, and then we, the delegates give our own concert. I’m afraid that has already sold out, but do come and hear mezzo-soprano Carris Jones at 1.30pm, Djanogly Recital Hall.

Helena