DSC04309 (1)The singers began the morning with exercise! MfE’s Vocal Animateur, Victoria Barlow, helped the participants discover the right muscles to engage for good breath control and a supported, rich sound. It certianly did the trick. Notts TV came along and recorded the Windband and interviewed various people. More to follow.

In the afternoon, all who wished to, instrumentalist or singer, attend an open rehearsal with the Cox Quartet. Owen Cox, a former Stringwise participant, his wife Katie Stillman, violist Joe Ichinose and cellist Vanessa Lucas-Smith are world class players, playing with both top orchestras and in smaller ensembles. The session was enthralling as the shaping of the piece, with explanation and discussion, progressed. A rare and privileged insight for the delegates. Owen will be playing the solo in Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending, one of the items in tomorrow’s Showcase Concert. This will be a public concert in the Great Hall, Trent Building, University of Nottingham at 6.30pm. Tickets £6. All welcome.

IMG_5515A busy day of rehearsals for all groups – orchestra, string orchestra, Windband, choir – ended with the Cox Quartet performing Beethoven’s Quartet Op. 18, No 6, followed by the contrasting Ravel Quartet in F major. The rich and varied sound qualities of each instrument, the agility and finesse of the players produced electric performances of emotional variety, with that magic that’s made when musicians find something beyond the sum of their individual talents to touch something deep within the listener. A most memorable 45 minutes.