Our third Annual Awards event was a very busy day! 50 young musicians travelled to London from the length and breadth of the UK to participate in an inspirational day of music making at the Royal Academy of Music. Master classes from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Academy itself and Yamaha Music School were held in the morning. In the afternoon there was a talk for parents by Krysytna Budzynska, Associate Director of the Junior Academy while Charles Hazlewood worked with all the young people to create an improvised piece around a Mozart theme, which was reprised at the Royal Festival Hall. Over half of the young musicians performed it again, prior to the premiere of the LPO’s performance of The Mozart Question based on Michael Morpugo’s children’s book. Two of our violinists, Sarah Daramy-Williams and Isabella Kolacynska, performed solos.

 

We’ve had brilliant feedback on the day.

Here’s the mother of Zoe, an oboist:

Just to say a huge thank you for a fantastic day last Sunday. Zoe had the most inspirational master class ever with Ruth Bollister; she now has a new role model who she adores! Zoe had never been involved in a masterclass before but she thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and has taken away some fantastic new tips. Ruth is a marvellously enthusiastic lady, full of praise and valuable playing ideas, complete with funny faces and wonderful waving arm demonstrations. The creative workshop with Charles Hazlewood was equally exciting with amazing results in such a short time. We are thoroughly looking forward to the reprise performance at the Royal Festival Hall! What an experience!

It was fascinating talking to other parents over coffee and lunch, and discussing the difficult decisions we are all having to make to try to do what's best to assist these talented children. Before AYM's involvement, we were just plodding along with a private lesson once a week, with no idea of what is out there! Without your support, Zoe would not be getting any of these amazing opportunities. Thank you again for all you are doing.

 

And here’s Jake, a young drummer:

Had a wicked day – was well worth getting up at 5.