3 .
4 .
2 .
The atmosphere was brimming with excitement and anticipation as the recital began with a polished rendition of a piece by Camille Saint-Saens requiring eight hands and two pianos .
This group is collectively known as the Scotch College Two Pianos Junior Ensemble , and comprises Brendan Teoh , Christian Heng ( both of Year 7 ), Joel Heng and Damien Tey ( both of Year 6 ). They were also awarded the junior prize at the Musica Viva Strike a Chord Chamber Music Competition earlier this year .
There was a great variety of composers represented , from Bartok to Scriabin and of course the usual favourites , Beethoven and Chopin . While nerves were present ( perhaps because the Principal , Tom Batty was in the house ), it was obvious the boys had put in the preparation , as everyone did their best .
I was very impressed with the maturity and musicality shown in the solo performances by the Junior School boys – Linus Gani ( Year 4 ), Kevin Sui , Jun Gardiner ( both of Year 5 ) and James Wong ( Year 6 ).
The Senior School boys displayed great poise , particularly as performing while wearing a mask is an unusual , even uncomfortable feeling , and it was great to
see that it did not perturb them . There were sparkling and thoughtful performances from Ryan Maher , Brendan Teoh , Kane Shum , William Cheah ( all of Year 7 ), Yup Meng Quek ( Year 8 ), Neil Wang , Andrew Li ( both of Year 9 ), Isaac Zhao , Nicholas Jasper ( both of Year 10 ) and Jason Chiu ( Year 11 ).
A piano trio was included in the program to highlight the ability to play with other musicians within a chamber music setting . The members of Trio con Brio are Geoff Liu ( Year 9 ) on violin , Duc Luu ( Year 9 ) on cello and Edward Song ( Year 10 ) on piano . This trio was awarded first prize at the under 16 chamber ensemble section of the Ringwood Eisteddfod in June . They performed Haydn for the competition , and gave a brave performance of the fourth movement of Shostakovich ’ s Trio No 2 at this recital .
We were treated to another work for two pianos and eight hands for the final item . The pianists William Cheah ( Year 7 ), Matthew Scouller ( Year 8 ), Nicolas Nai and Nathanael Chan ( both of Year 9 ) executed a rhythmical and toe-tapping performance of William Gillock ’ s Champagne Toccata .
It was fabulous to see the mixture of both Junior and Senior School pianists together in the one concert , and to hear the wide range
of abilities represented . I am truly grateful the recital was able to occur , and the audience agreed by showing their appreciation before they departed into a clear , still night .
After attending an enjoyable concert , I often take the opportunity to reflect on the months of preparation that has taken place to lead up to that one moment ; and when I think about the constantly changing demands of the past 18 months , I am hopeful and excited for our piano students . Their continued perseverance and commitment to practising stand them in good stead to thrive and achieve whatever goals are set .
My thanks go to the dedicated piano department staff : John Ferguson ( also responsible for taking the accompanying action shots ), Kathy Alsop ( administration ), Mary Ng ( program design ) and Glenn Bardwell ( audio / visual and staging ) for their support in making this event a success .
ELAINE CHIN – HEAD OF KEYBOARD STUDIES PHOTOGRAPHY : JOHN FERGUSON
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