bubble , had the opportunity to sightread through works like Beethoven ’ s 7th symphony , Mendelssohn ’ s 4th symphony and Schubert ’ s 5th symphony , with Mr Hendry and Mr Hutchinson-Bazely filling in the missing parts on two socially distanced pianos . Some chamber groups have still managed to meet ( depending on group size , room size , etc ) and slowly live concerts began to return after 17 May , the date when professional performing musicians looked forward to earning a living again .
No communal singing has meant no communal wind playing , either . No visitors to the school has meant no masterclasses , competitions or music examiners . We tried our hand at being our own examining board , just without the accreditation , with some success . These , along with Virtual Platform Concerts , might find a place in the forthcoming academic years . But the emphasis next year will – we hope – be on live , shared experiences . It will also be on collaborations : one is already underfoot both with the German department and Sevenoaks ’ s twin town , Rheinbach . And it will be on enjoyment . But above all it will be on making music , any music . And leaving the silence behind .
Christopher Dyer
58 MUSIC REVIEW