Recital Competition Final 2023

The 2023 Recital Competition Final took place on Sunday 1 October, and saw seven talented Upper Sixth musicians performing in competition for first place.

The unenviable task of adjudication fell to the renowned clarinettist Andrew Marriner, who for many years was principal clarinet with the London Symphony Orchestra, and professor at both the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

This year’s finalists included two pianists, two violinists, one violist, one bassoonist and one organist. They each performed a 15-minute recital programme to form a truly remarkable afternoon of music-making.

Andrew Marriner commented on the high standard of musicianship across the board. The violist's performance of Scharwenka and Reinecke drew praise for his confidence and clarity of articulation, described as crisp and stylish. Our bassoonist's advanced and expressive programme of Telemann and Schumann was performed with great panache, and a beautifully warm sound.

Mr Marriner particularly drew attention to one of our violinist's characterful rendition of Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances, which were warmly received by the audience. The next finalist took to the piano to perform Prokofiev and Liszt - a programme which demonstrated a stunning sonority and highly advance command of the scores.

The following competitor's virtuosic Vivaldi and spectacular Sarasate on violin were highlighted in the adjudication, and our final competitor's impressive organ performance was a beautifully presented close to the afternoon. However, the competitor from West Bank's recital of solo piano works by Copland, Ravel and Khachaturian that won highest praise from Mr Marriner, and was chosen as the winner of this year’s Recital Competition Final.

Many thanks to the accompanists, Simon Smith and Jane Stevens, and to the music teachers of all the finalists for their hard work and dedication in supporting the pupils in their performances, and many congratulations to all involved.

A highlight reel from our recent Recital Competition Final - superb musicianship on display! #UppinghamMusic #ForThePerformers pic.twitter.com/mC0vw0Be6G

— Music | Uppingham School (@UPP_Music) October 3, 2023