Peterborough’s musical youth shines at festival

On Saturday, almost 100 young pianists and strings players competed to win medals and trophies at the event, which was held at Brookside Methodist church. The strings classes were adjudicated by highly respected professional violinist Steve Bingham, and the piano classes by Peterborough born conductor, composer and pianist Toby Hession.

Afterwards Toby remarked: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and I was astonished by both the number and the standard of the pianists!”

Festival director Moira Lester added: “It certainly was hectic, but so rewarding to see so many happy, smiling faces and hear such lovely music echoing from every room”

On Sunday, the festival relocated to the fabulous facilities offered by Breve Music Studio for the drums, amplified instruments and singing classes. The adjudicators were Toby Davies, national advisor for Trinity Rock and Pop exam board, and Joe Porter-Bolger, founder of PerSona music academy and vocal tutor at the Cathedral.

Again, the standard of performance was very high with several children achieving Distinction or Outstanding in their class.

The event culminated on Sunday afternoon with the Awards Ceremony and Youth Music Showcase. As well as presenting trophies to class winners, several young participants were announced as Signature Music Festival Ambassadors.

Director Diane Llewellyn explained: “Although these children might not have won their class, we felt that they really represented the essence of the festival. They showed promise and musicality, and we look forward to welcoming them back to compete in future years.”

In a hotly contested Showcase final, young singer/songwriters and instrumentalists presented their own compositions or creative interpretations of existing pieces of music, competing to win a first prize of a studio recording experience with professional photography courtesy of Breve Music. The prize was won by the wonderfully talented Iqra Malik (main picture) who moved the audience to tears with her song “Glass Child”.

Guitarist Jakub Chlipala, who was identified as showing great talent and promise, won a family ticket to a top musical at New Theatre Peterborough, generously donated by Theatre director Richie Ross.

Next year’s festival has already been booked and will take place on 13 th and 14 th March. For more information, and full list of winners, check out the website www.signaturemusicfest.org