As a leap day treat, the eighth annual Farleigh Piano Festival took place in the Recital Hall last week. As the most popular instrument taught at Farleigh, accounting for a third of all timetabled music lessons, the Festival is a fantastic opportunity for every pianist (112 in total!) to have their moment in the spotlight.

After weeks of learning and preparation with our team of six dedicated teachers, our soloists and ensembles took to the stage to bring us spectacular performances. The children displayed excellent musical skills, all the while overcoming any nerves to bring their pieces to life in front of rapt audiences, including our sensitive and patient adjudicator.

This year, Mark Cracknell, recently appointed Director of Music at Sherborne Girls, took on the incredibly tricky task of picking the winners of each class, whilst also offering advice and commendations throughout the day. From practical details, to ignoring distractions and shaking fingers, and for the higher classes, conveying the character of the music and transporting the listener on a journey through their notes – he remained thoroughly impressed by all!

The children who participated in the Piano Festival this year have grown up with it, it is as much part of the music calendar as the Summer Soirée and St Cecilia Concert. Our immense thanks go to their piano teachers, their parents who support them, to Mr Reeves, and to Mark Cracknell for the expertly delivered judgment. Especial congratulations to those who were commended in their class or who came runner up or winner, and huge respect and admiration for every pianist who played in The Farleigh Piano Festival 2024!

Teresa Henderson

Now, for the results:

Class 1 (Early Beginner)

Commended - Angus M, Bibi S, Olivia de S, Isabella G, Myra P, Finlay B, Chloe P

Runners up - Eliza K and Cecily W

Winner - Annabel W

Class 2 (Prep Test/Initial Grade)

Commended - Joshua S, Maddie H, Margot P, Gemma B

Runner up - Alice G

Winner - William W

Class 3 (Grade 1)

Commended - Lucy G, Alyssa B-S, Zara D, Wilbur B

Runners up - Rupert W and Freya B-S

Winner - Flo T

Class 4 (Grade 2)

Commended - Hugo D and Scarlett P

Runner up - Flora B and Audrey H

Winner - Grace M

Class 5 (Duets and Ensemles)

Commended - Cecily W and Wilfrid W; Archie R and Rupert W; Emily D, Zara D and Florence M; Alice G and Allegra R; Jake C and William W; Iléana R and Clemmie M; Clemmie M and Jemima M; Iona G, Flo T, Flora B and Tallulah S

Runners up - Orla W and Olivia B

Winners - Henry B and Felix C

Class 6 (Grade 3/4)

Commended - Iona G and Xander M

Runner up - Eliza P

Winner - Pablo V

Class 7 (Grade 5+)

Commended - Henry B, Tom B, Flora C-B

Runners up - Felix C and Orla W

Winner - William R