On Thursday 26th January, 18 young musicians from Musselburgh congregated in our chapel for this annual competition. The evening began with the junior entrants, all under 16. Loretto was represented by three musicians in the junior category. Lawrence Bissell gave a beautiful rendition of Vaughan-Williams’ Woodcutter’s Song, Abigail McCreath delivered En Prière by Fauré with graceful ease and Emile Tsui gave an expressive performance of Chaminade’s Elégiè. We were delighted that Emile was placed 2nd in this section and that Lawrence and Abigail were highly commended.
Iona Urquhart gave a crisp, impressive delivery of Martinu’s Harlequin and the angular harmonies dazzled the audience. She was followed by Wesley Yip, who ended the evening with Tico Tico by Zequinha de Abreu, his beautiful phrasing and articulation framing the piece brilliantly. Wesley was placed 2nd in the senior category and Iona was highly commended. Although Loretto didn’t clinch the trophy this year, we were thrilled that five musicians performed with confidence and style, acknowledging their audience and getting into character.
John Mountford
Teacher of Music/Assistant Housemaster, Pinkie House
