Piano Competition Sparkles at the Assembly House

Our students graced the rooms of the Assembly House this March, as the Piano Competition once again returned to this iconic Norwich location.

This event in the Inspiration Trust music calendar delighted, with a range of pieces performed to an audience of peers, staff and a guest adjudicator. Over 70 pupils performed on the day, growing in confidence by performing on a fantastic stage.

It was a real honour for pupils to play on a Steinway Model C grand piano, giving them an experience of playing on one of the best pianos available. We are hopeful that experiences like these will inspire pupils to raise their aspirations and nurture a self-confidence that they can take into everything they do.

John Stephens, Director of Music at Inspiration Trust said:

I’m thrilled to see our pupils progressing so fast with their piano playing. Their technical facility is flourishing, enabling more and more pupils to express their musical intentions convincingly.

There were a number of really special performances today. I’m proud and grateful that here at the Inspiration Trust we’re able to invest so much time, energy and funding into enabling our pupils to access high-quality piano teaching, take their graded music exams and perform in one of our region's most prestigious locations.

I’m especially proud that the pupils take up these opportunities in such numbers, and with such dedication and commitment. Bravo, tutti!

Performing in the music room at the Assembly House is simply breathtaking, it is one of the most regal rooms in the House adorned with stunning chandeliers and beautiful panelling around the sides of the room.

Piano is the most taught instrument in our Inspiration Trust schools by far, which delivered a diverse range of pieces and techniques on the day. Pupils that have just started their journey learning piano were in awe at their more experienced peers, and there was an encouraging atmosphere throughout the day. All performances were incredible with competition at all levels. Pupil performances were split into graded exam material and open classes at all difficult levels, including opportunities for pupils to play duets.

Winners were decided after careful deliberation by our guest adjudicator, David Stowell.

David Stowell, Area Manager (Norfolk Music Service):

“Thank you so much for inviting me to adjudicate today - it’s been a day of absolute joy. Wonderful music making all day, please let me do this again next year. A FANTASTIC DAY – Thank you all!”

Please find a full list of winners below.

Winners

Open Class: Pre-Initial: Noah, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy
Exam Repertoire Class: Initial: Iris, Thetford Academy
Open Class: Initial: Baylee, Wayland Academy
Exam Repertoire: Grade 1-2: Maia, Hewett Academy
Open Class: Elementary: Gabriel, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy
Exam Repertoire: Grade 3-4: Felicja, Hethersett Academy
Exam Repertoire: Grade 5-6: Eason, Norwich Primary Academy
Open Class: Intermediate: Ula, Thetford Academy
Exam Repertoire: Grade 7-8: Eryk, Hethersett Academy
Open Class: Advanced: Sam, Hethersett Academy
Open Class: Post Grade 8: Charlie, King Edward VII Academy
Own Original Composition: Secondary: Nathaniel, Jane Austen College
Own Original Composition: Sixth Form: Reuben, Thomas Paine Sixth Form
Duet Class: Primary: Eason & Marquis, Norwich Primary Academy
Duet Class: Secondary: Ellie & George, Hethersett Academy
Duet Class: Sixth Form: Jack & Reuben, Thomas Paine Sixth Form

Performance of the Day Award: Maia, Hewett Academy