Students from across the College, enjoyed a day of music-making with two of the country’s most important artistic figures, when they visited earlier this month. Julian Lloyd Webber, the doyen of British cellists, was joined by Europe’s top young musician Laura van der Heijden (BBC Young Musician, 2012) to work with a number of the College’s chamber music ensembles in a series of masterclasses.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to work with and sit in on a number of informal lessons, run by Lloyd Webber and van der Heijden, focusing particularly on small ensemble playing, interpretation and communication. Afterwards, Lloyd Webber ran a series of short, formal masterclasses in front of a student audience, an illuminating session that was followed by a stunning recital from van der Heijden.

“This was a very special day”, said Ben Dowsett, Curriculum Manager for Music at the College. “It was a real privilege to welcome two such esteemed musicians into our department.”

Speaking after the event, AS student Catherine Porter said, “I really enjoyed the whole day. It was such an amazing opportunity to meet truly prestigious musicians. I learned a lot from their advice.”

Julian Lloyd Webber commented, “I was hugely impressed by the standard at the College and, perhaps even more importantly, everyone was enjoying themselves!”

Director of Faculty, Simon Reigh, said, “The music department at Farnborough provides unrivalled opportunities for students, as today has demonstrated yet again. The one to one feedback that I saw Julian and Laura provide students, in the masterclasses, led to immediate and striking improvements. It is an experience they will never forget. Being in the presence of two musical giants created an energy that pulsed throughout the day, and our students left excited, exhilarated, and inspired. We are grateful to Julian and Laura for their support of the College, and for their tireless efforts in promoting music in state education. We've seen today the immeasurable value that music adds to the curriculum and to the life of the College.”