At the end of November, nine first year music students travelled to Poland to take part in this year’s Chopin Music Festival, in Sulechów. After an early start and a long journey they received a warm welcome from Festival organiser Tomasz Furtak, Director of Sulechów’s Cultural Centre, where the Festival is based. Any signs of tiredness were pushed to one side by an amazing concert given by the internationally renowned jazz singer Andrea Motis, with the Joan Chamorro quintet from Barcelona.
The Festival has grown in size over the years, now including Chopin’s songs, as well as his vast piano output. Exceptionally talented young pianists, such as Hannah Matthews, Amber Li and Zoe Belcher and singers Jaimie Leftley and Vanessa Bell were put through their paces by Chopin experts from Poznan University. The students performed at Trzebiechow Palace and had the chance to make their own recording on a Fazioli piano at Recpublica, one of the most hi-tech recording studios in Europe. Despite a busy schedule, students also had a chance to relax at a concert given by the film composer Kresimir Debski, who joined them in some spontaneous karaoke after the concert!
Ben Dowsett, Curriculum Manager for Music, who accompanied the students to Poland, commented "I am always amazed at the sheer breadth of the Festival with very high profile artists performing, esteemed academics taking masterclasses and this year, the chance to make a recording in a world class studio. The students who came this year have only been at the College for 10 weeks, so it was quite a challenge for them, both musically and culturally, however they performed magnificently. We will definitely be back next year!"
Tomasz Furtak, Director of the Cultural Centre, commented afterwards “I am pleased with the ongoing collaboration between Sulechow and Rushmoor, who were represented again by the music students from Farnborough Sixth Form College. Our guests had a chance to participate in daily events and workshops. We are looking forward to hosting them next year”
Katie Humphries, a first year Pianist said "It was amazing to experience how music can bring such different people together, both in performance and supporting roles.”
Gabrielle Court, also a first year Pianist said “I really enjoyed the trip. Not only was it a great musical experience but brought us more together as a group"
The trip would not have been possible without the support of the Rushmoor Twinning Association, who helped both financially and also in the planning, having such excellent links with the town. Special thanks must be given to Aldona Hannah from TAR, for her amazing translation skills, especially in the workshops.
