Students from the music department recently travelled to Farnborough’s twin town Sulechów, in Poland, to take part in the 10th annual Chopin Music Festival.  To mark this momentous occasion, our students joined local Polish students in a performance entitled ‘A Thought for Freedom’, which told the story of Chopin’s extraordinary life and music. 

As well as enjoying two superb concerts, including one by the Wlodzimierz Nahorny Trio, students took part in a recording session at RecPublica Studios where they had the opportunity to play their Fazioli grand piano and take part in a masterclass with pianist Jaroslaw Kostka.  Students also performed to large audiences at Trzebiechow Palace and a school in Cigacice and were joined by pianists from the Co Panstwowa Szkola School of Music. Their talent was so well received that the performances were featured on a news piece about the festival broadcast on Polish TV!

Second year student Jennifer Lawrence said, "This is the second time I have attended this music festival, and I have enjoyed the experience even more this year.  We were given amazing opportunities to record, perform and listen to professional musicians all while celebrating the music of the great composer Chopin.”

Ben Dowsett, Curriculum Manager for music commented, “It was an intense four days for the students, but as always they performed brilliantly and astounded audiences.  It was also a significant cultural experience for them thanks to the generous welcoming nature of our hosts.  I am grateful to The Twinning Association of Rushmoor and The Rotary Club for their support with this trip.”