Review by Northings
Junior RSAMD
29 Oct 2004 in Music
Leeds College of Music, Wednesday 27 October 2004
THE ARTS JOURNAL’s emphasis is usually on performances and gigs taking place within the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. However, I was lucky enough to catch a lunchtime performance by five young classical musicians from the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in my home county of Yorkshire recently. I thought it would be interesting to write from an English perspective.
The RSAMD’s traditional music course and its students are often mentioned in the Journal, so I wanted to take a few moments to highlight the Academy’s equally prestigious classical music course. Whilst discussing this performance with Kenny Mathieson, we both agreed that the classical side of the Academy’s work is outstanding, especially from the perspective of the students’ ambassadorial role in taking the music outside Scotland.
The ambassadors on this occasion were Alison McNeill (mezzo-soprano), Douglas Findlay (piano), Iain Ward (cello) Ian Anderson (viola), and Russian born RSAMD teacher and pianist Anna Mavromatidi.
RSAMD actively promotes and encourages live performances by its students, usually within the city of Glasgow, so forays beyond the city really stand out – so much so that a large and appreciative lunchtime audience of over 300 filled the majority of The Venue’s seats!
The programme was uplifting, moving, and musically varied. Alison McNeill began with an emotional rendition of Pergolesi’s ‘Fac ut Portem’, followed by Barber’s ‘Crucifixion’, where her affecting vocal conveyed Christ’s anguish at Mary’s undoubted suffering following his crucifixion. Anna Mavromatidi accompanied her with sensitivity throughout. McNeill is studying with George Gordon, and has performed with the RSNO Junior Chorus, and with the National Youth Choir of Scotland for some years now. She has also performed at the Last Night of the Proms and at Edinburgh Festival.
“Douglas Findlay is one of John Thwaites’ students, and has won the Moray Piano Competition for the past 2 years.”
Douglas Findlay performed Bach’s ‘Partita No 2 in C minor (Sarabande), followed by Scriabin’s beautiful ‘Etude in C# minor/Etude in D# minor’. His recital of these pieces, played from memory, was of exceptional quality – his timing and phrasing perfect for these passionate, emotional pieces of music – a very moving recital. Findlay is one of John Thwaites’ students, and has won the Moray Piano Competition for the past 2 years. He also plays jazz piano with the Junior Academy Big Band. It struck me as I listened that his accomplished and expressive playing could bring him renown in whichever musical field he chooses.
Iain Ward performed Rachmaninov’s ‘Cello Sonata in G minor’ – his phrasing was particularly fine, and the passages where he both bowed and plucked the cello were particularly memorable, capturing the lively, dramatic feel of the piece. Mavromatidi again provided assured accompaniment on piano. Ward is a student of Robert Irvine, and has led his section in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Junior Academy Orchestra many times.
Ian Anderson played 2 pieces by Bridge – ‘Pensiero’ and ‘Allegro molto appassionato’. His viola performance revealed emotion and great clarity of tone; Findlay accompanied him on grand piano. Anderson is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and is also a pianist. Like Ward, he has led his section in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Junior Academy Orchestra.
The performance ended with the return of McNeill and Mavromatidi, and we were treated to 3 delightful songs, impeccably sung; De Falla’s ‘Jota’, a jaunty, lively Spanish piece delivered with the clearest enunciation. The next song was George Scott’s ‘Ay Waukin O’, with words by Robert Burns, and last was Kern’s ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man’ – a marvellous set to finish on, the audience’s applause warm and enthusiastic.
© Debbie Koritsas, 2004
