ISSUE #72

Newsletter

The International Music School founded by Yehudi Menuhin Spring 2019

Registered Charity 312010

Welcome

This has been another action packed term, spanning a short snowy spell in January, an unseasonal ‘heat- wave’ in February and the daffodil and cherry blossom season in March. The following pages give a glimpse of our normal school routine and some of the memorable events that have punctuated it. Showcase and Celebrity Concerts are the lifeblood of the School. The eagerly anticipated Quiz night and Easter Egg hunt come around every Spring. Our concert at Effingham Golf Club was a long overdue return visit. The 1963 Society Musical Dinner was a successful new venture.

As usual, we welcomed visitors from Night, mooncakes at Chinese New and we continue to work with our all over the world: prospective pupils Year, bara brith on St David’s Day and sister schools in the Music and Dance from three continents; alumni from the pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Pictures Scheme to lobby for more funding USA and Switzerland; parents - here for of our ceilidh made it onto social media and a better appreciation amongst concerts or parent-staff consultation but not into this newsletter. the public of our role and impact. Our meetings - from Russia, China, Japan community engagement continues and Australia; musicians invited to give We continue to champion the merits to grow, with pupils and staff driving masterclasses from Spain, Germany of a first-rate specialist musical projects to help local school children and the USA; and guests from Israel education for those with a particular fulfil their musical dreams. and South Korea interested to see talent and passion for music, at first hand our unique educational regardless of their means. I spoke at Kate Clanchy model. We also celebrated various an all-party parliamentary committee Head national traditions: haggis on Burns meeting in Westminster on the subject,

WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 1 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

SCHOOL LIFE 2 Competitions External Concerts

ALUMNI 12 It was a fabulous result for all three Perhaps not as dramatic as the of our entrants in the International orchestral conquest of Spain or as bold STAFF 13 Arthur Grumiaux Competition for Young as the series of Christmas Concerts, Violinists. Kyota won First Prize in the Spring term is known for its more MENUHIN HALL 14 Category C, Emili won Second Prize and subtle crescendo of musical events. Seoyul won Third Prize in Category B. DEVELOPMENT 16 Gorka started the term with a solo Coco was awarded a Gold Medal in the recital in Horsley for an audience of FRIENDS 17 inaugural Vienna International Music Friends and supporters of the School. Competition. Beethoven’s Les Adieux was followed for Brendoncare, a charity dedicated Condry, performed at Kingston’s by the complete set of Rachmaninov’s to improving quality of life for older All Saints Church. They opened Will has proceeded to the Finals of the Op 39 Études-Tableaux - it was a truly people in care homes and care with Poulenc and closed with Frank Follow us! Haslemere String Competition, which will astonishing performance that left the facilities throughout South England. Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, setting take place on 16 May at St Christopher’s entire room mesmerised. It took an a solemn tone for Easter. The Spring If you are active on social media (or Church as part of the Haslemere Festival. encore of elegantly improvised SongHa and Can term’s crescendo arrived at the final would like to be) please have a look at our various channels. jazz to wake us from the performed a duo chorale of Martin’s Agnus Dei, and as Stefanija was the youngest finalist in the spell. recital of Mozart, the closing chord still hung in the air Please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and IV Agustín Aponte International Music Brahms, Ravel almost searching for somewhere to Instagram for news, events and images, Competition in Tenerife in February. A few weeks later and Bach at go, we found ourselves – as we catch but best of all is our YouTube channel which we keep updated with awe-inspiring Claire was the youngest performer a group of pupils Clapham’s our breaths – looking ahead with videos of our pupils playing Schubert, Richard reached the Finals of the Aarhus to reach the final six in the Robert visited one of Ominbus excitement to what comes next. Poulenc, Vaughan Williams, Howells and International Piano Competition in Schumann Piano Competition in Surrey’s oldest Theatre, hosted more. Through this channel you can watch Denmark. Düsseldorf. churches, St Mary’s by alumna Sue and listen to our pupils in the comfort of in Stoke d’Abernon. Dorey. Duru and your own home whenever you like. New School film Two works by Haydn Richard performed Follow us on Twitter and were followed by a a joint piano recital at Instagram @menuhinschool powerful rendition of Ravel’s Little Slyfield, and SongHa

Find us on Facebook quartet. wowed the audience at the Breinton @yehudimenuhinschool Recital Society, this time with Gorka, who Another quartet - Borodin’s 2nd - stepped in at the last minute to take Subscribe to our YouTube finished off a concert of piano, violin over for an injured Svitlana. channel by searching for and guitar solos in the magical setting The Yehudi Menuhin School of Winchester College’s New Hall. Finally, at the end of term, the YMS We also update the news section of The concert helped raise over £5,500 Chamber Choir, directed by David our website regularly, so please visit www.menuhinschool.co.uk/news to see what we are up to. Celebrating Hans Keller

Last November, we welcomed a film clips for inclusion in the final cut of the The centenary of Hans Keller’s birth archivist, and author of several books The following weekend the quartet CONTACT US crew on site for three days filming film. If you were in the audience at the was marked by several events in the on the subject), Òscar Colomina i Bosch went to Clare Hall, Cambridge, where The Yehudi Menuhin School pupils and staff as they went about Showcase concert on 8 November, you music world, and The Yehudi Menuhin and David Dolan using Mozart’s Quartet they worked with Levon Chilingirian Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey their daily routine. The production might just catch a glimpse of yourself, School (where Keller taught) was K421, played by Coco, Viviane, SongHa before taking part in an illustrated KT11 3QQ company, Digifish, together with the so take a look at the finished product involved in two of them. and Caterina. The talk was followed talk on Keller’s ‘Functional Analysis’ 01932 864739 Marketing Department, then had the on our website. We think it captures the by a Showcase concert in which the approach to chamber music with www.menuhinschool.co.uk difficult task of sifting through all the spirit of YMS and are thrilled to share it On 10 March we hosted a talk with Mozart was performed along with other Malcolm Singer, David Dolan and fantastic footage to select the right with you. Dr Alison Garnham (Keller’s original chamber works. Levon Chilingirian.

2 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 3 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

Masterclasses Community Engagement

Yulia Chaplina as part of the Prokofiev This year’s Composition project Music Festival. culminated in a week of recording sessions with five secondary schools In early March we had a visit from from the local area. Watching pieces alumna Nicola Benedetti, who spent grow from a few notes to several the morning working with the pupils, pages is always exciting, but it is even before opening up the afternoon more encouraging to see some bold session to our Friends and other and truly imaginative works being audience members. Everyone was written, works that may not have struck not only by her musicality, but been possible without this project. also by her warmth and easy-going It was a rewarding experience for manner, and we are all looking forward pupils from both the external schools to her return. and ours, espcially our Senior pupils who have worked tirelessly for many Next there was a visit from Barbara hours, rehearsing, workshopping and Doll, Professor of Violin and Chamber recording the compositions. Music at Hochschule für Musik, Basel, It has been a packed term of Finlay, Kotone and Alfie played Cuban and President of ESTA, Switzerland. Our Junior pupils have once again masterclasses for our pupils. Alumna Landscape with Rain, Leo Brouwer’s We were also treated to a lecture by been touring primary schools in and ‘When I was able to tear my eyes away, ‘I have heard nothing but brilliant Alina Ibragimova spent two days in famous piece for four guitars. Here in the renowned pianist and musicologist, around Surrey, captivating audiences seeing the look on the faces of our feedback about how amazing and January teaching in The Menuhin particular Pavel opened up the pupils’ Robert Levin. of all sizes and ages. An endless flow children was just incredible. They were talented your students were, as well Hall before performing to a packed imaginations, encouraging the use of of questions followed each concert, enthralled. Many of our children will as the incredible responses from our audience with longstanding duo extreme colours and effects. He also Finally, right at the end of term, showing just how powerful and not have had the chance to experience own students. The awe and wonder partner Cédric Tiberghien. showed the pupils some unusual, and Kingsley and Hugo participated in important these experiences can be music performed live like this so it our students experienced was so very advanced, technical exercises for masterclasses in London with Pierre to young children whose chances of really was a thrilling experience for special to see!’ Later that month, the guitarists had a both hands. Amoyal and Wolfram Christ at the witnessing live music within a school all.’ day with the legendary Czech musician invitation of Sean Bishop of Bishop setting seem ever slimmer. Lara Martin, Teacher Pavel Steidl. Each of the guitarists In February, Felicia participated in a Instruments and Bows. Leah Evans, Acting Assistant Head Portesbery School played a solo work for him, and Martin, masterclass in London with pianist Staff at the primary schools said: Mosaic Jewish Primary School

4 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 5 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE Simon Larter-Evans

Spotlight on our Staff Pianists Alexander Technique Alexander Technique has been a part “I have found my few weeks of highly recommend it to everyone. I am Nigel Hutchison graduated with a First to appearances with the major UK of YMS since the very beginning. The Alexander Technique very helpful always thinking: stop, think, wait, move. Class Honours degree in Music from orchestras including the London technique teaches improved posture so far. It has improved my posture Every lesson I do is so inspiring!” the University of Glasgow, followed by Philharmonic and the Royal and movement, in order to help reduce immensely for playing my instrument, Yume (11, violin) postgraduate study at the Guildhall. He Philharmonic. A commercial recording and prevent problems caused by and has got me to think a lot about my completed his studies at the Juilliard followed with the London Symphony unhelpful habits. Yehudi Menuhin was posture in general whenever I’m doing “Alexander Technique has helped me School in New York on a Fulbright Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios and a huge advocate and, recognising the something.” with mindfulness, and with relaxation Scholarship. In New York, he studied also one with the British pianist John many benefits it offered to musicians, Martin (16, guitar) during performing and practice. I also with the great American pianist Earl Ogdon. He continues to enjoy giving felt it was important to offer lessons as love how weightless I feel after the Wild. concerts at home and abroad outside Nigel started working at YMS in part of the curriculum. “I love Alexander Technique because it lying, guided meditation. Angela also the school calendar, including as September 2006 on the same day as helps me to relax my whole entire body lets me express how I feel about my Upon his return to the UK, Nigel official pianist for several international Òscar Colomina i Bosch. They both After all pupils were given the chance and I am able to focus on my breathing. playing and helps me to feel more embarked on a busy solo career competitions such as the Menuhin remember it well as there were no to trial a lesson, Angela Bradshaw When I get stressed, this helps me to confident and content with it. It’s a type as well as collaborating with Competition, the Britten Competition, taxis at the station, so they had to walk now works with 65 of them, both understand how the body works and of therapy for me.” many distinguished colleagues and the All China Violin Competition along the treacherous road – not the individually and in pairs. About the how we naturally move. I have learnt a Viviane (18, violin) in duo and chamber concerts. An held in Qingdao. easiest start for a first day! lessons, the pupils say: lot from Alexander Technique. I would acclaimed Wigmore Hall début led

A typical week for the staff pianists is Each weekday is long and involves about what your musical role is at any usually fairly hectic, as there is always many hours of playing, but Nigel given point. We need to be sensitive and a full schedule of concerts to and Svitlana both say it is listen well to what a particular string prepare for, plus playing incredibly rewarding. player is doing, but also have the ability for pupils’ lessons to convey to them how important it is for and sometimes a When asked what them to understand what is happening masterclass or makes a great staff in the piano part, and how that usually auditions. The bulk pianist, Nigel says, has a huge bearing on what they can of the work involves “…in the context or cannot do musically.” Both pianists rehearsing with the of the job in the assert that one of the best things about pupils and teaching School I would say YMS is the sense of being part of a them how to integrate an ability to learn community, of a family where we are all with the piano, especially pieces quickly, to sight striving for a common goal. in the duo sonata repertoire. read well and to be clear

Svitlana Kosenko studied at Kharkov prizes. She won a special prize for Miserere at Westminster Abbey University of Arts in Ukraine with the best interpretation of the Enescu Natalia Melnikova before undertaking a Sonata with violinist Valeriy Sokolov On Ash Wednesday, Kate took Senior north choir aisle (“Musicians’ aisle”), as Masters Course at the Hochschule für at the George Enescu Competition, and and Junior pupils to hear Allegri’s well as memorials to Walton, Britten Musik Saar with Tatevik Mokatsian. was awarded the prize for best pianist Miserere in Westminster Abbey. We and Elgar. at the Joseph Suder International arrived in good time for Sung Eucharist Svitlana has won prizes at several Lied Competition in Germany. She is and took the opportunity to explore the The Miserere itself, with its alternating international competitions, including featured in Bruno Monsaingeon’s film Abbey and College Gardens. We saw verses for plainsong, full choir and a the Smetana Piano Competition “A Natural Born Fiddler” and on the the grave of Clementi, ‘father of the quartet of soloists positioned in the in the Czech Republic where she recording released by EMI Classics. pianoforte’ in the south cloister, that organ loft was hauntingly beautiful, the also received a prize for the best of Handel in the south transept (Poets’ highlight being a lone treble soaring performance of 20th century music as Svitlana joined YMS in 2014 as Corner), the tombs of Purcell, Stanford, five times to top C during the course of well as the Audience and special EMCY Staff Pianist. Vaughan Williams and Howells in the the motet.

6 NEWSLETTER /SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 7 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

Quiz night New pupils

Quiz night is always a spirited event During the bonus round (pictured and this year was no exception. All below), one member of each team pupils were grouped into 10 random was tasked with communicating a teams, with players from all year message to their teammates using groups competing across several a non-verbal, invented means of rounds of questions focussing on communication. Much hilarity ensued Maths, Music, English, Languages, and everyone is already looking Sports, General Knowledge and, of forward to next year’s quiz. Tomomasa course, Yehudi Menuhin. As usual, the Violin prize was a magnificent pile of sweets. Age 10 Japan

Zheng Yuan (Zac) Violin Age 12 China

Kenza meets Malala Egg-cellent Easter

In January, Kenza had the children’s rights. She now studies at around the world have no right to Cloudy, cold weather could not opportunity to meet activist and Oxford University. have an education because of the dampen the spirits of pupils and Nobel Laureate, Malala Yousafzai. In laws that terrorist groups or their staff during our annual Easter Egg 2014, Malala became the youngest Of the encounter, Kenza writes: governments enforce upon them. Hunt. Once again organised by Nobel Laureate in recognition of her Many of us that live in peace and Jenny Dexter and the Silver Duke of efforts on “Meeting Malala was an amazing prosperity take school for granted. Edinburgh pupils, the event was a behalf experience that I will never forget. Listening to Malala made me think roaring success. The children raced of She spoke quietly and was very that we should be aware of this around the grounds, hunting down polite. This was in contrast to when privilege. both chocolate and wooden eggs, she was on stage. There she spoke the latter to be exchanged for jumbo so confidently, without fear or anger, Personally, it made me feel so chocolate treats. The family spirit and in a way that engulfed everyone grateful for the School and my for which our pupils are known was into her presence. parents who support and encourage evident throughout the afternoon, me to pursue my dreams.” with many pupils sharing their Malala’s fight for girls’ education haul with those who had been less inspires many. Millions of girls successful in their search.

8 NEWSLETTER /SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 9 SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL LIFE

Duke of Edinburgh YMS footballers bring home the Cup The Silver D of E group has been very busy with fundraising this term. Nathan, Pendo and Mika held a Valentine’s Day Raffle fantastic Valentine’s Day cookie and rose sale in aid of the This week the Silver DofE group will be doing a On the first Sunday after half term, the charity CRY (Children’s Rights and You). Valentine’s Day Raffle. In tandem and in preparation for YMS football team visited the Purcell the Valentine’s Day Sale on the 14 be available for sale th February, tickets will School of Music to play in the annual every day from the 12 They also ran a raffle for a candlelit dinner for two in the until the draw on the 14 th Purcell’s-Menuhin football match. th. Tickets will be 20p Februaryeach (£1 a Kentner Room, complete with chocolate fondue for dessert. strip). All proceeds will go to CRY (Children’s Rights As the winner, Finlay greatly enjoyed being waited upon and You). The boys went there with hopes of by his friends. This was a really popular event and raised ending the six-year losing streak about £70. Prizes against our rivals. The rainy weather and an extremely muddy pitch did st 1 Prize: Candlelit Dinner not discourage either side. The A nice candlelit dinner in the Long Room with you and a person of your choice. Enjoy great service from famous match started with the opposition waiters Natasion P taking control over the game, but érry, Pinto Grigio and Michel Pethonvic and chocolate fondue for dessert. our tireless defence did not let in any goals. Towards the end of the first half, our young striker Tom found an 2nd Prize: A box of chocolates opportunity and bagged our first goal Pretty self -explanatory. Share them with your loved one with a clean finish. or cry as you eat them alone.

The second half started with a more balanced game where our boys captain Daniil, who found himself one- It was a great day out for all. Thank seemed more confident. Not long after on-one with the goalkeeper and curled you to all our friends and staff who the start of the second half, Tom once it in, taking the score to 3-0. came to support us, and to the Purcell again scored with a fantastic strike, School for their hospitality. Junior Trip to Wisley Gardens this time from a more difficult angle. Purcell’s, however, found life towards With the state of the pitch deteriorating the end of the game and managed YMS will now be the home for the Cup On 20 March the Juniors travelled to RHS Garden Wisley, as the game went on, our team to score two goals in the last few for the year to come, and we are all and were immeditately struck by the sight of a vibrant pink sustained a few injuries, hence our minutes. Goalkeeper Ludwig made looking forward to defending our title magnolia. Every flower on it was open and healthy looking. first substitutions took place early in some crucial saves and the game next year. We followed the ‘Winter Walk,’ photographing lots of the game. Tom once again showed his ended with a 3-2 victory for our boys. different types of narcissi and blossoms - there was even a skill with a beautiful assist to our team white bergenia called ‘Beethoven’! We visited the vegetable garden, and also saw many Bonsai trees, which were between 40 and 80 years old. GCSE Science Live! In February, the GCSE Science Each speaker was carefully chosen After lunch, we took part in a workshop called ‘Plant students took a trip into London to for their ability to communicate Explorers’, during which we took cuttings of peperomia, attend Science Live at the Apollo with students of this age, helping to a rainforest plant, and crassula, a desert plant. We Victoria Theatre. They had the show the pupils that science really were taken on a tour of the beautiful Glasshouse, paying opportunity to hear five of Britain’s top does offer solutions for many of the particular attention to the rainforest and desert areas, and scientists, all working at the cutting problems facing the world today. learning how the plants have adapted to their environment. edge of their specialisms: Professor The pupils were also given top The bird of paradise flower was stunning. Robert Winston, Professor Andrea tips on examination success by an Sella, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Dr experienced science examiner, and Finally, we had a visit to the gift shop (of course!) before Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Professor were given the chance to raise and returning to school. We really enjoyed the trip to Wisley and Alice Roberts. discuss issues with the scientists it was a fantastic day out! themselves.

10 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 11 ALUMNI STAFF

Alumni news B. Ealovega New staff Nicola Benedetti was awarded a CBE in January for Services to Music. Angela Bradshaw is our new Alexander Technique teacher. She has also released a series of She also teaches Music Scholars at Wellington College and Staff leavers Medical Imaging professionals. Prior to teaching Alexander instructional videos on YouTube. “With We were sad to say goodbye to Technique, she was a sonographer and radiographer in the Nicky“ intends to provide information, Thea Butterworth, who left us this NHS. She grew up in Dubai, enjoys yoga and plays the piano. guidance, and support for young term to pursue other opportunities. musicians. Laura Keen joins the Science Department as Lab Amy Mitchell will also leave the Technician. She has eight years’ pharmaceutical School in early May. Max Calver performed with Tianyou experience specialising in unlicensed medications, and has Ma at Cadogan Hall with the Doctors’ a part time companionship role helping vulnerable adults We thank them for their work and Orchestra in March. The concert to socialise and to keep their independence. wish them well. Tasmin Little rasied £43,400 in aid of the Hannah Maitland is the new Assistant Houseparent charity Freedom from in Music House. Before coming to YMS, she worked at Torture. Cheryl Frances education and other non-performing Ashford School in Kent. Her interests include film, ballet, Hoad’s new projects from 2020 after a career comic books and swimming. Bobby Chen’s Overseas CD, Magic spanning more than 30 years. Masters Winter Piano Lantern Tales Monika Wajnert-Forrester recently joined our Catering Academy (OMWPA) was released Veronika Shoot’s debut album, Team. She came from Poland 16 years ago where was once again held in November. Journey Through Childhood, including she graduated from university as a teacher of Polish at The Yehudi Menuhin It was described words by Debussy, Takemitsu, literature. She also worked in journalism and marketing, School in December. The by BBC 3’s Andrew Korngold, Shoot, Shostakovich, Liadov and now lives locally with her family. course is held every two years, MacGregor as a and Schumann will be released in and participants have individual “...showcase for a April. The album was recorded in The piano lessons, group classes, lectures, composer whose instincts as a Menuhin Hall. evening recitals, and a ‘London songsmith are imaginative, confident Staff news experience’, complete with visits to and unerringly communicative…” Sào Soulez Larivière has received 2nd museums and music shops, and tickets Prize in the International Max Rostal Mariko Brown and duo partner to stream and download on Spotify, will support local charities. More for concerts at the Royal Albert Hall In January, Tasmin Little announced Competition, Berlin. He also won a Julian Jacobson recently performed Apple Music and Amazon. information is available at and the Royal Festival Hall. her retirement from the concert prize for the best interpretation of the at the Purcell Room at the www.legarelumiere.org. platform. She intends to focus on commissioned work. Southbank Centre, and at St James’s For the fourth year running, Clive Church Piccadilly as part of the Stevens will be running his pop- The world premiere of Matthew Recording in the Hall BPSE Lunchtime Series. They will up cinema, Legare Lumiere, in his Taylor’s Symphony No 5 will take perform next at Ripley Arts Centre garden in Spelthorne. The festival place at Cadogan Hall on Sunday The Menuhin Hall offers alumni on 18 May. Details available from occurs in early May and all proceeds 9 June with the English Symphony and current teachers a 50% www.ripleyrecitals.info. Orchestra, conducted by Ken Woods. discount on Hall and piano hire for commercial recordings. Elliott Perks and The Maxwell The programme will also include Recently, we have welcomed Quartet received rave reviews for Mendelsohn Violin Concerto and alumni Charles Owen, Lucy their new album Joseph Hayden Beethoven Symphony No 5. Tickets Parham and Nicola Benedetti, as String Quartets Op 71. can be purchased from the Cadogan well as teachers Mariko Brown, Hall website. Nathan Williamson and Oscar The Jubilee Quartet, led by Tereza Perks. For further information, Privratska, with alumna Lorena Cantó We are thrilled to announce that please contact Alice Benzing on Woltèche on the viola, performed Bursar Shelley Twitchin and her [email protected] to great acclaim at Conway Hall in husband are expecting triplets in the or 01932 584408. March. Their debut album, featuring Autumn term. OMWPA participants three Haydn Quartets, is available

12 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 13 THE MENUHIN HALL THE MENUHIN HALL

This term in The Menuhin Hall Next term

As another term whizzes by and K.Miura Summer term at The Yehudi Menuhin a wonderful programme including we look back at all the wonderful School would not be the same without Schubert and Elgar in May, and moments in The Menuhin Hall, the Summer Festival (and academic Beethoven’s life will be examined in a it really has been a packed term exams, of course!), but before then, we new concert drama performed by the with a wide range of events. We have a plethora of concerts over the Dante Quartet in June. had visits from two alumnae, Alina coming months. Ibragimova in January, and Nicola We are also looking forward to Benedetti in March. In addition to Alongside the two Showcases in May performances by alumna Wu Qian as performing an outstanding concert and another in June, we are holding part of the Investec International Music with pianist Cédric Tiberghien, Alina a belated Founder’s Day concert in Festival in May, and some incredible spent two days teaching our pupils, April with alumnus Emmanuel Despax choral programmes from Ember Choral and the public masterclass with (sold out), Anthony Marwood performs and Farnham Youth Choir in June. Nicola Benedetti was a fantastic snapshot of the musical education at the School. The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra provided us some much needed respite from the winter cold, Nikolai Demidenko with many audience members tapping their feet to jazz and swing from the 1920s and 30s. We also welcomed choral work Quatre Motets pour un magical performance and, continuing back virtuoso Nikolai Demidenko, for temps de pénitence by Poulenc a few their cycle of Beethoven Piano a momentous piano recital including weeks ago. We are so fortunate to Concerti, Surrey Mozart Players works by Schubert and Prokofiev. have such talented youngsters on our performed a wonderful concert with doorstep. pianist James Brawn. The Dante Quartet Emmanuel Despax I think you will all agree the performances and programming of It seems a long time ago now, but Thank you to all our concertgoers for the Showcases this term have been Peter Medhurst’s Twelfth Night making this term such a success. outstanding, from the Valentine’s performance at the beginning of Coming up @ The Menuhin Hall Summer Festival Day concert in February, to the Hans January was an absolute treat, and Alice Benzing This year we have introduced a second Keller inspired programme at the a great way to kick-start the term. Manager, The Menuhin Hall Orchestral Concert to try to accommodate APRIL beginning of March, and concluding In March, the National Youth Harp the demand for tickets. with the whole School performing the Orchestra returned with their usual TUES 30 APR 7.30PM CHOPIN CONCERTI WITH EMMANUEL DESPAX There are still a few seats left for the MAY Orchestral Concerts, as well as for our MON 6 MAY 7.30PM SHOWCASE CONCERT six Summer Showcase Concerts, so book THURS 9 MAY 7.30PM AN AMERICAN IN PARIS soon to avoid disappointment! THURS 16 MAY 1.15PM LUNCHTIME SHOWCASE CONCERT THURS 23 MAY 7.30PM ANTHONY MARWOOD AND ALEKSANDAR MADŽAR Summer Festival Concert dates:

JUNE 4 JUL @ 7.30pm - SHOWCASE 1 FRI 7 JUNE 7.30PM SHOWCASE CONCERT 5 JUL @ 7.30pm - SHOWCASE 2 SAT 8 JUNE 7.30PM EMBER CHORAL PRESENTS AN EVENING OF BRAHMS 6 JUL @ 2.pm & 7.30pm - SHOWCASES 3 & 4 TUES 11 JUNE 7.30PM DANTE QUARTET 7 JUL @ 2pm & 7.30pm - SHOWCASES 5 & 6 SUN 30 JUNE 5PM FARNHAM YOUTH CHOIR 12 JUL @ 7.30pm - ORCHESTRAL SHOWCASE 13 JUL @ 5pm - ORCHESTRAL PICNIC

Alina, Cédric, Zamira, David Dolan and pupils The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra

14 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 15 DEVELOPMENTSCHOOL LIFE SCHOOLFRIENDS LIFE

18% From the Chairman Thank you Did you know... 5% 50% Dear Friends palpable enthusiasm for the pupils. I Friends to volunteer to man it. And it It has been a busy term for the …that nearly 30% of the joined her in thanking all of you. would be of great help in enabling us Development Department and a School’s income comes 27% The Friends AGM was held on 27 Then Òscar Colomina i Bosch gave to recruit new Friends if we could find fun one too, with two key events from people like you? And March in the Music Studios and it was us an intriguing insight into how one or two volunteers to attend local good to see so many familiar faces the programmes for the Showcase events where the pupils are playing. – The 1963 Society Dinner and that just 18% of our income Effingham Golf Club Concert – as attending. All resolutions were Concerts are put together, If any of these activities appeal to well as lots of visits from donors comes from school fees? carried unanimously and your quite often at the you, please get in touch with Beth old and new to the School. Statutory funding Menuhin Hall Management Committee last minute when Quartermaine (01932 584744 / beth. This academic year we need to raise £1.2 Members were all re- he feels a pupil [email protected]). Without people like you – our million through donations, grants and gifts People like you School fees elected for another has worked Friends and supporters – the in wills to support the young musicians year. on a piece The evening finished with Giorgio School simply wouldn’t exist, and of the future. At the time of printing, we To hear more about how you can help to the point playing some Liszt with great finesse, we extend our heartfelt gratitude have raised nearly 80% of our target, with us close the gap, please contact After the end of where it is followed by some exquisite violin to all of you for your generosity. another £260,000 to go before the end Alix de Mauny, Development Director on formal business, just right for playing by Viviane of Chausson’s of August. This will enable us to provide [email protected] or Kate Clanchy talked performance. Poème, beautifully accompanied as bursaries to 17 pupils as well as fund 01932 584746. animatedly about her usual by Svitlana Kosenko on the other critical areas of the School’s work. enthusiasm for the School We would like piano. but touched on the financial even more help from challenges that are a feature of Friends, if possible. Of These wonderful players were a school life - in particular the need to course, we hope you will continue to splendid reminder that the School is A new partnership 1963 Society Musical Dinner - celebrating your generosity raise over £1 million in gifts every year introduce new Friends. Then there are indeed all about its pupils and that is (in addition to fees paid by parents and Friends who are unable to come to what inspires us to keep coming. In February we were On 21 March Zamira Menuhin Government support, which has barely concerts because they can no longer delighted to welcome Benthall hosted a ‘Musical Dinner’ increased in ten years) to enable the drive or do not like driving in the dark. Best wishes, to the School Richard for members of The 1963 Society, the School to keep going and attract the So we would like to set up a car share Winter and Tamara group that brings together those of very best students. She said she saw scheme if we can find some willing Sir John Baker Russell from Savills, our supporters who have pledged the Friends as being at the heart of the drivers. We are also planning to have Chairman, The Friends of to hear a concert to leave a gift to the School in their School through attending concerts and a Friends’ table at all events in The The Yehudi Menuhin School and join pupils and will. After a private tour of the Music other events, volunteering and their Menuhin Hall, and we need some Management Committee staff over lunch. So impressed were they Studios, our guests were treated to with what they saw and heard that they a wonderful three course supper, decided to help the School through making prepared with infinite care by Head a very special offer to our Friends (details Chef Jean Labourg, and interspersed below). We are immensely grateful for their with performances by our pupils. Join us! Become a Friend today enthusiasm and support. The theme for the evening, devised by Jean and Òscar, was music and food Lord Menuhin founded the Friends Friends enjoy a range of benefits, complimentary tickets to a Summer inspired by the Basque country, lying as in 1971 together with a few local including priority booking for Festival Showcase Concert. The Savills Surrey offices are proud to support it does between their two countries of supporters of the School. Since then performances in The Menuhin The Yehudi Menuhin School. origin. The evening was enjoyed by all, the Friends have grown to over 750 Hall, invitations to masterclasses If you enjoy listening to outstanding with guests waxing particularly lyrical supporters from all over the globe, and pre-concert receptions, music and supporting emerging We would like to invite you to Simply telephone to arrange an about the Confit Rhubarb with Rhubarb offering financial assistance to the and special offers from local talent, become a member today. accept the offer of a free market appointment. and Prosecco Jelly, Rhubarb Chantilly School and a warm, supportive businesses, including 20% off at Membership starts at only £35 appraisal of your property. If, as and Lime Tuile! presence at concerts. Many of our The Old Plough in Cobham, 10% per year. Just email friends@ a Friend, you sell your property Savills Cobham 01932 586200 Friends enjoy following the journey of off at The Cobham Bookstore and menuhinschool.co.uk to request an through one of our Surrey offices Savills Esher 01372 461900 To learn more about joining our pupils as they progress through half-price membership of Denbies information pack, or pick one up in we will donate £1,000 from our fee Savills Guildford 01483 796820 The 1963 Society, please contact the School and into the wider world Winery. Best Friends also receive The Menuhin Hall foyer. to the School. Savills Weybridge 01932 838000 Beth Quartermaine on 01932 584744 or as professional musicians. [email protected].

16 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 17 FRIENDS FRIENDS

Friends Community Effingham Golf pupils and a delicious buffet Club by the Club. Tickets were WIGMORE sold out, and proceeds were Those of you who come to The On Friday 15 March, we split between YMS and The Menuhin Hall will no doubt have were honoured to be Wooden Spoon. Since the experienced the familial and invited to give a concert, we are pleased HALL supportive atmosphere amongst the charity concert at to report that we have Friends, pupils and staff. This is one Effingham Golf welcomed new of the areas of the School of which we Club. The event audience members are most proud, and we have some was organised and Friends to the 2019 ideas around how we can make the by YMS Friend School as a result. Join us to hear our senior most of this support. Lynn Aylward, pupils perform in the iconic who is also the If you are interested London concert hall Become an Ambassador Ladies’ Captain in organising an at the Golf Club. event for the School We are looking for volunteers to run Lynn had organised then we would love SUNDAY 30 JUNE a brand new Friends desk at events a similar event several to hear from you. Please 7.30PM at The Menuhin Hall, and to spread years ago at Clandon Golf. contact Beth Quartermaine on the word about the Friends at local beth.quartermaine@menuhinschool. concerts in the community. The evening was a huge success, with co.uk or 01932 584744 to discuss your Concert ticket and coach offer unforgettable performances by the ideas. As our most committed supporters, exclusively for the Friends of The Yehudi Menuhin School you are the best ambassadors for the School, and we hope you will help us Bridge Tea share our music with as many local Full name: Concert tickets: residents as possible. Back by popular demand, the Friends’ Qty @ £18.00 = £ Annual Bridge Tea event will be held Address: Give a Friend a lift on Friday 10 May in The Menuhin Hall. Return coach:

We are saddened to hear that some Players will have the opportunity to Postcode: Qty @ £15.00 = £ Friends can no longer join us for play either Chicago or Rubber Bridge, Telephone: Total: £ evening concerts at The Menuhin Hall and will be treated to a delicious as they are not able to drive in the afternoon tea. There will also be a Email: dark. To address this we would like to raffle followed by a short concert by help facilitate a car sharing scheme current YMS pupils. Please make cheques payable to ‘Friends of The Yehudi Menuhin School’ to link up local people who are able to help a neighbour by providing a Tickets are £36 per table and there The coach will depart from the School car park at 5pm and then depart from Wigmore Hall at 10pm lift to our concerts. This scheme will are still a few tables left, so please Are your details up to date? to return to the School car park. also have the benefit of reducing contact Amy Mitchell at friends@ traffic in the area on concert days and menuhinschool.co.uk or 01932 584409 Help us to ensure your What’s On Please complete this form and return with your payment no later than Friday 11 May to: improving the environment. to book. brochure, newsletter, concert tickets Beth Quartermaine, The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3QQ. and other communications reach For more information, please call 01932 584744 or email [email protected]. If you think you can help in any of The School would like to extend a you by keeping us updated with your these ways or would like further special thank you to Sheila Rice-Smith current contact details. Tickets will be available for pick-up at the coach or in the foyer of Wigmore Hall on the evening of the concert. information, please contact Beth and the Friends Events Committee Quartermaine on 01932 584744 or for their hard work in organising this The quickest way to update your THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO FRIENDS. DEADLINE TO RETURN THE BOOKING FORM IS FRIDAY 11 MAY. [email protected]. popular event. information is to send an email to WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM NUMBER TO BE ABLE TO OFFER THE COACH. IF THIS NUMBER IS NOT REACHED, . [email protected] WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO OFFER A FULL REFUND.

18 NEWSLETTER /SPRING 2019 WWW.MENUHINSCHOOL.CO.UK 19 FRIENDS

Photography by Caitlin Chan, Tony Chipps, Kate Clanchy, Jenny Dexter, Dave Greenwood, Nigel Luckhurst, Sarah McDonald, Tamas Reti and Cathy Whitnall. Edited by Sarah McDonald.

20 NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2019