The Best Groups Heard at Any Festival in the Last Year!
16th May 14
Dunottar Chamber Ensemble, which comprises students from several local schools, won two cups. Its Bellini Oboe Concerto Group won the cup for the class, and its Cello Ensemble won the Chairman’s cup for the best ensemble of the day.
The Cello Ensemble’s performance of ‘Maestro meets Puccini’ and then an original piece by Patsy Gritton called ‘Midnight Special’ was so impressive that the talented musicians have been invited to perform at the festival concert at the Harlequin.
The adjudicator, Kay Tucker, said: “Bravo! I would pay to hear you perform!”
The Bellini Oboe Concerto, for solo oboe and strings, won similar praise. Gifted musician Chloe Barnes, 17, beautifully accompanied by the strings, thrilled a delighted audience with her accomplished solo.
Conductor Loraine Nagioff commented: “The students excelled themselves! Not only did both groups gain an outstanding mark for their ensembles, but they also received glowing comments from the adjudicator, who said that these were the best groups she had heard at any festival in the last year.”
The Chamber Ensemble is welcoming new players from local schools in September. The minimum standard is Grade 4 for string players and Grade 5 for winds and brass. Previous orchestral experience is not necessary.
