Juniors come centre stage

Under the Performers’ Platform banner, July 2 and 3 will see youngsters tested across a wide range of disciplines, either competitively or non-competitively.

Instrumental solo and voice, duet, trio and quartet, piano, violin/viola/ cello, guitar and harp and ensembles are among the classes. Classes also include woodwind and brass.

In all the classes, musicians are asked to perform a programme of their own choice, but to be considered for inclusion in the special concert dedicated to the theme of the Festival - The Old Masters - repertoire music must include music from the Renaissance of Baroque periods.

The adjudicator for the junior section this weekend is Gary Ryan, professor of guitar at the Royal College of Music. He teaches harmony and general musicianship at the Royal College of Music and holds the post of assistant head of strings.

The Festival then continues at the Regis School of Music on Wednesday, July 6 at 7.30pm for an evening entitled The Old Masters, a concert featuring the best participants in the Performers’ Platform.

Rounding off the Festival on Sunday, July 10 at 7.30pm will be the Festival Gala and Young Artists’ Gallery, featuring more performances by prize-winners and also the presentation of the Festival Awards.

The Young Artists’ Gallery offers an exhibition of paintings and drawings evoking musical images. Some of the submitted pieces will reflect the festival; others will be purely imaginative.

All participants in the Young Artists’ Gallery will receive the Festival certificate. First and second prizes of art materials will be awarded ot the winners of each class. Class one is aged six to 12, class two is 13-15 and class three is 16 to 18. The closing date for submitting art works is Thursday, July 7.

Anyone requiring more details should speak to Festival director, Alexander Levtov, who is principal of the Regis School of Music where the Festival is based, He will also try to accommodate any last-minute entries into this weekend’s Performers’ Platform classes. Ring him on 01243 866462.