10-02-2025
Drayton Manor hosts the first classical soloist night
By Year 11 student reporter Khadeeja S
On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, Drayton Manor High School’s inaugural Classical Soloist event brought together an evening of extraordinary musical talent. Organised by the school’s Music Department, the event provided a platform for solo performers of all skill levels to showcase their dedication and artistry before an engaged and appreciative audience. The night was a true testament to the school’s vibrant musical community, with students across year groups demonstrating passion, technical mastery, and expressive depth.
A special highlight of the evening was the presence of Cllr. Julian Gallant, a well-known advocate for the arts in the London Borough of Ealing. An accomplished pianist, composer, and music director, Councillor Gallant presided over the competition as a distinguished adjudicator. His extensive career in performance, composition, and leadership in classical music made him an ideal judge for this prestigious event.
Before the performances began, Cllr. Gallant addressed the audience, emphasising the importance of live performance. He spoke about the distinction between technical skill and true artistry stating, “Music is about communication and interpretation. It is not just about playing the notes correctly but about telling a story, making your audience feel something.”
His words resonated deeply with both performers and spectators, reinforcing the idea that musicianship extends beyond precision to emotional connection.
A Showcase of Talent
The competition featured several categories, ensuring musicians at various levels had an opportunity to shine - Beginner, Intermediate Piano, Intermediate, Senior, Advanced, and the coveted Overall Winner category. The repertoire ranged from delicate Baroque compositions to expressive Romantic pieces, with each student bringing their unique interpretation to the music. The carefully structured format allowed both seasoned and emerging musicians to be recognised for their efforts.
Throughout the evening, numerous standout performances captivated the audience. Marko (Year 7) delivered a beautifully controlled rendition of Ballade by Friedrich Burgmüller in the Intermediate Piano category, showcasing remarkable poise for his age. Selma (Year 10) left a lasting impression in the Advanced category with a technically masterful and emotionally charged performance of Awakening by Tony Ann, demonstrating exquisite phrasing and dynamic control.
Parents, teachers, and fellow students responded enthusiastically to each performance. One parent summed up the audience’s admiration, “The standard was so high—every musician should be proud of what they achieved tonight.”
And the Winners Are!
The much-anticipated awards ceremony honoured the finest performances of the evening.
Beginner – James (Year 7), whose guitar performance of a traditional Celtic melody was both elegant and deeply moving.
Intermediate Piano – Beth (Year 10), with a refined and expressive interpretation of Faroe’s Song by Harlan Guthrie.
Intermediate – Josh (Year 7), who wowed with a stunning vocal performance of ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Senior – Eva (Year 10), who delivered a breathtaking rendition of ‘Go ‘Way From My Window’ by John Jacob Niles, showcasing mature vocal control and emotional depth.
Advanced – Yuika (Year 7), who amazed with a flawless piano performance of Schwanengesang, D. 957: IV. Ständchen by Franz Schubert.
Overall Winner – Kate (Year 9), whose violin performance of La ronde des Lutins by Antonio Bazzini displayed exceptional skill and expressive brilliance, earning her the top honour of the night.
More Than Just a Competition
While these students took home awards, every performer contributed to a night of exceptional musical achievement. Beyond the competition, the event provided a valuable opportunity for young musicians to gain live performance experience and grow in confidence.
The event highlighted the talent, dedication, and passion of its students, leaving both performers and audience members inspired. With such a strong debut, anticipation is already building for the next showcase of musical excellence.
