Wednesday was probably the most exciting day we’ve had so far. We were incredibly happy to welcome the composer Errolyn Wallen to Winchester and we also got the chance to explore the Hampshire countryside!

 

 

The day began with our daily warm up lead by Matt Sharp whose infectious energy brought a smile to everyone’s faces and got us ready for the full day of music making.  

 

 

The conductors started outside in the beautiful grounds of the college working on their baton technique. Then they entered into an in-depth discussion about the styles of different composers and their orchestral compositions.

In session two they analysed how closely the score matches the composer’s intentions and how they could aproach that from a conductor's point of view.

 

 

The morning was jam packed for our young composers and chamber musicians who had the pleasure of meeting and working with Errolyn Wallen. It was an immense pleasure for everyone here at Ingenium Academy to meet her and have the privilege to learn from her. The session started with a  Q & A about life as a professional composer followed by a dazzling performance in which Matt Sharp together with Errollyn, played one of her pieces, which was written for him and premiered at Wigmore Hall London.

 

 

In the workshop that followed, our chamber ensembles performed the pieces written by the student composers and had the opportunity to receive first hand coaching and advice from Errollyn.

In the following session, the chamber musicians continued their coaching sessions getting ready for the performances that will take place at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the composers enjoyed a masterclass with Errollyn where they learned about stretching harmonic flavours and how to expand upon musical and thematic ideas.

 

 

In the afternoon we enjoyed a refreshing and relaxing walk around the beautiful English country side, making the most of the sunny, hot weather. We climbed all the way to the top of St Catherine hill to see the breathtaking views over Winchester.

 

 

After such an inspirational and fun packed day, we relaxed in the boarding house with a good movie and of course popcorn!

 

Musicians of the day

 

Conducting

Anton: for his breakthrough moment of realisation and achievement despite being initially cautious.

 

Chamber Musician

Ami: for bringing a positive approach to every rehearsal and always striving to find different characters in every phrase.

Polina: for overcoming her self-consciousness and opening up in every group where she plays really beautifully.

 

Pianist

Nacho: for being really brave in the very new chamber piece and generally always being very positive and excited to learn new things.

 

Composer

Rosie: for really excelling in composing and for working really well with the chamber groups.

 

 

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