Students from Ark Alexandra Academy were given a rare opportunity to experience world-class music-making when they attended the semi-final of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition on 4th March at the White Rock Theatre.
Selected GCSE Music students and talented pianists from the Helenswood campus watched the first semi-final of the prestigious competition, which brings some of the world’s most promising young pianists to Hastings.
The semi-final stage features the top ten performers selected from an original field of 40 competitors, each performing a full Classical-era piano concerto accompanied by a professional orchestra. Students had the privilege of hearing two exceptional semi-finalists perform live.
The performance was of the highest calibre, from the expert direction of the orchestra to the remarkable technique and virtuosity displayed by the soloists. One of the performers, a young pianist from Ukraine, impressed judges so greatly that he has now progressed to the final. The students wish Roman the very best of luck as he competes for the competition’s £20,000 first prize.
The visit proved to be a truly inspiring experience for the students, offering them a chance to witness professional musicianship at the highest level.
Staff and students expressed their gratitude to the competition organisers for their generous hospitality and for providing them with some of the best seats in the theatre.
With the finals still to come later this week, students are already excited about returning in the future. Perhaps one day, they say, an Ark Alexandra alumnus might even perform on that very stage.
