Two music scholars took to the stage at St Bartholomew's Church on Sunday, 26th July, to give the final recital in the Summer Serenade series and play their own part in boosting the 'Oscar the Organ' restoration fund.
Seventeen year old Choral Scholar Isabel Paterson, ably accompanied by fourteen-year old Organ Scholar George Herbert, delighted the audience with a few of her favourite songs, ranging from Baroque arias to American art songs.
The Organ Restoration Fund, which was launched less than six months ago, has already reached £75,000, well on its way to its £250,000 goal.
Speaking to a packed church after the final recital, Director of Music Philip Underwood said that this was exactly what he had hoped for when, a year ago, he stood on the same platform announcing the start of his Music Scholarship programme at St Bartholomew's Church.
Philip said "Today's recital, given by our two young music scholars (and to an audience which even includes teenagers!) is a dream come true for me, and celebrates the new and dynamic musical life at St Bartholomew's Church. Historically, the church has always played a vital role in providing a rich musical education and opportunities, and thanks to the generosity of the Wilmslow community, individuals and trusts, we now have a scheme in place to revive that wonderful tradition."
Throughout the last year Isabel and George have performed regularly in church services, with the choir and in solo spotlights, and the scholarships have enabled them to extend their musical training. Further scholarships are now available and Philip would be pleased to hear from anyone else interested in exploring this fantastic opportunity.
The Summer Serenade series of recitals attracted musicians of the highest calibre and included some memorable highlights - a breath-taking performance by Catalan pianist Eudald Buch; the spell-binding slow movement of a piano trio by Russian composer Arensky, performed by Chetham's School of Music's Director of Music Stephen Threlfall and friends; an astonishing Japanese piece for cello played by George Hoult; brand new works by young composers including Tammas Slater, who was announced as winner of the BBC Young Composers' Competition just a few days after his recital.
The next distinguished musician to arrive in Wilmslow in aid of 'Oscar the Organ' is Stephen Cleobury CBE, Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, and conductor of the world famous King's College Choir. He will be leading a Singing Day at St Bartholomew's on Saturday 12th September. Places are almost sold out already for sopranos and altos but there are still plenty of places for men. The day begins at 9.45pm and finishes with a performance at 7pm in the church.
To find out more about the Singing Day, music scholarships at St Bart's and forthcoming musical events, visit www.wilmslowparish.co.uk.
Photo: (l-r) George Herbert, Philip Underwood and Isabel Paterson.
