Tormead Junior pupils Christina and Grace (Years 4 and 3) were the youngest entrants in the festival, and played beautifully in the Under 10 Intermediate Class for Grades 4-6. They presented themselves extremely well, with Christina being awarded ‘highly commended’ and Grace achieving ‘outstanding’.

Year 11 pupils Isabel and Eleanor won as duet partners in the Under 18 Senior Class, playing Mozart’s Sonata in D Major 1st Movement: an incredible achievement and a first for Tormead.

Later, both girls entered the Advanced Solo Class for Under 16s. Isabel played Scarlatti’s Sonata in D Major and was awarded ‘highly commended plus’, and Eleanor played Chopin’s Waltz in Ab Major and was awarded ‘highly commended plus plus’. She went on to win the class and was presented with a copy of Chopin Nocturnes.

Pangbourne Piano Festival takes the form of a Masterclass with the adjudicator working with each candidate on aspects of the piece immediately after they have played, which is a particularly helpful way of inspiring aspiring young pianists. The fabulous venue included three recital halls, each with a Steinway grand piano, and a chapel.

This was a very positive experience, and congratulations to all our girls on their fantastic achievements.