Pupils Hit the Right Note with Concert Pianist
News Release
5th July 2012
Six budding young Lincolnshire pianists have been put through their paces by world renowned concert pianist Hiroaki Takenouchi at The Old Palace in Lincoln.
Children from Church of England schools in the Diocese of Lincoln, who have achieved ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) or Trinity Guildhall Piano Grade 3 to Grade 8, were invited to apply for one of the six places.
The children who successfully applied were Lauren Young, aged 10, from Skellingthorpe; Charlie Ashworth, aged 10, from Welton; Louis Moulding, aged 14, from Louth; James Bushby, aged nine, from Grasby; Harriet Dixon, aged 11, from Brigsley near Grimsby and Stanley Godfrey, aged 10, from Bourne.
“I love playing piano because it’s a fun thing to do,” said Charlie, who also sings in the Lincoln Cathedral Choir.
“The masterclass was really good fun; I enjoyed having the chance to learn something from Mr Takenouchi. He told me to keep my shoulders down and to control my breathing while I play. At first it was really hard because that’s how I’ve always played, but I did notice that I improved when I took his advice. I will use his tips when I practise from now on.”
Hiroaki has been playing for the past 25 years and was born in Japan. He is now based in London and has appeared on many of the world’s concert platforms. He was recently featured as a pianist on the BBC 4 documentary The Prince and the Composer: A Film about Hubert Parry by HRH The Prince of Wales.
He spent around 30 minutes with each child, listening to them play, picking up strengths and weaknesses and offering advice on how they could improve their playing.
“I had a very warm welcome from the children,” said Hiroaki. “This was a very enjoyable experience for me.
“I really enjoy working with young people, because when I teach, I learn. You really have to hone in on what is being played and focus on the improvements that need to be made. I can then put these into practice myself when I am practising for a show and spot any mistakes I might be making.”
The free masterclasses were organised to help raise money for the Lincoln Cathedral Music Appeal which supports the teaching, rehearsal and performance of world-class music at Lincoln Cathedral.
The appeal aims to raise £2.5 million to guarantee the future of the choir, organ music, instrument maintenance and public performances.
As well as giving the children lessons at The Old Palace Hiroaki also gave a recital in the Lincoln Minster School Recital Hall on Monday 2nd July. Among those attending were the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Mr Tony Worth and Mrs Jenny Worth and the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire Mr John Burke and Mrs Rosemary Burke.
Ends
About The Old Palace
- The Old Palace was built next to the site of the Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace, which was the administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, in three phases between 1720 and 1885.
- The Old Palace is now a luxury hotel and conference centre.
- Later this month a further 16 guest rooms will become available in The Old Palace Lodge – a former church which is currently being converted to the same standard as the main building.
- The ruins of the Medieval Bishops’ Palace are separate from The Old Palace itself and are managed by English Heritage on a guardianship lease from the Diocese of Lincoln.
- For more information about this news release or The Old Palace please contact Kate Strawson at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @shootingstarpr
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