Masterclasses are a key feature of the curriculum at St Mary's Music School so, despite the challenges of current circumstances, we were delighted to welcome renowned pianist Danny Driver to deliver an online masterclass to senior pupils last week.
Pupils pre-recorded their pieces and uploaded them to Youtube prior to the event, links were then provided during the class for all attendees to watch before Danny gave feedback in real time.
The format worked extremely well and all participants welcomed the experience as extremely positive.
On Twitter after the event Danny commented "This was a real pleasure. Albeníz, Shostakovich, Ravel, Chopin and Schumann intelligently and sensitively performed by such talented young people. Thanks to all those who played and equally to the many more who engaged as audience members."
Assistant Director of Music and Head of Keyboard, John Cameron, commented, "Masterclasses are an essential way for our pupils to expand their knowledge and skill and they are always inspirational. This was an exceptional masterclass by Danny, in spite of being delivered online, and our pupils were able to take away a wealth of insight and guidance to help them improve their playing and technique. This is a format we will be repeating as part of our Online Piano Summer School which takes place in the first week of August."
Gramophone Award nominated pianist Danny Driver is recognised internationally as an artist of sophistication, insight and musical depth. His studies at Cambridge University and the Royal College of Music inspired his uniquely holistic approach to performance and programming. Driver has performed with orchestras throughout the world, with recent highlights including BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC NOW, Hallé, Minnesota Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Hong Kong Pro Arte, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Uppsala Chamber Orchestra. His frequent performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra have been heard across the UK, at London’s Cadogan Hall and the BBC Proms (where he has performed twice as a soloist). He has collaborated with conductors Andrew Litton, Martyn Brabbins, Alexander Shelley, Mario Venzago. Marzena Diakun, Rebecca Miller, Rory Macdonald and Sir James Macmillan.
To find out more about Danny Driver click here.
To find out more about the Online Piano Summer School click here.