The Sixth Form College Farnborough

Clive Williamson, the internationally acclaimed pianist, thrilled the audience at Farnborough Music Society’s celebrity recital last week with a bold and innovative programme which captivated the packed Prospect Theatre leading to three prolonged curtain calls.

As the UK’s foremost exponent of contemporary piano music, every major composer of the past 20 years has composed pieces for Williamson. He has received much critical acclaim for his recent recordings of One Minute Wonders, in which he plays short pieces by world class composers.  In an exciting expression of confidence in Farnborough’s young musicians, Williamson extended his project to 25 A level music students at Farnborough Sixth Form College whom he challenged to create their own one-minute compositions which he played alongside those of established composers.

The first half, in which these pieces received their first performance, was little short of astounding. Grouped together and framed by works from the published collection, the students’ music revealed a remarkable variety of style, colour and mood and a compositional assurance well beyond their average 17 years. From the very humorous, through the very dramatic, and on to the very lyrical, all were imaginative, communicative and often poignant. The quality of the music, combined with Williamson’s remarkably insightful interpretations, kept the audience on the edge of their seat throughout the thrilling performance.

Speaking after the concert, Williamson said, “It was a true privilege to be able to work with these students. They have all produced terrific results and there was a real feeling of community among them. I know how proud the College is of them, and it’s well deserved.”

A rare performance of Ives’ monumental First Sonata occupied the second half giving Williamson the opportunity to demonstrate his awe inspiring virtuosity. 

Director of Music at the College, Paul Bambrough, said, “The work is known for the incredible demands it makes on the performer but nothing could prepare the audience for the sheer physicality of the music and the apparent ease with which this formidable music was dispatched by Clive Williamson.” 

The combination of the students’ fresh, youthful and dynamic works, Ives’ explosive directness and Williamson’s pianistic mastery made this a musical feast of inspiration, long to be remembered!

The next Farnborough Music Society Concert is to be given by the College’s Director of Music, Paul Bambrough (Organ) and takes place at 7.30pm, Friday 8^th May at St Andrews Garrison Church. Tickets are available from College services (01252 688219) or on the door.