It was an incredibly pleasurable evening given by four very talented young performers. Listening to four different instruments in one evening is such an enthralling experience, and the diverse range of sound varieties, tones and colours was priceless. Not only were this year’s performers (harpist Jamaal, cellist Inez, violinist Miriam and pianist Matty) talented, we also felt that they showed way more than what had been taught and instructed by their teachers. At such a young age, they certainly had their own convincing style of expressing and conveying messages to the audience.
I took full advantage of sitting next to the Mayor and Mayoress in the front row, and was fascinated by how effortlessly Jamaal Kashim negotiated the harp strings (particularly the top range) and pedals. It was amazing how one instrument created an incredible range of tones - from the shiveringly deep sound to feathery light tingling. The most notable was the lowest register notes in Hindemith’s Sonata that sounded almost like a majestic pipe organ - really impressive. In Grandjany’s Rhapsodie, Jamaal created a surreal orchestral world, which felt like it was surrounding us.
Jamaal passed the baton to cellist Inez Karlsson, who started her programme with Beethoven’s Variations. It was as if we were having a sweet dream – Inez’ sounds were so pure and transparent, creating beautiful singing lines. Dvorak’s Waldescruhe brought heartfelt serenity and stillness – a truly moving account. Popper’s Elfentanz was insanely fantastic, both eye popping and jaw dropping.
The abrupt start of Subito jolted the audience up. Miriam Grant made this piece into a fierce and dynamic drama, keeping the audience glued. Debussy’s Sonata was atmospheric and sensuous as Miriam entertained us with many textures and layers of sounds. The interaction between Miriam and Alison was naturally flowing. Clara Schumann’s glorious Romance sent us to a peaceful and pleasurable state.
The final performer of the evening was pianist Matty Oxtoby. He was in the groove right from the beginning. Rachmaninov’s Etude-Tableau Op. 39 No. 5 had such an emotional whirlwind and surge. In Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2 Matty expressed oppressing dark sarcasm and hopeful tenderness. Matty allowed the piece to breathe, which added extra freshness. And what a pleasure to listen to his own composition, so original and articulately expressed.
We cannot be more grateful to our piano collaborator Alison Rhind for her contributions to the evening. We are also very thankful for the attendance of the Mayor and Mayoress of Woking and it was a pleasure to celebrate the depth of talent in the community with them and our loyal audience.