Notes from Primary Music – 12.03.2021

The Watkins Duo is coming to Bangkok Prep!!!!

The Watkins Duo is made up of wife-husband team Rowena Calvert (Cello) and Rhys Watkins (Violin). Originally from Hertfordshire (UK), the duo are currently in Bangkok and we are SO lucky to welcome them to perform a special concert exclusively for Bangkok Prep! They will play 3 concerts for each Key Stage in school next Thursday 18th March 2021.

Rowena Calvert is the former Artistic Director of the Hertford International Concert Series and former cellist of the Cavaleri String Quartet. Rowena has held teaching positions at the finest music colleges in the UK – both at Oxford University and the Royal College of Music, London.

Rhys Watkins is a member of the first violin section of the London Symphony Orchestra. He is also a highly regarded soloist. Rhys has extensive musical educational experience through ‪the orchestra’s outreach programme, LSO Discovery and is a regular orchestral coach at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Just one of Rowena and Rhys’ magnificent performances can be seen here:

I cannot wait for the students to enjoy these magnificent concerts!

Term 2 Primary Soloist Recital 

All finalists for the recital on Thursday 1st April 2021 have been selected, but we must say thank you and congratulations to ALL those that auditioned. God willing, the Term 3 Primary Soloist recital will be held Thursday 27th May – auditions will be about Week 2 of Term 3

Ally wins FIVE International Piano Prizes!!!!

Massive congratulations to Ally from 2JK who has won awards in five different international piano competitions! It is worth noting that some of these competitions were particularly tough because she competed against older pianists aged 7-8 years while Ally is just 6 years old!

First Prize 🥇and Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize winner 🏆

The 28th International Music Competition London Grand Prize Virtuoso 2021 (UK)

Category: Young Musician (8 years and younger)

Ally has also been extended a special invitation to perform in the winners’ concert at the Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall, London

First Prize🥇

The 10th International Competition for Young Musicians “Città di Massa” (Italy)

Category: Prime Note (born from 2014 onwards), Piano Soloists division

Gold Prize 🏅

Quatre Music Youth Piano Competition (Singapore)

Category: Junior​(Ages 6-8)

2nd Prize 🥈

The 1st International Online Instrumental Performance Competition 2021 (Poland)

Category: Piano A (7 years and below)

Honorary Mention Prize 🏆

The 2021 Canada International Youth Piano Festival (Canada)

Category: Age 7 and under

In her recent soloist audition, Ally told us that she wants to be a professional pianist when she grows up, and she is off to an awesome start – watch this space!

Her mum Kim said “We are so proud of all her prizes” – believe me, we all feel proud of her – Well done Ally!! 

Lisa Morgan

Head of Primary Music