Ten Pianos from Steinway Arrive at Roedean

Summer Music Events

Friday 21 April saw the arrival of ten Pianos from Steinway and Sons. This is the culmination of a project which began 19 months ago, and included a visit in February to the Steinway factory in Hamburg by eight students and two members of staff. Having seen the construction process and toured the factory, the pianists then had the opportunity to try out and select the Steinway Grands which have now arrived at Roedean.

To celebrate the arrival of the ten wonderful pianos, they were delivered to the Chapel, where the School hosted a short recital. In front of an audience of 120 students and staff, including Keith Glazebrook from Steinway, the pianos were showcased, with solos on each Grand Piano performed by Hettie (Yr10), Tiffany (Yr 12), Candis (Yr10), Galina (Yr11), and Holly (Yr8). The concert started with eight hands playing Schubert’s Military March on two Grands – the performance by Bernice, Hettie, Candis, and Elin (Yrs1011) highlighted the impressive sound of the pianos, and they returned at the end as part of the finale.

The final piece was Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance in G minor, which featured all ten pianos played concurrently by 23 players, including six members of staff – it was a fantastic way to end the recital, and it raised the roof! This investment will provide access on the school site to Pianos of the highest calibre for all students to play, and will allow our talented pianists the opportunity to take their full musical potential.

Mr Rous

5 May – Festival Fringe Concert

This year we are presenting a semi-staged performance of Purcell’s Opera Dido and Aeneas, with a wonderfully talented cast of Roedean students in the solo roles.

The concert will also feature a great line up of soloists performing with orchestra, and is a highlight of the musical year. This event sells out quickly so don't miss your chance to get a ticket.

Soloists include:

■ Karena (Yr13) – Double Bass Concerto in F-sharp minor, op.3, by Serge Koussevitzky – First Movement: Allegro

■ Natalie (Yr8) – Zigeunerweisen for Violin, by Pablo Sarasate

■ Alma (Yr13) – Blute Nur, from St Matthew's Passion by JS Bach

■ Bernice (Yr10) – Piano Concerto no.2 by Dmitri Shostakovich –Second movement: Andante

18 May – Open Mic 4:00-5:00 in the Theatre

An informal concert for Roedean's rock and roll stars of the future. Bands and singers get together for an eclectic mix of styles and genres.

6 June – Year 7 Musical Showcase 4:00 in the Chapel

This is a chance to hear the whole of Year 7 perform to demonstrate what they have learnt from the Instrumental Project, and join forces with the Junior Orchestra. This is always a fantastic and memorable event!

15 June – Summer Evening Recital 7:00 in the Chapel

There will be pre-concert drinks in the Cloisters from 6:30 – this is a chance to hear some of our extremely talented Roedean musicians perform a variety of styles of music.