Pupils tune up for annual Blacklock Music Competition

June 25, 2018

Musicians from Monmouth School for Girls will be showcasing their skills in the annual Blacklock Music Competition this week.

Vocalists and instrumentalists from Years 7 to 10 will be vying for top prizes at Hamersley Hall on Wednesday 27th June from 6.30pm.

It is the fourth year of the renamed competition in honour of Dr Celia Blacklock, a former Monmouth School for Girls’ Music scholar, who tragically died from cancer, aged 33, in August 2014.

Musicians will be battling it out for the top three prizes, supplied by Friends of Monmouth School for Girls, in the vocal and instrumental sections.

The preliminary rounds have been fiercely contested with the top-six competitors in each section winning through to this week’s final.

Last year’s winners, Lottie and Xiaoli (pictured), have reached the final in the vocal and instrumental categories, respectively.

Simon Shewring, who studied at the University of Wales and the Royal Academy of Music, is the adjudicator for the event.

Mr Shewring won a French Government Scholarship to study in Paris with the renowned French pianist, Vlado Perlemuter, has played in Europe and the USA and is broadcast regularly as a recitalist on BBC Radio 3.

Monmouth School for Girls’ Director of Music, Mrs Amy Clouter, said: “The depth of musical talent in Years 7 to 10 is astounding and it promises to be an inspirational evening. I encourage pupils, parents and staff to come along and support the finalists.”

She added: “I would like to thank our adjudicator, Simon Shewring, who will have the unenviable task of choosing the winners and Dr Blacklock’s parents, Charles and Lyn, who are presenting the prizes.”

The evening of music-making, which includes drinks and canapés, will feature performances from the Junior Singers, Concert Choir and a junior string trio.
Vocal finalists are: Ffion, Keisha, Rachel, Tabby, Lottie, Rosie;

Instrumental finalists are: Eden (cello), Nerys (piano), Xiaoli (flute), Eleanor (violin), Holly (trumpet), Anna (cello).