Young Musicians Development Scheme - report for year 2003-04

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Bournemouth Chamber Music has a long tradition of providing performing opportunities for young musicians. The Young Musicians Development Scheme was created to enhance this.

Many of our regular concert series have included a recital by very promising artists, sponsored by the Countess of Munster Trust.

For many years a January Social was provided for members: a frequent feature was a recital by young artists, including on one occasion a local teenager called Natalie Clein.

The demise of the January Social therefore involved the loss of an opportunity for talented local youngsters to gain performing experience. Our Treasurer, Rosemary Allen, made the suggestion that we should put our support for young musicians on a more formal footing.

The Development Scheme
Rosemary set about the formidable tasks of devising suitable events, and obtaining sufficient funding to allow the initiative to cover its costs. The Committee were never in doubt that our intrepid Treasurer would succeed with the latter, but even we were lost in admiration at the innovative events which ensued.

Her first idea was to find a talented group of advanced students, who could give an open rehearsal and workshop for local young musicians, followed by a recital for our Patrons.

Rosemary then contacted Trinity College of Music, who strongly recommended a particular group of students, not only because of their musicianship,but also for their professional attitude. And so it was that we first made the acquaintance of the Lycydas Piano Trio.

Masterclasses So successful was the first event that we were all keen to develop the idea further. In April 2003, the Lycydas Trio, who were now making their name as professionals, came to Talbot Heath Music School to give an afternoon masterclass to six local young string and keyboard players.

Toby Tramaseur (left) and Aleks Szram (standing) with two of the local young artists at the Masterclass

Caroline Adams, cellist in the Lycydas Piano Trio, and a born communicator, gives advice

In the evening, Patrons were invited to attend a more formal masterclass for some of the students, which was followed by a recital by the Lycydas Trio themselves.

Long before the end of the recital, our Concerts Secretary, Sandrey Date, was in no doubt that we should engage the Trio for one of our regular concerts at the earliest opportunity.

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