Musicians enthralled classical music fans during a magical evening soiree held at Arley Hall in Northwich.
Violinist Caitlin Sherwood, soprano vocalist Laura Edwards, French horn player Thomas Rocke, tenor Robert Anderson, bass trombonist Seth Hamill, alto saxophonist Jessica Mitchell and pianist Marcus Reynolds presented a programme of classical repertoire.
The concert, was held in the historic drawing room at Arley Hall and included a drinks reception hosted by Sir John Deane’s College sixth form’s student ambassadors.
Marketing manager at Arley Hall Helen Begent said: “We really enjoyed welcoming students from Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form and hope to organise something again in the future, as it is very important to us to encourage young people to experience the estate. The event was a tremendous success and the college students should be very proud of their performances which were of an extremely high standard.”
Caitlin, who previously attended Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, has played the violin since the age of six and is currently the joint leader of Cheshire Youth Orchestra, as well as playing in various music groups. She aims to go on to take a degree in music and hopes to become a music teacher.
Laura, who previously attended school in Alsager, has always been a keen and dedicated singer. She has had singing lessons from the age of nine and has enjoyed singing in charity concerts. She hopes to go to university to study occupational therapy and plans to continue singing as often as she can.
Thomas, who previously attended the County High School, Leftwich, started playing the piano aged five, picking up the trumpet aged seven and finally swapping to the French horn. He is a regular member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Junior RNCM music school and has worked with the National Youth Orchestra’s Inspire project.
Robert previously attended Abbey Gate College where he held the choral scholarship. He started singing when he was eight years old and sang as a chorister at Chester Cathedral for five years. He is a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and at the age of 16 he started at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music.
Seth, who previously attended Lymm High School, started playing tenor trombone when he was seven years old and in Year 10 switched to bass trombone. He is a member of the Warrington Youth Orchestra and the SJD Jazz Band. Over the past few years he has also performed in Italy, France and sung at the Royal Albert Hall.
Jess, who previously went to Malbank High School, started the saxophone at the age of eight and later also learned to play the flute and piano. She has played in many concerts with Sir John Deane’s including The Young Musicians’ Concert with Holmes Chapel Music Society. After college, she is hoping to take up her offer to read chemistry at Oxford University, where she intends to continue playing music.
Marcus has been playing the piano since the age of six and enjoys the challenge of performing – taking part in many festivals and competitions. He previously attended Bishops’ Blue Coat School in Chester and joined the junior school at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2012. In September last year he was awarded the Fergal O’Mahoney keyboard prize.
