Oliver! .... and friends

A scene from Oliver!

Fifteen young musicians aged between 7 and 18 gathered at Hazelwood School at 10am on Saturday 7^th January 2012 to take part in a Masterclass run by Oliver-John Ruthven, Music Director of Hampstead Garden Opera, and James Hurley, a past performer in Bouffler productions and now an opera producer with Opera North and English National Opera.

The Trust's Music Adviser Michael Barlow and Trustee Nadine Andre accompanied the young musicians. Everyone worked hard on their own individual performances, with James and O-J suggesting little enhancements to make the performances even better. Then the group formed a small orchestra and singing group and worked up a performing version of two songs from Oliver!

After a well-earned break at 6pm the young musicians re-grouped at 7.30 to perform in front of a large enthusiastic audience, who were treated to a great variety of soloists on harp, 'cello, flute, violin, piano and voice. The music ranged from Mozart to Musicals to Rock. Everyone performed so well it would not be right to single out any one performer, and the group performed the Oliver! songs as an ensemble piece, all sung and played with much enthusiasm to great acclaim from the audience.

It was a hugely enjoyable day for all concerned, with a great blend of learning, performing and, above all, fun! Thanks to all the performers, Esther, Daisy, Amelia, Isabelle, Madeline, Matilda, Louise, Stephen, Heather, Hilary, Maggie, Hannah, Francesca, Katie, Megan, and not forgetting our sound man Peter. And of course thanks to James, Oliver-John, Michael, Nadine and Bob for making such a memorable day for these young musicians.

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