String students were given the enviable opportunity of playing in a quartet of truly world-class quality when Daniel Phillips, RWCMD’s International Chair in Violin, visited this week.
Daniel was joined by Lesley Hatfield (Leader of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales), David Adams (Leader of the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera) and Alice Neary (The Gould Piano Trio) to mentor students in the Dora Stoutzker Hall.
The quartet was joined by three student quartets, who had prepared different movements of the same Haydn quartet. Each student alternated with one of the visiting musicians to give them an opportunity to play within a professional quartet and receive feedback.
Cellist Aaron Bennett was the first to sit in with the quartet: “It’s an incredible honour to have the chance to play alongside such renowned soloists, orchestral leaders and experienced chamber musicians. What is particularly exciting about this ‘side-by-side’ opportunity is that each one of them has such a strong and unique musical personality. Though daunted at first, I was encouraged by the warm, encompassing energy that I experienced while playing and felt more and more free to musically interact. It was reassuring to have a friendly reminder from cellist Alice Neary that the cello needs to be the driving force of the quartet. Finding the confidence to do this gives a stronger foundation for the other musicians to build upon, and stimulates a much more dynamic and ultimately rewarding approach to playing chamber music.”
Violinist Elizabeth French adds, “Having Danny Phillips as our International Chair has enabled the students at the College to receive tuition from such an inspirational man. He showed us that playing an instrument can just be second nature and that we can all learn from each other. Playing alongside Danny, Lesley, David and Alice was a surreal opportunity which encouraged me to play to their standard and enhance my playing to a greater level. I can’t wait for him to return in January.”
Daniel Phillips was playing his 1702 Antonius Stradivarius, now known as the ‘Phillips’ Strad.
RWCMD International Chair in Cello, Paul Watkins, was also back at the College this week giving masterclasses. Paul returns in January with the Emerson Quartet, to work with students and to perform their first date in Wales.
The International Chairs programme is made possible through the support of the Jane Hodge Foundation
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