Cello Recital

A sultry Malvern morning, the air heavy, still, and warm. The Priory door opens and the visitor stops still…

The clear, cool, sound of massed cellos playing high up their register greets her…perfect tuning, rich dynamics. She enters, slowly, quietly; deliciously enveloped in glorious music.

A group of young people are practicing for their closing recital of the Hannah Roberts Summer Masterclass 2024, which had been held in Malvern College. But these were no ordinary young people. Each was a highly-skilled and talented student at a London or international conservatoire.

And what a treat lay in store for the sizable audience who gathered for the recital (free, with retiring collection in aid of the Priory). What an amazing chance to hear such talent perform ‘in a truly inspirational setting’ as another visitor noted in the visitors’ book.

The programme of solos composed by Strauss, Beethoven, Franck, Bridge, Elgar and many others, was rounded off with two exciting ensemble pieces. And Gareth Owen, the pianist, accompanied almost all the cellists, playing virtuosically, whilst simultaneously turning pages.

The flexibility afforded by the new nave floor meant that audience and cellists could be closer and interact more easily and the soloist-pianist bond was easy to achieve.

Today’s concert was a real treat. ‘Thank you’ to Hannah Roberts and Leandro Silvera and to John and Anthea Slater for their generous support.