By George, he's done it, Teesdale Mercury

By George, he's done it

Jun 9, 2008

TEENAGER George Amesbury proved to be a musical sensation taking the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the age of just 14.

The annual musical accolade at Barnard Castle School is normally won by sixth formers as scores of musicians vie for honours by performing in front of an external adjudicator.

But George, of Gainford, took the title after winning the advanced piano class with a performance of Nocturne in C# minor by Chopin and the advanced woodwind with a performance of Allegretto for flute by Poulenc. He also came third in the organ class.

“This is a particularly impressive achievement as George is only in Year 9,” said assistant director of music Matthew Atherton.

George, who has played the piano for six years and the flute for four, said: “It is really exciting talking part in the competition but I was really surprised to win.”

Other winners included: James Corkish receiving the title “most promising musician of the year”; Arjen Jongschaap, clarinet intermediate woodwind; Sebastian Marlow, intermediate piano; Sophie Evans, elementary woodwind; Edward Deytrikh, junior strings; Joshua Bentham, open guitar; Hetti Harper, junior singing; Lucy Parkinson, elementary piano; Katie Welsh, open brass; Juliet O’Brien, open organ; Joshua Bentham, senior jazz woodwind; Anja Madhvani, senior strings; Sarah Green, senior singing; The Josh Bentham Trio Josh Bentham, Katie Welsh, Arjen Jonngschaap; and Daniel Miller, Christian Prior, Edward Grundy, Edward Terry, open ensemble.

The public is now being invited to enjoy some of the musical talent at the school at a series of concerts. On Friday June 20, at 7.30pm, staff and students will stage a summer concert in the chapel featuring organ, the chapel choir, the orchestra and soloists.

Director of music Mark Mawhinney will direct the choir and Mr Atherton will play the organ.

Admission is free with a collection in aid of the forthcoming organ restoration.

The Junior Orchestra Concert will stage a free concert in Big School on Tuesday June 24 at 7.30pm. A light hearted programme of music performed by Years 7-9, the concert will be conducted by Mick Donnelly.