MORE than 40 lucky young pianists from across the town had the opportunity to perform on Jamie Cullum’s beloved Yamaha grand piano at this year’s Swindon Youth Piano Festival.

The festival was organised to help boost the confidence of young players irrespective of grades achieved as they put on a show for gathered friends and family..

"It was a great evening and the piano sounded beautiful,” said Josie Williams who organised the festival alongside Commonweal’s music teacher Leader Andrea Grearson.

“John Cullum, Jamie Cullum’s dad came along and was really impressed by how Jamie’s piano was being used in the community and he stood up and said words of encouragement. He also said that Jamie said to give the piano a kick for him."

The school won Jamie’s beloved Yamaha Grand Piano, by popular vote following a national competition, two years ago. It is now used on a regular basis for piano lessons and concerts.

"It is fantastic that we are able to have this wonderful piano for all young people in Swindon to play on and it really does make a difference to inspire the next generation,” Josie added.

Prior to the evening concert students had the opportunity to take part in a masterclass with music teacher Jon Driver. He said:“The master class focused on bits they wanted help on in their piece that they performed. Bits they were worried about and tips to improve their performance."

Jon ended the evening and played Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata 1st Movement a set piece for the GCSE music Year 10s and also All of Me by John Schmidt.

The concert went down well with 13-year-old Jaipreet Manik, who said: “I enjoyed the piano festival a lot as it was nice to see so much talent and meet new people. I was a bit nervous at the start, but enjoyed it thoroughly after I performed. I would definitely do it again. I performed Bach’s Minuet."

Jasmine Sheppard, also aged 13, said: “I really enjoyed taking part because it was a great experience. I was nervous at first, but Jamie’s piano is lovely to play, really special! It was inspiring to watch everyone else perform and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I would love to do it again next year."

Commonweal parent governor Julian Pinn said: "From the audience’s comprehension, we enjoyed an evening of wonderful music; wonderful variety in personalities, ages, and musical tastes—and were in awe at how many and how good they all are.

"Any hint of adrenaline was superbly managed and utilised by every one of these fine young musicians and everything that surfaced was pure musical energy, communication, and aesthetics.

"All that hard work rewarded the audience and—importantly—that hard work rewarded the players themselves."