Chamber Music in LLANGENNY – Sarah Newbold

Flautist Sarah Newbold presented two chamber music concerts in Llangenny, Wales, bringing music-making spearheaded by an ASMF musician in her community whilst also raising funds for the village hall.

The first concert, featuring flute and string quartet, featured a programme of Mozart, Wallen, Coleman, Borodin, Debussy, Ravel and Schubert. The second concert – flute, viola and harp, saw the return of Mozart and Debussy mixed with John Pickard, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Adam Gorb. In total over 150 individuals attended concerts at the village hall.

Alongside her concerts, Sarah delivered performances and coaching with students at Crickhowell High School. On both occasions, students were treated to performances which explored musical tecture and demonstrated the capabilities of instruments to support student compositions. The model of school engagement led to further engagements with music students in South Wales through South Powys Youth Music, and with students in Balcarras School. The model of engagement created now sits as a core part of ASMF’s offer to secondary schools.

“I just wanted to reiterate how brilliant Monday was – you and your team were fabulous! The pupils haven’t stopped talking about it! which is exactly the kind of impact and inspiration I was hoping for! Genuinely positive feedback about watching you all play and participating in chamber groups – and even about playing in front of you all and each other – which was definitely a worry for many of them! We are all very much looking forward to seeing you again.” Vicky Callow, Music teacher – Crickhowell High School