Buckswoodinternationalmusic event

Countries such as Hong Kong, Spain, Belarussia, Swaziland and the UK were represented as well as a group of students from the performing arts college Gymnazia 587 in St Petersburg, Russia, all performing recitals across seven categories including singing, piano, strings and percussion.

To judge the talent on show, three judges were on hand, led by former Buckswood pupil Danny Holland from the Royal College of Music. Danny is rapidly becoming known as one of the leading forces for the Classical Guitar in his generation.

Praised for his emotional approach to music, unique tone, and respect for both early and contemporary compositions, Danny has acted as leader of the National Youth Guitar Ensemble (2009 – 2011).

Joining Danny on the judging panel was professional recording artist Hannah Deeble from St Mary in the Castle and Buckswood Headteacher Mark Redsell.

The judges gave every performer a critique of their performance before announcing the winners and awarding rosettes and certificates for each category.

There was an overall Festival winner the ‘Opitme Award’ won for the first time by Sila Dinc from Turkey for her heartfelt performance of Cabaret, and everyone was treated to a very special guitar performance from Head Judge, Danny Holland.

Buckswood Master of Music, Vincent Wade said of the event “It was a wonderful afternoon of music, song and performance.

“The event was such a success that we look forward to making it an annual competition that will go from strength to strength”.