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During the February half term 2020 students of KOVA ED have been taking part in the Stratford and East London Music Festival 2020. The piano classes were adjudicated by Charlotte Hill, BMus (Hons), MMus. It was Anna's first appearance at the festival where she had to perform in two different classes - one of which she has won! Below Anna (left) is pictured with Ksenia (the teacher on the right) and her Junior cup for her outstanding performance of Chopin's Mazurka Op. 7 No. 2. Reflections from Anna - "I would love to share my experience at the Stratford and East London Music Festival 2020 in the 10 Years and Under piano class. The Festival took place in the beautiful hall of the Forest School, during February half term. When we first entered the school’s building, it felt as if we were at Hogwarts, visiting Harry Potter! The alluring, old building, prepossessing walls, and extraordinary ceiling with wooden figures fascinated us in the main dining hall! Everything there had a medieval feeling, every table and every bench seemed as if it had some sort of history hidden inside. It felt amazing to be given the chance to perform in such a grand place, and I awfully wanted to do an outstanding performance! I love and have always loved the music of Chopin, and because my teacher Ksenija had chosen the piece Mazurka, op. 7, No. 2 by Chopin, which I loved since the first few notes I played while learning it. It felt great learning this mazurka because when you like a piece, it seems easier to learn it and you want to learn it quickly so that you can play the whole piece sooner! Ksenija always explains everything clearly, such as the technique, dynamics, fingering, and more. She also helps understand the ‘idea’ of the piece, which the composer thought of while writing and performing the piece. Ksenija is a very patient person, who always encourages and inspires you to move towards success, and also loves and understands the meaning of music. At the festival, there were many beautiful and great performances from other participants, and I definitely enjoyed listening to everyone perform their piece. When they announced that I was the winner of the Junior Piano Cup 2020, I was amazed! I thought I did an amazing performance, and I felt very proud of myself, and I still would have even if I didn’t win that time. I was given a magnificent silver cup, where my name will be engraved into this year, and my name will be included in the history of the Festival! Thank you to my teacher, Ksenija, and also my parents for these wonderful moments, and thank you for encouraging me, as it definitely helped on the day. I tried very hard and I was really grateful for winning the cup!" "These musical experiences are always so memorable and special allowing to build deeper and more meaningful connections. Overall, it was a wonderful occasion which was then celebrated with a lovely meal at a local pub-restaurant afterwards!" - Ksenia  Hello! I’m Eliza. Last year, I auditioned to be a keyboardist in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. With the help of Ms Ova, I was able to prepare and ace my extracts, sight reading and interview part of the audition. I was over the moon when I heard I got in and was in for a treat. Over the new year, we went and played in the Barbican Hall, Royal Concert Hall, and Warwick Art Centre, it was an absolutely breathtaking experience (especially the part where I held my breath during my entire celeste solo). I met so many new friends during the tour as well. If it wasn’t for the COVID pandemic, we would have been playing in the BBC Proms, so that is a little disappointing, but hopefully we get a chance in 2021. If you want to come see us next year winter, the tickets are up on the NYO website - https://www.nyo.org.uk/ I just want to say a big thank you to Ms Ova for her help. |
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