Double Win – and a Special Honour – for Alex at Saltburn Music Festival

Last Saturday brought another proud moment as my student Alex triumphed at the Saltburn Music Festival, winning two first prizes in the senior piano classes. The event was adjudicated by none other than Andrew Dibb, Chief Examiner at ABRSM, making the recognition all the more special.

In Class No. 55 – Open Piano Solo, Alex performed Merry-Go-Round by Joe Hisaishi — a much-loved theme from the Studio Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle. With its gently shifting harmonies and flowing melodic lines, the piece calls for both delicacy and control. Alex captured the cinematic quality of the music beautifully, prompting Dibb to comment:

“Played with considerable technical facility, poise and musical conviction; this was highly effective!”

He then went on to win Class No. 56 – Open Piano Recital, where he performed two strikingly different works:

• December from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons — a gently nostalgic waltz subtitled Christmas, filled with charm and wintery grace. Alex played this with elegance and sensitivity, earning the following praise:
  

  “A graceful & convincing performance, with highly accurate delivery and demonstrable musical understanding.”

• Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu — a fiery and technically formidable showpiece with cascading arpeggios, bold contrasts and a lyrical central section. Alex approached this ambitious work with confidence and flair. Dibb remarked:
  

  “Technicalities were confidently met, with a ready facility, composure and, frequently, apparent ease.”

In addition to his class wins, Alex was awarded a Certificate of Honour and named Best Pianist of the festival for his outstanding recital performance — a remarkable achievement and a fitting recognition of his musical skill and poise.

It was a joy to see Alex perform with such expression, confidence and maturity, and to receive such glowing remarks from a leading figure in UK music education. These achievements are a testament to his consistent hard work and love of music.

Well done, Alex!