Chetham's School of Music at Christ Church

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Chetham's School of Music again sends some of its finest students to delight the audience of Southport. Today, as part of Christ Church's Midweek Music Programme, an audience north of 150 attendees was fortunate enough to receive Rose's saxophone, Liza's violin, and the vocal charms of Rosie.

Saxophonist Rose was first. I was particularly struck by the beautiful composition that was «Leaves» by fellow saxophonist Jenni Watson; judging from this song's longing, nostalgic tone, I'm guessing «Leaves» is not arboreal, but rather about a farewell.

Rosie then showcased her technical ability in the third movement of Lawson Lunde's «Sonata for alto saxophone and piano», which she played without a hitch.

Liza came next with her violin and delicately played the first movement of Brahms «Violin Sonata N.º 1 in G Major» (op. 78). This sonata has motifs that are meant to evoke the echoing sounds of rain, and in the hands of Liza this piece became a refreshing April shower.

Last but not least was Rosie, a singer with a warm voice, with whom I was impressed because of her thoughtful thematic song choice, her clear enunciation (I usually can't understand one syllable in three, but today I could follow along, which certainly makes the experience more enjoyable) and finally, I was impressed with her final song, «Johnny» by Benjamin Britten: therein Rosie showcased a very theatrical flare that got the audience laughing— a rather impressive feat if you do it all while maintaining a jazzy, mezzo-soprano performance.

All in all, another very successful showing for Chetham's, an academy that again proves it's doing something right with its teachings.