From Dan, our guest reporter:
Wow! I knew I was about to witness something pretty amazing when I was offered the chance to go and see a Pro Corda Summer Course in action, but I somehow wasn’t prepared for just how incredible these specialist chamber music weeks are!
I was invited to pop in and meet some of the students on this summer’s Advanced Course, held in the stunning surrounds of St John’s College School in Cambridge. With such a grand location I anticipated quite a formal atmosphere, but as soon as I stepped inside it was clear that the students were having all kinds of fun.
Alongside daily chamber music coaching from world-leading coaches, daily orchestral rehearsals and masterclasses, the students hang out, eat together, and enjoy a vast array of social and fun activities, including heading off together into the inspiring town centre of Cambridge.
I got to meet some of this summer’s students and ask them a couple of questions about why they come from all over the country to these events, and what they are learning so far.
Bryony, 18, from Oxford
Elijah, 17, from London
Yichen, 17, from Solihull
Having met a couple of students I was then allowed to go behind the scenes and sneak into the back of some of the rehearsal spaces. And I think it was this that most took my breath away. In small groups of three or four, I witnessed such expert technical musicianship, a warmth and musicality of expression, and sheer joy in sharing the musical experience together – it was simply wonderful. What I particularly noted for the first time, was how the musicians check in with each other as they play, constantly noting what the others are doing and responding immediately and with such complementarity.
Here, as with lots of chamber music, there is no orchestral leader, no conductor. Just an intimacy and understanding that goes way beyond words to produce such beautiful unity.
As I mentioned earlier, the coaches are exceptional – charming and unassuming but with a deft hand subtly guiding these up and coming musicians to flourish in the best possible way.
I also had the privilege to be chaperoned throughout my visit by Caroline, an ex-student who now helps on the Advanced Course. Caroline shares here what makes these Pro Corda courses so special that she is willing to travel half way around the world to be part of them!
The final stop on my whistlestop introduction to Pro Corda’s Advanced Course 2024 was when all the individual groups come together for orchestral practice. Under Josh’s expert guidance, all that individual talent combines for one huge glorious sound, rehearsing for the end of week concert. Such passion and drama played out in the wonderful St John’s College Sports Hall – and all by teenage musicians, it really is rather remarkable!
What a fantastic insight into what has clearly been an incredible week, and indeed a whole summer-long extravaganza of chamber music courses throughout the country. I hope this gives you a small glimpse into the courses at Pro Corda. It was such a treat for me to meet the students and enjoy their music-making for just a few moments. The courses run for young musicians in each age group from 6 to 19 years so why not find out more and join in next year for a magical summer of fun, leadership, artistic performance, friendship and musical creativity.
To Andrew, the coaches, on-site team and the brilliant students, THANK YOU!
