On 12 March, we hosted our very first online Piano Fiesta! featuring solo and duet performances by Oakham School pianists of all ages. This unique concert included a complete performance of Kabelevsky’s characterful Thirty Pieces for Children played by 21 different pianists, and concluded with five different piano duets, ending appropriately with Kabalevsky’s famous Comedians’ Galop.
Kabalevsky’s biggest contribution to the world of music-making was his consistent effort to connect children with music. His compositions allow young pianists to conquer technical difficulties and at the same time be exposed to a variety of forms and styles. In a time where connecting with each other has been particularly challenging, this collection of pieces gave our piano pupils a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a collaborative project and feel connected with Oakham School’s music-making and their fellow pupils.
Thanks and congratulations go out to all the pianists involved, as well as their supportive individual teachers, all of whom have worked tirelessly throughout the January/February lockdown in 2021. This special performance was curated by Oakham School’s Head of Piano, Anne Bolt. The concert is available to watch here.
