Our entire community could not be prouder of both of our boys for their achievements in BBC Young Musician 2018.
Max Calver gave an exceptional performance in the Final on 13 May where he played at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. Afterwards, Max said: “It is hard to put into words what an experience it was. It doesn’t matter what happens now, it is just such an amazing feeling to have been able to play to everyone and show that I can actually play this thing sometimes!" He laughed, and added: “It is something I really didn’t expect was going to happen to me - it is such a privilege.”
A full coachload of students and staff made the trip to Birmingham to be there to cheer him on, and even though pianist Lauren Zhang won the title, Max did himself, and the School, extremely proud.
Will Duerden also returned to the stage during the Final to receive the Walter Todds Bursary, given at the judge's discretion to a musician who showed immense promise but did not reach the Final.
Congratulations to both boys for their achievements.
If you missed the Final, you can view it on iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2xv8b