This ‘Portrait’ of Graham Fitkin has selections of his recent chamber music for piano and strings, and his music for voice and piano, contrasted with chamber music for piano and strings and art song by iconic British composers Dame Judith Weir, Thea Musgrave CBE and Sir Edward Elgar.
From the professional performing world, violinist Rose Hinton, violist Henrietta Hill and cellist Andrew Power will play alongside advanced teenage piano students from CSYM, while soprano Hannah Diennes-Williams (formerly of Clare College) will collaborate with CSYM alumna, and professional pianist, Sarah Chung. A unique occasion, celebrating a rich and varied repertoire!
more about Cambridge Suzuki Young Musicians
In 1982, Stephen Power organised the Granta Suzuki Group which in turn evolved into Cambridge Suzuki Young Musicians (CSYM). CSYM is a constituted non-profit association which aims to provide musical education for children with a commitment to excellence through the educational approaches of Suzuki and Kodály. Its activities provide support for children, parents and teachers in the planning, organisation and hosting of concerts, workshops and fundraising events.
An annual CSYM family membership fee helps cover general group expenses, including the costs of mounting two group concerts each academic year, allowing all families, students & friends to attend free of charge
Besides committee members, many other parents make practical contributions to the work of the group, particularly at special events such as concerts and workshops, contributing time, energy and skills. The CSYM relies on, and is strengthened by, the involvement of parents through its 'Friends of the Committee'.
Over the years, CSYM has organised many successful musical events. In recent years, for example, the group has helped organised:
- A string of unique & inspiring summer workshops
- CSYM concerts at prestigious Cambridge venues including West Road Concert Hall, Queen's Building at Emmanuel College, and St John's Divinity School
- Production of a DVD of the CSYM Christmas concerts, (2005, 2006 and 2007)
- June 2008 concert commemorating the life of Dr Shinichi Suzuki, performed by Suzuki Piano students from the UK, USA and Germany with all proceeds donated to 'Save the Children'
- Spring concerts in aid of charity (RNID's 'Don't Lose the Music' campaign in 2007, the Music Therapy Programme at Milton Children's Hospice in 2006 and Save the Children's Tsunami appeal in 2005)
- Joint duet concert in Cambridge with pupils from the London Suzuki Group
- A visit to Copenhagen for a joint concert with a Danish Suzuki group; the hosting of a return visit to Cambridge by Danish Suzuki families
- Fundraising to enable the group to commission new pieces and workshop visits from composers (including Graham Fitkin in 2007 and 2004; Huw Watkins in 2006)
- A one-day piano masterclass and Dalcroze session
- Research into possible new teaching premises in Cambridge.