First Anna Roberts Piano Day is celebrated with masterclass and prizegiving recital

Students at St Mary’s Calne marked the inaugural Anna Roberts Piano Day on Tuesday 28 April with a vibrant and memorable celebration of pianism, honouring the legacy of a much-valued former member of staff.

Anna Roberts (c.1953–2011) was a highly regarded pianist, accompanist and teacher who left a lasting impact across several leading schools. During her time at St Mary’s Calne, she was known as an inspiring and dedicated teacher, and her influence continues to be felt by those who worked and studied with her.

We were delighted to welcome Clare Toomer, Head of Keyboard at Marlborough College, who led a series of masterclasses and adjudicated the evening’s competition recital. A distinguished pianist and educator, Clare brought both insight and warmth, inspiring students through her thoughtful and engaging approach.

The afternoon masterclasses featured performances from Alejandra M (UIV), Yumi O (LV), Michelle P (UIV), Charlotte P (MIV), Lily Z (LIV), Easton C (LIV), Susan L (LIV), Miya W (MIV) and Emi W (UV). Students responded enthusiastically to Clare’s guidance, and the sessions were characterised by both focused musical exploration and a great deal of shared enjoyment.

The day culminated in the Anna Roberts Piano Competition recital, in which five pianists performed to an appreciative audience.

Teyla B (UIV) opened with a poised and controlled account of Il Porco Rosso by Joe Hisaishi. Kate Tang (MIV) gave a compelling and technically assured performance of Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon by Wang Jianzhong, notable for its musical maturity and strong narrative sense. Halia L (Upper Sixth) followed with a nuanced interpretation of Franz Liszt’s Liebesträum No. 2, rich in contrast and expressive detail. Elsa Y W (UIV) brought energy and vitality to Jingo by Christopher Norton, delivering an engaging and rhythmically vibrant performance. The evening concluded with Allison L (Upper Sixth), whose evocative and colourfully shaped rendition of Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy provided a fitting close.

The prize winners were warmly congratulated following the performances. Elsa Y W was awarded third place, praised for the daring and gusto of her playing and the sense of excitement she brought to the stage. Allison L received second place, her performance especially commended for its musicality and sense of immersion. The Anna Roberts Cup for first place was presented to Kate T, whose extraordinary playing left a strong and memorable impression on both audience and adjudicator alike.

In her adjudication, Clare commended all performers for their musical maturity, technical accomplishment and evident enjoyment of the stage, noting in particular their sense of ease and immersion in the music. Reflecting on the day, she remarked that ‘the staff and the students are all simply my cup of tea – I loved every single minute.’

Mr Mark Sandon-Williams, Head of Keyboard Studies