Pianists welcome expert advice in a Masterclass with Dr Iwan Llewelyn Jones

On Monday 26 January, the top floor of Nesbitt provided a truly memorable setting for a piano masterclass, with sweeping views over the school’s beautiful grounds and an atmosphere that perfectly complemented the music being explored.

We were extremely privileged to welcome Dr Iwan Llewelyn Jones for the evening. Dr Llewelyn Jones enjoys an international career as a pianist, accompanist and pedagogue, and is highly regarded for his work with young musicians at conservatoire and pre-conservatoire level.

Four of our pianists participated in the class. Halia L (Upper Sixth) opened the session with Liszt’s Liebestraum No. 2 (Notturno) — a piece whose evocative night scenes blended beautifully with the twilight setting of the masterclass. She was followed by Katelyn C (LV), who performed Tchaikovsky’s Juin: Barcarolle, capturing its gentle lyricism and flowing character. Jinxi L (LIV) then presented Sibelius’s Caprice, Op. 24 No. 3, a work demanding both clarity and control, before Kate T (MIV) brought the session to an exhilarating close with Khachaturian’s vibrant and rhythmic Toccata.

Throughout the afternoon, Dr Llewelyn Jones encouraged students to deepen their understanding of the historical and stylistic context of their repertoire, helping them to think imaginatively about the sound-world each composer inhabits. He also placed particular emphasis on refining musicality and developing a confident, warm quality of touch – ideas to which the students responded with great openness and maturity.

Halia L welcomed the advice and encouragement sharing: ‘This masterclass allowed me to approach my piece with a different angle and improve the way I play it, which will be useful when I need to perform it again soon.’

The masterclass was both challenging and warmly supportive, and it was a pleasure to see the students engage so thoughtfully with new ideas while performing such demanding repertoire with commitment and poise.

We are extremely grateful to Dr Llewelyn Jones for his generosity, insight and encouragement. We would also like to extend particular thanks to Bethan Dudley Fryar, Director of Vocal Studies, whose support and connections made it possible for us to welcome Dr Llewelyn Jones to the school for this valuable and inspiring musical experience.

Mr Mark Sandon-Williams
Head of Keyboard Studies