Eden Stell perform in support of New Artist’s Scheme at Worcester Classical Guitar Society
Mark and Chris – the Eden Stell Guitar Duo – gave a concert for the Worcester Classical Guitar Society (WCGS) on Saturday night (7th March) at the Worcester Arts Workshop. The WCGS has been bringing classical guitarists of all ages and abilities together from across the Midlands for many years, but have recently started their New Artist’s Scheme (NAS) which as the Society states “represents a natural offshoot of that idea: the promotion and support of the emerging professional artist”. Now that the WCGS have recently acquired charitable status they are planning more NAS concerts for 2009 and 1020.
Offering guitar students valuable performance experience is a topic close to the duo’s heart. There were quite a few guitar societies which Chris and I played for when we were students, giving us an important moment when we performed away from the watchful eyes (and ears) of our teachers, and where we could be more like ourselves. Naturally we had lots of excellent performing experience at the RAM but perhaps we didn’t get the feeling of what it’s like to be yourself on stage and start to know and understand your own stage-personality.
We know that many guitar societies already enjoy and encourage students to play for them on more informal meetings like our local SCGS and others outside the UK like the NYCCGS who even have special series dedicated for less known, but equally deserving players. Perhaps the NAS model would be a good way for smaller societies to hear what the latest guitar talents have to offer.
Picture features from the left: Christopher Stell, Hayley Savage (WCGS Patron), Stephen Begley, Mark Eden (photo John Gow)
5 comments
Mark, Chris, Utterly-utterly brilliant (as always). A fantastic programme, with depth, diversity and dazzling virtuosity – but then I am biased! Music for an Island is a magnificent piece of work and I am sure it’s not the first time you have moved an audience to tears.
The WCGS is eternally grateful that you chose to support the New Artist’s Scheme with such solid advice and wisdom garnered from a lifetime in the business. Laying the foundations for those who follow we now have a process that offers meaningful support to new artists from first contact through to post concert and beyond. Your invaluable presence on this project has helped make all this possible.
You can stay on our Christmas card list!
A superb concert!! Full of vitality, committment and dynamism that was excellently balanced by a warmth and sensitivity in Music for an Island. I’d love to visit every place that was featured in Mark’s stunning photography…bet I could beat you up to the top of May Hill though Mark!!
Many thanks for lovely comments – really appreciate it. It was great fun to perform for WCGS.
I think you could easily beat me to the top of May Hill Hayley. I normally like to take the ski-lift!
Cheers!
Mark
My family and I wanted to say a big thank you for the wonderful evening and a truly sublime performance for WCGS. I am not certain whether or not I was the only one in the audience moved to tears, but either way, I hold my hands up and admit it!! The combination of sound and vision was immensley emotionally charged!
Our son Bertie (10) ,was truly in awe of your inspirational music and skill with the guitar. As a novice player himself, you certainly gave him something to aspire to!
Thanks again!
Helena, Paul and Bertie Knight
Many thank Helena. We don’t normally like making our audience cry but in this instance we are delighted you connected with the concerts programme ‘Music for an Island’.
If your son Bertie is interested we are artistic directors of the World Youth Guitar Festival which is held in Cheltenham 11-14 August this year. Details at http://www.wygf.org – Have a look and contact us or Helen Sanderson the director direct if Bertie wants to get really inspired. Course is for ages 8 – 19 yrs. Level grade 0 – 8+ Best wishes, Mark
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