Young talent at Chetham's

We sent Jacky Hall along to assess a bunch of bright young things at Chetham's School of Music. We thought we ought to, really, being as we live and work pretty much next door.

Chetham's School of Music
Lunchtime Recital: Chloé Greenwood, Andrew Reynish, Adam Stockbridge
9 December 2009

Beyond the bland consumerism of the generic Arndale shopping centre and the glass edifice of media-hub Urbis, Manchester city centre holds a hidden medieval gem: Chetham's School of Music.

With its cobbled walkways surrounding the central courtyard and buildings that date back to 1421, stepping through the school's iron gates is a little like entering another world. For more than 40 years, Chetham's has been one of the UK's largest music schools, boasting around 290 students per year in their distinctive orange- and black-striped ties.

What with the ongoing preparations for the end of term - and the approaching auditions for the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition - pupils are currently giving a variety of lunchtime recitals. These concerts take place in the intimate Baronial Hall, a 15th-century treasure. Sombre gentlemen peer down from within oil paintings hung on the dark stone walls, and the atmosphere is not dissimilar to that of Harry Potter's Hogwarts.

Opening today's recital is oboist Chloé Greenwood, with Ah! Se in Ciel, Benigne Stelle, an aria from Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte. Opening a concert is always daunting, but, if there are any nerves present this afternoon, Greenwood hides them well with a sharp performance.

Next up is Bozza's Fantaisie Pastorale, composed for the Paris Conservatoire. Coaxing shimmering textures from her oboe, Greenwood's performance of this sensual, impressionistic piece is superb.

Cellist Andrew Reynish follows Greenwood with a trio of Russian works: Movement I of Myaskovsky's Sonata No 1, Serenata from Suite Italienne by Stravinsky and Movement II of Shostakovich's Sonata Op 40. His command of the cello is bold, employing a wonderful variety of colours - from smooth, rich tones to some soft whispers during the Stravinsky.

Adam Stockbridge is the final performer, with a selection of trumpet pieces. He begins with Aftershock, a solo work by American composer Eric Ewazen. It's a startling piece that resonates all the way up to the wooden roof beams. A dramatic rendition of Movement I of a Kennan Sonata follows, and the young trumpeter closes with a rather cheeky Concert Scherzo by Hungarian Alexander Arutiunian. It's one that he clearly enjoys, even playing without sheet music.

The skill of all three performers is testament to their talents, determination and hours spent in the practise rooms. Youth, after all, doesn't necessarily mean inexperience.

www.chethams.com