27 Mar 2025
We were delighted to welcome the renowned Villiers Quartet, the Quartet-in-Residence at the Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building at Oxford University, to Braunton Academy for a special concert. The string quartet, known for their virtuosity, dynamic performances and for releasing acclaimed recordings of works by a range of composers, performed a captivating selection of pieces for our Year 7 and GCSE Music students, as well as a group of local primary school students who attended. The performance was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience live classical music and appreciate the skill and artistry involved, while members of the quartet also interacted with students through questioning and walk throughs of the compositions they performed.
After the concert, the Villiers Quartet held a short Q&A session with our GCSE Music students. This was an invaluable experience for the students, who had the chance to ask questions about the musicians' careers and the challenges and intricacies of performing in a string quartet. The musicians shared insights into their practice routines, their lives and experiences as working musicians, and their passion for music.
The event was a great success, and we are grateful to the Villiers Quartet for sharing their time and expertise with our students. We are also very thankful to Devon Music Education Hub, Dartington Trust, and DAISI, for making this event possible.
We look forward to more opportunities to enrich our students' musical education through such inspiring experiences.