We were determined the pandemic would not derail the Nonesuch 2021 Student Composition Project, and with a little adaptability and a lot of determination from everyone involved, it was a huge success.

The ten student composers, from three West London secondary schools - Christ’s School, Richmond, Waldegrave School and Twyford Church of England High School - were asked to write works that could be played by string orchestra, or string quartet, or - with the addition of a double bass part - a quintet.

Robin Wedderburn - inspirational composer, conductor and member of the Nonesuch Orchestra - worked with the students to prepare their compositions for performance. Our professional players (Stephanie Waite - Violin, Dan Shilladay - Viola, Joseph Keenan - Cello, and Lon Fon Law - Double Bass) recorded seven works - each line separately - with other members taking on three more pieces. Recording a single line at home to a click track is no easy task! Robin and Joseph then put the tracks together and these talented and hardworking students and their teachers have a fine record of their achievements.

The culmination was a live performance of the seven works by students from Christ’s School, Richmond at its 5th biennial Choral and Orchestral Concert on 20th July - when Nonesuch members joined forces with the school’s musicians and visiting professionals. After months of being starved of live music, it was a feast for the ears with an appetizing menu:

Names in lights at Christ’s School, Richmond

This year’s line-up of talent was completed by Sophie Bloor’s Sonata and Maisie Veitch’s Waltz (Sophie and Maisie are at Waldegrave School), and Twyford student Henry Wood’s Rondo.

Congratulations to all the students for their accomplishments!