"Thank you so much for playing my piece..."

These simple and heartfelt words from Sophie - one of the student composers in the Nonesuch Orchestra + CoMA 2022 Student Composition project - summed up the warmth we all felt at the workshops on 3rd March. Together with composer and teacher Andrew Toovey, we studied and rehearsed 13 compositions by talented and dedicated young people. Our conductor Dan Shilladay and leader Stephanie Waite explained some of the complexities involved in ensuring that the sound an orchestra makes is exactly what the composer has in mind. It was a hugely enjoyable and educational experience for us all.

Pictured here are 9 of the 13 students, from Twyford High School, Acton; Waldegrave School, Twickenham; and Christ’s School, Richmond. From left to right:

Joshua, Abigail, Stephanie Waite, Sophie, Mina, Reuben, Catherine Barlen (viola in the Nonesuch and organiser of the project), Andrew Toovey, Tamara Kohler (CoMA Festival Director), Madeleine, Hannah, Trisha, Maisie, Dan Shilladay.

And the four from Godolphin and Latymer School: Eleni, Rose, Andrew Toovey, Estelle and Isabell.

“Thank you, amazing composers, for sharing your work with us!”