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WATFORD OBSERVER
Watford Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
Watford Observer Local Events Calendar
Watford Symphony Orchestra
St Luke's Church, Langley Way, Watford, UK
May 10th 2025
Full Programme:
Schumann - 'Genoveva' Overture Rachmaninov - Paganini Variations
Brahms - Symphony No 1
Conductor: STUART DUNLOP
solo pianist PHOEBE PAPANDREA
Leader: REBECCA BOYLE
"This is concert for all lovers of classical music.
Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was written for solo piano and orchestra. He uses the well-known and virtuosic caprice for solo violin by Paganini and turns it into a set of 24 variations where the solo pianist provides all the technique and excitement associated with Rachmaninov's concertos. The music reflects all the legendary skill of Paganini's violin playing. The unconventional beginning of the work was likely inspired by the finale of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica', a theme and variations that begins in much the same way.
Our solo pianist is Phoebe Papandrea. Born in London in 2007 into a musical family she began taking piano lessons at the age of three and was awarded a scholarship to the Purcell School of Music at the age of 10. Aged twelve Phoebe made her Carnegie Hall debut after winning First Prize and the Exceptional Young Musician Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards, New York. Since then she has won many prizes and performed internationally. Phoebe also enjoys performing in hospitals, schools and care homes."
NEW YORK WEEKLY
Celebrating Excellence: Concert Star Piano Competition Winners Shine at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York
Josh Tatunay
Pacific Stars Prize Winners Gala Concert and Award Ceremony
Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York, USA
October 6th 2024
"On the evening of October 6, 2024, at 7:30 pm New York time, the iconic Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall came alive with the vibrant sounds of classical music.
As the concert continued, the atmosphere grew more electric. Phoebe Papandrea’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux in C Major, Op. 16 No. 6, was a breathtaking conclusion to the evening’s performances. Papandrea’s passionate rendition left the audience breathless, embodying the spirit and depth of Rachmaninoff’s composition. Her ability to convey emotion through music resonated deeply, making her performance a highlight of the evening."
THE STRAITS TIMES
Concert review: Young international piano talents dazzle at concert
Chang Tou Liang
SEEDS OF HOPE: YOUNG INTERNATIONAL PIANISTS IN CONCERT
Lee Foundation Theatre, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore
June 2nd 2024
"Ever wondered what it was like to witness Lang Lang and Yuja Wang performing as children way before they became global icons of classical music? The School of Young Talents at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts gave a glimpse of that in two concerts celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The first featured local students including violinist Chloe Chua, while the second highlighted five visiting piano talents, all winners of international competitions.
At 17, Phoebe Papandrea from Britain is all ready for a professional performing career. Her varied repertoire choices and excellence of execution all point to that.
Jean-Philippe Rameau's Le Rappel Des Oiseaux (The Call Of The Birds) took buoyant flight, while violent contrasts in Chopin's Second Ballade were capped by a furious coda. With Ravel's Alborada Del Gracioso and Sergei Rachmaninov's Sixth Musical Moment (Op. 16 No. 6), she completed an evening of fine music with the clacking of castanets and rolling thunder."
GET THE CHANCE Concert Review
Review: The Purcell School at Wigmore Hall London
James Ellis
Purcell School Chamber Soloists at Wigmore Hall featuring Phoebe Papandrea (piano) and Julia Majewska (violin) performing Maurice Ravel: Pièce en Forme de Habanera, Tzigane
Wigmore Hall, London, UK
May 4th 2025
***** (5/5)
"In what might be the finest hour of music making I have seen in London for some time, I was caught off guard with The Purcell School. These musicians are filled with the spirit of music making that is oh so needed in these desperate times.
What had wow factor was Juila Majewska on violin, with Phoebe Papandrea on piano. Ravel here channels Spain and Hungary with Pièce en Forme de Habanera and the famous Tzigane. I felt like I was watching stars in the making, Majewska was an utter sensation on the violin, a second nature next to brilliance. Papandrea proves to have a considerate chemistry, you feel they are friends. The feverish vitality of these works prove why Ravel is interesting and of note. There are many congratulations to be had here. Promise beyond promise.
A genuine joy to see young musicians play on this scale."
FULDA INFO
Pianale: Phoebe Papandrea (17) wins "Publikumspreis 2024"
fuldainfo.de
PIANALE International Piano Academy and Competition - Final Concert
Schloss Fasanerie, Eichenzell, Germany
June 7th, 2024
"Phoebe Papandrea (17) is the Publikumspreis winner 2024. At the celebratory final concert of the "Pianale Piano Festival - Fulda inspired" on Tuesday evening at the Schloss Fasanerie, the 17 year old Englishwoman played her way into the hearts of the audience with a ballad by Liszt and the dreamy sounds of Rachmaninoff. For the young piano virtuoso, this is already her third consecutive participation in the "Pianale International Piano Academy and Competition." In 2022, the then 15 year old was awarded a "special prize." This was obviously an incentive and motivation for the highly gifted musician to demonstrate her skills again at PIANALE.
The ambition and hard training have paid off. A demanding two week study programme lies behind the 17 year old; always under the strict gaze of the Pianale professors, some of whom are among the best pianists in the world. With meticulous daily preparation at the "Kloster Frauenberg" and her dedication and passion for piano music, the young Brit played her way to the finals in front of the discerning Pianale audience over nine concerts.
The 2024 Publikumspreis winner will return to Fulda on November 17th of this year. Starting at 5pm, the young talent can be heard and admired in the Fürstensaal of the Stadtschloss Fulda, together with the Beethoven Orchestra Hessen."
