St Swithun's student competes in the finals of a national piano competition

St Swithun's School is proud to announce that one of its own, Louisa P, competed at the National Coach House School Piano Competition last weekend. Louisa, who is in Year 12, was invited to enter the competition by the music department after being the piano finalist in last year's school House Music Competition.

The final, which took place over the weekend (5^th March) at Routh Concert Hall, Bromsgrove School near Birmingham, saw Louisa performing pieces by Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and Debussy. The competition included a masterclass with eminent pianists as well as the performance element, with finalists from around the country. Due to her beautiful performance, she was awarded a prize of the opportunity to perform at a recital at the Coach House Pianos studio in London.

Headmistress, Jane Gandee, expressed her delight at Louisa's success, stating: "We are immensely proud of Louisa's achievements and thrilled that she was selected as a finalist in the national Coach House School Piano Competition. Her talent, dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all."

Louisa, who started playing the piano and violin when she was just five years old, has recently gained her second piano diploma (dip ABRSM).

Commenting on her selection, Louisa said: "I am very excited to have reached the final of the Coach House School Piano Competition. It was an honour to be representing my school, to have the opportunity to perform and to take part in the masterclass with renowned pianist Alasdair Beatson. It was a wonderful experience."

Louisa, also an accomplished violinist, currently leads the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and continues to pursue her passion for music.