On Monday 10th March, we held our annual music competition adjudicated by our Senior School Director of Music, Helen Vickery. A record breaking 126 entries to the competition were made this year from Years 1 to 6. It was such a treat to hear performances on piano, violin, ’cello, double bass, recorder, flute, trumpet, guitar, harp, and singing. The competition highlighted the determination and diligence that our girls have as they presented their well-prepared pieces with style, flair and confidence. It was so special to see their peers watching on with admiration and encouragement. It was also astounding from our perspective to see how the girls progress with their musicianship as they move up through the school.
Francis Holland Prep Musician of the Year: Darcy (Year 6)
Year 6
Winner: Ella
Medals: Ciara, Cecily, Lucy, Daisy, Monica
Year 5
Winner: Megumi
Medals: Elizabeth, Victoria S, Katia
Commended: Aurelia, Sofia
Year 4
Winner: Pauline
Medals: Lila, Gigi and Luisa, Aayla, Maisy, Elizabeth M, Milly, Julia
Commended: Gisela
Year 3
Winner: Emi
Medals: Claudia and Isabelle, Charlotte M
Commended: Minnie, Arabella, Millie, Lavinia, Vanessa, Lara
Year 2
Winner: Mia
Medals: Ahana, LouLou, Mariasole
Commended: Isabel, Olivia K
Year 1
Winner: Hena
Medals: Greta, Mia, Lila
This Monday, 17th March, we were treated to a concert of the overall winners from each year group, as well as hearing from the school orchestra and string group. How inspiring this was to watch. Each girl presented her performance with maturity and confidence, reminding me of the ‘Fearless Girl’. I am filled with pride and excitement, thinking about what our musicians at FHP will go on to produce musically in the future.
I am proud to honour the legacy of Fanny Davies in this competition with record high participation and musical excellence. If you would like to learn more about Fanny Davies please find a short bio below.
Miss Houlder, Director of Music
Fanny Davies
• Fanny Davies (27 June 1861 – 1 September 1934) was a British pianist who was particularly admired in playing Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and the early schools, but was also a very early London performer of the works of Debussy and Scriabin.
• She was born in Guernsey, and after studying privately in Birmingham she began her studies under Clara Schumann in Leipzig, Germany.
• At this time, it was quite unusual to see women becoming such renowned performers and she faced much criticism for a being the trailblazer that she was.
• Despite this she became a historic figure as a British pianist, famous for her interpretations of the composers mentioned above. Amongst her many performances and recordings, she was the first person to perform a piano recital in Westminster Abbey in 1901, performing a debut of Elgar’s Concert Allegro, Op. 46.
• In her 20s, she began working as a music and piano teacher at Francis Holland, shortly after it opened in 1881.
