QAS Music Events Round Up

The last week before the half term, Queen Anne’s School hosted a collection of musical guests. We held a masterclasses and recital and a conference, enhancing our musical minds.

On Tuesday 17 October, we hosted the wonderful James Kreiling for a night of musical mastery as he shared his passion with Queen Anne’s pupils, staff and parents.

James Kreiling’s solo career has focused on music of the early 20th century, in particular the piano works of Scriabin. His doctoral thesis, completed at the Guildhall School of Music, focused on the interaction of research, analysis, and performance practice in the interpretation of Scriabin’s late piano sonatas. He has recorded two discs encompassing the composer’s complete late piano music, which was released by Odradek in 2018 to great critical acclaim, including a five-star review in BBC Music Magazine.

Determined to bring Scriabin’s often misunderstood work to a wider public, he has experimented with presenting music in unusual formats and locations and is a co-founder of Multiphonic Arts, mounting concerts which mix classical piano with other performance arts - poetry, drama and dance, folk and jazz.

Wednesday 18 October we held a Music and Psychology Conference with 7 amazing speakers. Each brought their own insight into various aspects of music in a wider outlook.

Starting off the event was Professor Lauren Stewart with her brilliant findings of ‘Understanding Music’s Role in Maternal Mental Health’ in The Gambia, West Africa. Next, Professor Daniel Müllensiefen discussed the connection between music and cognitive development during teenage years. Dr Caroline Curwen made us question do we all experience music in the same way? Her work with synaesthesia and how some who listen to music can see colours or shapes was fascinating. Before breaking for lunch, Professor Adam Ockelford questioned ‘How We Make Sense of Music’. How do we all, regardless of age, enjoy music, even if we don’t understand it.

Professor Nicola Dibben suggested music can help us care more about the natural world as the natural world has on multiple occasions, inspired music makers. Dr Kelly Jukubowski discussed ‘The Power(?) of Music as a Cue for Autobiographical Memories’ and the scientific research that supports the idea that music can evoke more vivid and emotional memories that any other everyday cue. Concluding the day was Dr Michael Bonshor, who presented answers to why Music Performance Anxiety arises, its effects and the strategies that can be used to negate the effects.

Thank you to all our wonderful guests that have come to share their musical talents and insight!