May 3, 2023

Elliott Hudson College recently hosted the Solem String Quartet for a special Live Music Wednesday lunchtime, which gave staff and students the opportunity to try something different and – for many – to experience a classical music performance for the first time.

The Solem Quartet comprises four exceptional musicians, Amy Tress (violin), William Newell (violin), Alistair Vennart (viola) and Stephanie Tress (cello), who brought their passion and expertise to the college stage. They performed a repertoire of classical pieces by Beethoven and Haydn.

The performance was kindly supported and funded by the Leeds Music Education Partnership a local organisation committed to providing high-quality music education opportunities for young people in Leeds.

Drama teacher and head of Performing Arts Mrs Forryan who organised the event, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to introduce her students to classical music. “It’s important for students to be exposed to different art forms and cultures. The live performance was a great way for them to experience the beauty and emotion of classical music.”

Live Music Wednesdays are a regular feature of college life, and earlier this year, David Holmes, the Rebel Poet, performed a spoken-word poetry session in another takeover event.

Mrs Forryan continued to say: “We really enjoy the Live Music ‘takeover’ events as they broaden our students’ horizons and expose them to new art forms they might not ordinarily come across. We are hoping to continue this next year with more bands, artists and performances in college.”