New College student’s voice wows judges at prestigious South West music competition

Student Matilda Wale has been announced as one of the four winners of the 2017 Two Moors Festival Young Musicians Platform competition.

This annual competition, which started in 2002, offers young instrumentalists and singers the opportunity to compete and ultimately perform at the Two Moors Festival and attracts entries from all over the south west. Competitors often audition across several years as they receive valuable individual feedback on their performances which helps their development. The festival itself is acclaimed for being one of the UK’s leading Classical music festivals.

60 initial entrants auditioned and were whittled down to 17 for the final which took place on May 6^th. During this, each individual performed for the four judges and an informal audience of other music professionals in a recital hall. Matilda received a telephone call on the same evening from Penny Adie, MBE, one of the judges to personally inform her that she had been successful.

Matilda, who has been studying with Janice Thompson of the JTPTrust since she was very young, performed four pieces: “La Speranza e giunta” by George Frideric Handel; “Du Bist die Ruh” by Franz Schubert; “Sure on this Shining Night” by Samuel Barber and “Waltz of My Heart” by Ivor Novello.

Matilda said: “I am thrilled to be one of the Young Musician Winners this year! Every year, Two Moors becomes warmer and warmer. The atmosphere is ambitious yet intimate, creating an incredible space for music-making. I have returned for five years now, as the panel have always been so encouraging and their critiques positive and constructive.”

Matilda will now perform at a concert in Devon as part of the Two Moors Festival in October and also receives a monetary prize. When she finishes at New College, she hopes to study Vocal Studies at a Conservatoire or Music at University. In the meantime, she helps out with classes at the JTPTrust and also performs at concerts and recitals for charities and other events across Swindon.

Matilda added: “I find singing for world-class panels is inspiring, enjoyable and great preparation for music college or auditions in the future.”