The afternoon classes went ahead as previously planned beginning with the Margaret Hayes Memorial Cup, awarded to best concerto in an open age category.
This year’s music adjudicator, flautist Elizabeth Childs, flew over from the UK for her first time judging the 10-day-long section.
‘We’ve had some fantastic performances so far, they’re really going for it.
‘It’s such a varied programme as well – you don’t always get that,’ she said.
‘I’m looking for communication with the audience and their musicality and musicians that engage us.
‘I like the actual life-skills that young people get from a competition like this.
‘It helps them develop having to practise for a certain date, effectively working to a deadline. I don’t like the emphasis on winning.
‘[The Eisteddfod] brings a community together and then there is the educational value, it gives the opportunity to listen together and learn. It also teaches that not everyone can always be the winner. It’s particularly important on an island to keep those creative pursuits alive, creativity is what inspires life. It’s something to be very proud of on Guernsey, a part of its history,’ she said.
Top place in the concerto class was awarded to Grammar School student Jack Tostevin-Hall, 16, for his rendition of Oboe Concerto K.314 Mvt.2 by Mozart, accompanied by his tutor, Elizabeth Green.
‘I was happy overall with my performance, but there’s always some doubt about whether or not you have won,’ he said.
‘I’ve been learning oboe for seven years and taking part in the Eisteddfod for five. I really enjoy it – it’s a bit scary, but worthwhile.’
Second place was awarded to violinist Charlie Brewin, with third place going to horn player Kurt Carre.
All of the participants were congratulated by Ms Childs for their use of imagination and she said she was looking particularly for a sense of style and commitment to the piece.
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