Professional musician and champion of contemporary oboe music, James Turnbull, paid a visit to Hereford Cathedral School last week to take part in a string of music events organised as part of our Music Makers programme for 2024-25.
Mr Turnbull teaches at The Purcell School for Young Musicians and the Royal College of Music. On Friday afternoon, he played a wonderful recital in the Zimmerman Hall, accompanied by HCS Director of Music, Mr Barlow. He spoke passionately about the oboe and its sound, engaging the audience, which included pupils from St James Primary School, St Thomas Cantilupe Primary School and Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
Later, he worked with HCS woodwind players on aspects of technique, sound production and interpretation.
Mr Turnbull brings a wealth of performance and educational experience, having launched and run ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Oboe’ since 2012. As Chairman of the British Double Reed Society, Mr Turnbull is passionate about promoting the oboe and encouraging young musicians on their performance pathways.
Then on Saturday, Mr Turnbull adjudicated the inaugural Herefordshire Young Musician Competition, which saw six talented young musicians from the county compete. The competition was kindly sponsored and supported by the Dean and Chapter of Hereford Cathedral.
All six performers gave compelling recitals of the highest quality. With performances on voice, marimba, piano and ‘cello, Mr Turnbull congratulated all who took part for their extraordinary musicianship. First prize was awarded to Fred M (voice) (pictured below, right) with Second prize being awarded to Isaac S (marimba) (below, left).
Congratulations to all the musicians for a wonderful day of musical performance, and huge thanks to James Turnbull for supporting Hereford Cathedral School’s Music Makers programme.
