Mark Heath

Classical

Recording Saxophonist Rob Burton Performing ‘Braemar’ by Graham Fitkin

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I was asked by Rob Burton’s father to record Rob live at a Christmas concert in Spaldwick Church. He played a modern composition entitled ‘Braemar’ by Graham Fitkin, who is a British composer, pianist and conductor. This piece was premiered in St. Margaret’s, Braemar at the 2017 ‘One Fine Day’ Music Festival and was played by Rob Burton during the BBC Young Musician of the Year Woodwind Finals in April 2018.

The saxophone was invented much later than other traditional classical instruments, such as the piano or violin, and has been more associated with jazz than classical music. As a result, there is relatively limited classical repertoire for the instrument. However, Rob has been seizing the opportunity to perform exciting, modern compositions like ‘Braemar’.

For the recording, I used a Zoom H6 portable audio recorder with its built-in condenser microphones. While my audio equipment has been substantially updated since then, I think it captures the acoustic of Spaldwick Church. Being a live recording, there are occasional sounds from the audience, such as knocking of the pews. I hope that I’ll be able to re-record the piece in more controlled conditions, and with my better equipment!

You can view Rob performing on the BBC as part of Young Musician here:

Saxophonist Rob Burton in BBC Young Musician Final (May 2018)

Rob Burton Wins the Woodwind Category Final of BBC Young Musician (Apr 2018)

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Videoing Ben Rice Singing at the Spaldwick Christmas Concert

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Ben Rice

At the 2018 Christmas Carol concert held in Spaldwick Church, Ben Rice sang ‘The Three Kings’ in German. At Kimbolton School, he was active in a number of musical pursuits, including the school’s Chamber Choir. He played the role of Javert in the school’s production of ‘Les Misérables’ and achieved a Grade 8 with Distinction. Ben was invited to join the Rodolfus Choir, which is one of the leading young choirs in the UK (with its members aged between 16 and 25). Ben now studies Music at York University.

The video clearly shows why TV companies bring and set up their own lighting in churches when they do recordings/live broadcasts, which was not feasible at the time. The church lights did not have a good CRI (Colour Rendering Index) and the low light levels meant that the lenses had to be used at the limit of their capabilities (typically F1.2 to F1.4) to avoid noise. This made it very difficult to maintain focus. Since this time, I have invested in bright broadcast-quality lighting! Audio was captured with a Zoom H6 recorder with built-in condenser microphones.

Zoë’s Trumpet Triumph at BBC Young Musician 2016

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Local young musician Zoë Perkins continues to excel at the trumpet, obtaining a prized place at the televised Brass Final of the BBC Young Musician 2016 competition! Zoë, 17, has enjoyed an incredible past few months, following our previous coverage. She has become Principal Trumpet in the 2016 National Youth Orchestra, and has received offers with scholarships from the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Zoë recently secured a place as one of the final five brass players in BBC Young Musician 2016, which means that she will be featured on national television. Zoë competed in the first round of the competition in October 2015, before progressing to the second round in early December.

BBC Young Musician attracts some of the very best young musicians in the country, with over 450 musicians applying from across the UK. Zoë will now perform at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on the 9th March 2016, which will be televised on the BBC.

In the new year, BBC crews will be coming to film a biography of Zoë, filming segments in Spaldwick and at her school. Speaking about the competition, Zoë said, “I am a little bit nervous, but more excited than nervous”.

In early December, Zoë also found out that she had been awarded the role of Principal Trumpet in the National Youth Orchestra for 2016. With the orchestra, she will complete three residences over Christmas, Easter and the Summer. She will get the opportunity to perform in a range of spectacular venues across the UK, including the Barbican in January and the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. At the Proms, the orchestra will be performing Holst’s ‘The Planets’ and ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ by Richard Strauss.

Zoe PerkinsThe good news does not stop there. Zoë has also recently been offered scholarships at the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. At the Royal College of Music, Zoë has been privileged to receive one of only three ABRSM scholarships.

Zoë continues to perform with Junior Prime Brass – a brass dectet in Cambridge – and Junior Academy, where Zoë is preparing to enter a music competition.

Asked about which of her music events she enjoys the most, Zoë answered, “I love them all, but for different reasons.” “In the National Youth Orchestra I’ve really enjoyed the overall experience and I feel that I have gained a lot of confidence.” “In Junior Prime Brass I’ve enjoyed performing as a brass dectet and in Junior Academy I’ve enjoyed learning new things.”

We will continue to follow Zoë in what promises to be a very promising career. We will bring further information on the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in due course!

Photos provided by Zoë.

 

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Photographing 12 Year Old Saxophonist Rob Burton at Grafham Concert

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I’ve known Rob Burton and his mother and father for many years, and Rob was in the same school year as my daughter Bethany. It’s always a pleasure to photograph or record Rob when I get the chance. The earliest photos I have are when I recorded Rob at a concert in Grafham back in 2012. Rob was only 12 years of age, but already showed impressive talent.

The photo below is my favourite, as it shows proud dad in the background, who has supported Rob so much.

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