Education

Champion Lingling takes a bow

By Miranda Robertson High-achieving former pupils returned to support the next generation of musicians at Bryanston. Robert Saxton, an acclaimed composer who is currently Professor of Composition and a Tutorial Fellow in Music at Worcester College at the University of Oxford returned to his alma mater as judge for the school’s first annual recital competition named in his honour. Another former pupil, the highly respected cellist Evie Coplan is also returning to Bryanston in the near future to deliver a concert and the latest in a series of music masterclasses. After a series of heats involving 36 applicants, 11 pupils secured their place in the final of the Robert Saxton Recital Competition. This was the first socially distanced public event to be held in the school’s Sir Mark Elder concert hall since the partial relaxation of covid restrictions. The winner of the competition was sixth former violinist Lingling Bao-Smith, who provided the audience with an inspiring performance of Pièce en forme de Habañera by Ravel and Danse Macabre by SaintSaëns. Other finalists included vocalists and musical performances on the piano and violin as well as woodwind and brass instruments, with one pupil performing over a video link from his home in South Korea having been unable to return to the school due to current travel restrictions. Mr Saxton said: “It was a real honour to be invited to Bryanston to adjudicate a competition carrying my name. “My wife and I were both thrilled by the standard of the performances and the commitment, energy and technical/musical skill that was in evidence. The whole evening was joy to be part of and, as all of the participants were accompanied by members of staff, there was a true sense of community and a really positive spirit all round.” Winner Lingling said: “It was great for all of us to be performing in front of a live public audience for the first time in more than a year, and it really was a privilege to have the opportunity to discuss our musical ambitions and future opportunities with such a respected figure from the world of music.” Three runners-up Tennyson Tunstall-Behrens, Will St JohnBacon and Jungwoo H were praised for their excellent performances and for showing great potential to become professional musicians.

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The winner of the Robert Saxton Recital Competition Lingling Bao-Smith, left, and right, the acclaimed composer himself

Charity recruits new staff to cope with youngsters’ anxiety

By Miranda Robertson New roles have been created at a Dorset and Somerset charity in response to growing levels of anxiety among young people. The Rendezvous has announced paid and unpaid roles in order to help meet the need for support for young people post pandemic. The increase of young people suffering from post-pandemic anxiety has been concerning –the charity’s recent survey found many 13-25-year-olds are anxious about restrictions lifting. Its chief executive Helen Da Silva Wood said: “It’s imperative we continue to adapt and do our best to support the increased demand for services. “Having easy and quick access to services for young people prevents situations escalating and we do everything we can to avoid lengthy wait times to find the support they need. Our new appointments will help us provide more individual support and manage the increased number of referrals.” Board members: Firstly, with the departure of much-loved board member Pempy Wallington and the exciting appointment of Martin Singer, there are two additional available seats on the board of trustees – a role for someone with HR and/or mental health knowledge and for someone with strong links in the community to help shape community fundraising. Those interested should contact Stephen Uden. the chair of trustees, who said: “Great trustees bring so much experience and insight. We have been fortunate to have had so much support from Pempy over the years, but as she steps down I am delighted Martin Singer has joined the trustee board given his extensive experience of working with young people.” Singer has had a long, respected career in Children’s Services as a youth worker and staff trainer and first got to know the work of The Rendezvous when he was working as early intervention project manager at Dorset Council. To apply contact Stephen Uden at s_uden@hotmail.com. Centre administrator: Based in Sherborne, a job directly funded by The Rendezvous. This is a key part-time role ensuring the smooth running of the Rendezvous’ HUB and learning project across many projects over four sites in Dorset and Somerset. Emotional wellbeing support worker and project coordinator: A part-time role working with young people in 1:1 sessions plus project support for mental health work. This role is funded by The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital. To apply for either of the above positions and find out more, please go to The Rendevous website therendezvous.org.uk/news.