The recital at the Wellington Barracks’ Guards’ Chapel in October brought together two Westminster School musicians, as well as one final year pupil from Westminster Under School.

The three young Music Scholars took to the chapel’s fine Bösendorfer grand to perform a collection of popular classical pieces by the greats of 19th and 20th Century Central and Eastern Europe, with poise seen more in professionals than in school pupils. Opening the recital, Under School scholar, Daniel (Year 8) played a Prelude by Rachmaninoff and Etudes by both Chopin and Scriabin with great technical flair. Shutian (Remove, WW) gave an exquisite rendition of Schubert’s ‘little’ Sonata in A major, and Eliza (Sixth Form, RR) closed with an assured performance of Liszt’s twelfth Hungarian Rhapsody.

Following the recital, Shutian said: “It was a pleasure to perform Schubert’s tender D.664 Sonata for the Guard’s Chapel’s friendly audience. I shall look forward to performing here again soon.”

Eliza said: “I have really loved being in the Music Department so far at Westminster. There are so many amazing opportunities, for example playing in the Guards’ Chapel. It was unbelievably beautiful, and although I was pretty nervous, playing there was an amazing experience.”

Every year, new Music Scholars are accepted to Westminster Under School and Westminster School at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. Pupils chosen for Music Scholarships are often given the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues, both within school and beyond, across London’s wider musical sphere.