The musical talent of pupils from King’s has once again been recognised at the recent Taunton Festival of the Arts, an annual competition that encourages and promotes the performance and enjoyment of arts. Music scholar Arjun Ashok, who attends King’s College, followed up previous success at this competition by winning the U14 Kingsfield Cup for solo piece, the U18 Baroque Cup, the U18 David Horwood Cup for sight reading, and the Tim Harrison Trophy for Open Solo – an outstanding result for the fourteen-year-old.
Children at King’s Hall School also received recognition in the prestigious festival. Thirty-one pupils performed in the solo/duet classes, with a further 15 involved in the choir class and Taunton Children’s Orchestra. Of these, 18 gained first prizes, two second, and one third. Five trophies were won, with a number of entrants also receiving uniformly high marks. Year 6 pupil Grace Eakhurst performed particularly well, notching up three wins; a second place and two trophies, with fellow pupil Charlotte Ambler being awarded a rare ‘outstanding’ in the composition class.
Commenting on the event, Director of Music at King’s Hall, Gareth Dayus-Jones said: “It has been a tremendous couple of weeks in which everyone involved can be justifiably proud of their achievements. My congratulations to them all.”
The photo shows Arjun Ashok with Mr Richard Biggs, King’s College Headmaster