Northampton student mentored by Lloyd Webber makes debut

Following a rigorous audition process Northampton High School student, Natasha Wilcockson, was chosen to perform a Saint-Saens Cello Concerto with the Birmingham Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham’s Elgar Concert Hall.

The talented young cellist attends the Birmingham Junior Conservatoire weekly, was invited by its Head, Julian Lloyd Webber, to participate in a masterclass with him.

During the masterclass, watched by fellow students, Julian Lloyd Webber discussed with Natasha technical aspects of the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto as well as interpretation.

Julian Lloyd Webber’s debut as a soloist was playing this same concerto at the same age as Natasha.

Mrs Jo Drew, Director of Music at Northampton High until December 2016 said: “Natasha’s spectacular and flawless technique, her beautiful, rich tone and an expressiveness of character pervaded the whole concerto - her performance was pure delight and audience members showed their appreciation by rapturous applause and three ovations.”

Natasha added: “When the day came I was nervous, but I had a fantastic time once I was on stage with a live audience, I would certainly do it again.”