Musical stars Casey and Edward return to Castle Park Arts Centre
By The Editor
6th Oct 2020 | Local News
It may have been pouring with rain, but this Saturday morning still saw a large turnout arrive at Castle Park, eager to watch teenage sensations, Casey and Edward, showcase their musical talents once again.
The violin and piano duo showed no sign of nerves as they wowed their audience with a series of jazz pieces, including popular classic, 'Autumn Leaves'.
Although Casey (13) and Edward (14) both started playing their instruments at a very young age – Casey beginning violin lessons aged seven and Edward first trying the piano aged four – it is hard to believe how professional and effortless their performances look and sound.
With very little reliance on the sheet music, the duo's music has a beautifully spontaneous feel, which is testament to their skill and dedication.
As one audience member said: "they're brilliant, such a treat to watch!"
Both Casey and Edward attend Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, which is the largest specialist music school in the UK, and the only one based in the North West.
As members of the Jazz Department, their timetable involves several hours of music lessons and practice per week, which they balance with their academic work and public performances.
Although they are often given the chance to demonstrate their extraordinary talents through Chetham's lunchtime concerts, Casey and Edward are always on the lookout for opportunities to perform for wider audiences.
With lockdown having put a stop to all public concerts, they were pleased to be able to start making regular appearances in the Castle Park Arts Centre courtyard, where they delighted audiences through the summer.
"This place was a lifeline for us," says Edward, who has missed being able to give live performances on the piano.
And do either of them ever feel nervous before they play? "Not really," they reply. They are both such seasoned performances that any pre-concert jitters soon disappear as soon as they step on stage.
For Edward, appearing before an audience is "a really nice feeling; it's great."
While their musical tuition concentrates on improvisation, jazz theory and jazz harmony, Casey and Edward are also accomplished composers.
Edward says he likes to write "large scale works for lots of instruments," which range across a variety of different styles and genres.
One of Casey's violin duets was recently shortlisted for the BBC Young Composer competition, and Edward was highly commended for his entry in the Choir Schools Association Centenary Composition Competition in 2018.
Both say that composition is an avenue they would like to explore when they are older, but then hastily add that they want to work as accompanists, solo and ensemble musicians as well!
Watching their performance on Saturday, I am sure that they be very successful in whatever field they decide to pursue.
Casey and Edward will be performing an evening concert of jazz and classical music at Castle Park on 6th November. Keep an eye on the Castle Park website for tickets!
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