Musicians unite for concert to fund new school piano
A hugely talented group of parents, past and present from St Stephen’s School are coming together to perform in what promises to be a truly All-star Concert on Wednesday, March 6. The line-up includes distinguished musicians in the world of rock, jazz, bluegrass and classical music, all performing to raise funds for a new school piano. Among them is former St Stephen’s dad Justin Adams, one of Britain’s most notable rock guitarists, who performed as lead guitarist with Bath Festival Weekend headliner Robert Plant. And from the world of jazz, acclaimed pianist and educator Malcolm Edmonstone, whose career ranges from pianist/arranger for BBC1 One’s Strictly Come Dancing, to jazz piano accompanist to Jonny Dankworth. The line-up continues with Leon Hunt, described by The Guardian as Britain’s greatest five-string banjo player, plus a host of local professional musicians and music teachers, including flautist Jeni Reid, who masterminded the event, and well-loved local singer/songwriter Lloyd Edwards, both music teachers at St Stephen’s. A 6ft grand piano is being provided for the evening by The Piano Shop in Bath. Owner Jon Kelly is fund-matching profits made on the night towards the new school piano. Jeni said: “I will have worked at St Stephen’s for 10 years this September, first setting up an orchestra when my daughter was in the reception class. “I wanted to do something special for the school, and that’s when I came up with the idea of a musical evening to raise money for a much-needed new school piano. I have been overwhelmed by the number of parents in the school who are willing to get involved.” Tickets are £15 each, available from the school office, and include cheese from local specialists PONG and a glass of wine.