BAROQUE music was the hot topic for pupils at Hereford Cathedral School last week.

Pupils from the junior and senior welcomed internationally renowned violinist Professor Margaret Faultless to the music school for a two-day visit.

Pupils had the opportunity to take part in various masterclasses, either individually or in quartets, with the Professor, who has a flair for mentoring the next generation of talented musicians thanks to her current role at Cambridge and previous experience as Head of Historical Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, Director of Studies for the European Union Baroque Orchestra.

On Friday evening, the pupils and had the privilege of performing with Margaret’s ensemble ‘Music for Awhile’ at St James the Great Church, Cradley.

Year 9 Music Scholar, Rafferty, said: “It was an eye-opening experience that completely changed my perception of Baroque music.”

Sofia, a Year 7 Music Scholar, found the whole experience inspiring and fun: “We were doing a march and while we were playing, she told us to stamp our feet on the ground. Not only was it funny, it also got us to feel the rhythm of the piece.”

Director of Music, Mr David Evans, said: “Professor Faultless is an inspirational individual who has opened eyes and given students an insight into Baroque performance through both conventional and unconventional methods. We are grateful to have enjoyed two tremendous days with her, funded by the Cecil King Memorial Foundation, which will have enriched our pupils’ understanding of Baroque music and dance for life.”

Professor Faultless was impressed with how open the students were to new ideas: “Everyone was keen to find out about the music they were playing and to work together to find their own special musical voice in their ensembles. The enthusiasm, quality of playing, musicianship and sheer joy of music-making from all the young musicians contributed to a memorable experience, culminating in a spectacular concert in the beautiful church at Cradley.”