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Introducing Bethany Reynolds

Bethany, a 9 year old girl, leaning on her piano at home.Bethany Reynolds is a 9-year-old pianist and composer. She began playing piano at age 5 and is currently studying for her first performance diploma. Bethany studies piano under Siu Chui Li, and composition under Leon Haxby at Saffron Centre for Young Musicians. She is also a member of the National School for Young Chamber Music Players, Pro Corda.

Bethany has a passion for performing and has recently played in the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, at Saffron Hall, and at the 1901 Arts Club. Her concerto debut was made with the Wivenhoe Orchestra in May 2024. More recently she was selected to play a spotlight performance with Ignas Maknickas as part of the Roman River Festival. Bethany has also participated in masterclasses with Tom Poster and Andrew Quartermain.

She enjoys exploring a wide variety of repertoire and expressing different moods through performance and composition. Bethany has a particular love for romantic music. Recent competition entries have gained first place in the Independent School Association Music Composition Competition, gold at the Ad Libitum International Piano Competition, and silver at the London Young Musician Competition. Bethany hopes to one day combine her love for the piano and for composition as a published composer and concert performer.

When not making music Bethany enjoys reading, especially fantasy novels, and is also a keen young athlete who particularly enjoys sprinting.

Tickets for the Family Concert are on sale now. Planning on attending all the concerts in our season? Consider becoming a Friend of SBMS, save some money, and guarantee a seat at each concert!

Sarah’s musical journey began at the age of 4, when she picked up her first recorder - an Early Learning Centre green recorder! She took up the violin at 7, followed by the clarinet at 10, partly inspired by her late grandfather, who also played the clarinet. She studied clarinet initially with Susan Boddy before moving to Sue Barber, and later returning to Susan Boddy. From 1991 to 2000, she attended the Saturday morning music school run by Essex Music Service, helping to develop her love of music from an early age.

Sarah first tried out for St Botolph’s Music Society around 2000-02. Although circumstances meant she was only able to attend one rehearsal at the time, she eventually found her way back to the Society, joining the second violin section in September 2016. She became section leader in 2023.

Alongside her musical activities, Sarah studied with the Open University, graduating in 2012 with a BA (hons) in Humanities with German and Music. She now plays an active role both on and off the concert platform as Secretary of the SBMS committee. She also looks after the Society’s website and ticketing, and leads its marketing and communications.

With both a love of performing and a passion for helping the Society thrive, Sarah enjoys being part of the team both on and off the concert platform.

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