Grahamstonian Peter Cartwright has been putting fingers to keys since he found an old piano in his house when he was seven years old. Now 21, he is leaving for Israel to perfect the art.
The fourth year Rhodes piano student was accepted to participate in a series of Master Classes at the prestigious Tel-Hai International Piano Academy.
Grahamstonian Peter Cartwright has been putting fingers to keys since he found an old piano in his house when he was seven years old. Now 21, he is leaving for Israel to perfect the art.
The fourth year Rhodes piano student was accepted to participate in a series of Master Classes at the prestigious Tel-Hai International Piano Academy.
“It wasn’t that difficult,” says Cartwright, but that is very far from the truth. The academy only accepts the most promising students from around the world. Selection is based on a DVD of a live solo performance as well as a CV listing all musical achievements.
The three-week programme involves lessons every second day with days off spent sightseeing and practicing. In the evenings the students attend student concerts.
“This course is of a very high standard, you can be guaranteed of that,” he says.
History of excellence
Since 1992, the Master Classes have earned a name for artistic integrity, dedicated work and uncompromising professional standards.
Their alumni include award winning pianists from around the globe. Cartwright describes Israel as a “hub of musical activity,” having produced several fine musicians including Miri Ben Ari and Alon Goldstein. He chose to work with Phillip Kawin from the Manhattan School of Music and Asaf Zohar of the Jerusalem School of Music and Dance.
Cartwright hopes to polish and refine some older pieces which he knows well, and work on the technical aspects of newer pieces.
Making the piano talk
A man of few words, he lets the piano do the talking. His head sways in circular motions, sleepy-eyed, as if in a trance. But his strokes are decisive, raising his hands above his ears and then forcefully striking down on the keys.
“I am very excited about this opportunity. It should help me develop my pianistic abilities, as well as general musicianship. It will also be a great opportunity to see some of Israel and experience the culture of the people,” says Cartwright.
Safety is a concern, however. Amid fears of attack, the school was moved from Tel-Aviv to the small kibbutz of Midreshet Sde Boker, an agricultural based collective community.
