It was thrilling to be involved in the BSMA Gala 2023 and inspiring to be part of a project with such grand ambitions - and nothing could be grander than hiring the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. To create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this for Children, Parents and Teachers provides incalculable motivation for everyone involved, with its overwhelming sense of Love, and Joy at being part of the worldwide Suzuki family.
 

ⒸBill Hiskett

　　My role as Music Director was to create arrangements that would elevate even the humblest Book 1 folk tune to its fullest potential so that there would be no question that it deserved to be heard in the world’s most famous concert halls, so many pieces had a second advanced part and a new Piano accompaniment. Having a String Ensemble of 16 professional Suzuki teachers as well as the Piano Accompanist meant that most of the pieces in the programme could feel like a ‘Concerto’ for the performers. In addition to the pieces for individual instruments and mass items including Twinkles, Wishing and Gavotte in G minor, I composed a Medley of Book 1 pieces and an arrangement of the British folk song ‘Greensleeves’ that all 1300 children could play together.

　　All students had the music and recordings in advance and any worries that we may have had about only having one day of rehearsals were instantly put to rest as we were reminded of the skills of Suzuki students to listen and play together beautifully. By the time we got to the concert, the sound was astonishing and everyone had a tear in their eye at some point during the event. This Gala filled us all with pride in the Students, Teachers and the Suzuki Method, and I look forward to the next one.