Several RNCM students had a summer to remember performing at the inaugural Festival No 6 in September alongside New Order and Primal Scream.
The Aurora Percussion Duo (Delia Steven and Le Yu), the Absolution Saxophone Quartet (Anthony Brown, Jennifer Palfreyman, Spencer Moran and Fraser Johnston) and Holly Melia and Sarah Bennett of the Tempest Flute Trio, all played sets during the much-anticipated Portmeirion event, heralded as ‘a festival unlike any other, in a place like no other.’
‘It was fantastic to be involved with a festival in such a beautiful setting,’ said Anthony, who is studying for an International Artist Diploma with Absolution. ‘Despite the rain, a couple of us even got stuck in, went camping, and managed to catch a glimpse of acts including Phil Jupitus and Primal Scream. We got a very appreciative audience who seemed to warm to the different style of music we brought to the festival.’
It was a similar experience for Tempest postgraduate Holly. She said: ‘It was such a unique event to be part of, with a diverse range of music, art and culture. Portmeirion was the perfect setting for Festival No. 6 as we were surrounded by idyllic and inspiring scenery. The only problem was getting out of the extremely muddy car park at the end of the day, but luckily there was a tractor on hand to rescue us!’
Le Yu, who is also studying for an International Artist Diploma and participated in the RNCM’s November tour of China with third year percussionist Delia, added: ‘The Festival went really well and people enjoyed it. The venue was just stunning – such a great place to be.’
