A ST SWITHUN’S pupil has competed in the finals of a national piano competition.

Year 12 pupil Louisa Paterson competed at the National Coach House School Piano Competition on Saturday, March 5. She was invited to enter the competition by St Swithun’s music department after being the piano finalist in last year’s school House Music Competition.

The final near Birmingham saw Louisa perform pieces by Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and Debussy.

The competition included a masterclass with eminent pianists as well as a performance element, with finalists from around the country. Due to her beautiful performance, Louisa was awarded a prize of the opportunity to perform at a recital at the Coach House Pianos studio in London.

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Headmistress, Jane Gandee, expressed her delight at Louisa's success, stating, “We are immensely proud of Louisa's achievements and thrilled that she was selected as a finalist in the national Coach House School Piano Competition. Her talent, dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all.”

Louisa, who started playing the piano and violin when she was just five years old, has recently gained her second piano diploma. Commenting on her selection, Louisa said, “I am very excited to have reached the final of the Coach House School Piano Competition.

“It was an honour to be representing my school, to have the opportunity to perform and to take part in the masterclass with renowned pianist Alasdair Beatson. It was a wonderful experience."

Louisa, also an accomplished violinist, currently leads the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and continues to pursue her passion for music.