Imperial War Museum
Western Front Violin
The Imperial War Museum in London hosted a special evening of World War I songs, cinema and readings to commemorate the night before the epic Battle of the Somme. Stephanie was given the honour of playing the closing piece on the museum’s Western Front Violin, made following the war from trees growing near the battlefields. She played Apre un Reve, Op 7 by Gariel Faure to an appreciative crowd just before midnight.
For the past several years, Stephanie has played with her favourite accompanist, Kumi Matsuo. Kumi was born in Tokyo, Japan and is winner of the 5th Louisiana International Piano Competition in 2013. She has also won Second Prize at the 75th Music Competition of Japan in 2006, Third Prize at the 22nd Ferrol International Piano Competition in 2008 and First Prize at the 6th Isidor Bajic International Piano Competition in 2012.
Stephanie is passionate about sharing music with young people and often goes to schools to help educate and inspire the students about music.
Godstowe School, May 2016
Music Outreach in Southern France
Outreach in the South of France
Stephanie and cellist Jonathan Bloxham visited a primary school in the south of France to deliver a musical outreach program. The children learned about musical rhythm and the ranges of the various instruments. With just a short visit they sparked an entire group of children to better appreciate classical music. And many of them went home and said, “I want to play the violin!”
Godstowe School, England May 2016
Stephanie’s very first piano teacher, Amira Faoud, teaches music at Godstowe School in England and following the BBC String Finals invited Stephanie to give a recital. The music hall was packed with excited young girls who had all watched the videos of the BBC String Final. Following a 45 minute recital and Q&A from the girls, they all crowded round for autographs. As one little girl said on her way out, “I want to play like Stephanie!”