Adjudicators for the 2023 Festival

Timothy Barratt — Piano

TIMOTHY BARRATT ARAM, GRSM, LRAM, ARCM – Piano – studied on a Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music, winning many major awards, and completed his studies with Vlado Perlemuter in Paris and Geoffrey Parsons.  He has enjoyed a career as soloist, accompanist and chamber music player throughout the UK and abroad for over thirty years and, in recognition of his work, was elected ARAM in 1996, an honour awarded to former students who have distinguished themselves in the profession. Teaching forms a major part of his musical life and he enjoys working with pupils of all ages and levels from beginner to post-graduate. He was Head of Keyboard at Dulwich College for almost 25 years whilst also teaching at the RAM and TCM and now pursues a busy freelance practice. Formerly a member of the examining, training and review panel for the ABRSM, he now acts as a Piano Syllabus Consultant. He regularly directs Masterclasses and Residential Courses for performers and teachers and is in demand as a Competition and Festival adjudicator.

Lorraine Deacon — Strings

 LORRAINE DEACON GRSM(Hons), LRAM – Strings – studied the ’cello with Douglas Cummings at the Royal Academy of Music and whilst there was awarded the Manson Prize for the Performance of Contemporary Music. She subsequently studied with David Smith of the Alberni Quartet.  Her performing career ranges from West End theatre to the Orchestra of Scottish Opera. Recordings range from the haunting cello solo on Katie Melua’s “Turn to Tell” to the string chamber works of David Osbon, and the Duruflé Requiem with the choir of Guildford Cathedral.  She is principal ’cellist with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and gives regular chamber music recitals in Berkshire.

Paul Harris — Winds & Concerto Class

 PAUL HARRIS FRAM HonTCL, GRSM, LRAM, ARCM, ARAM, MTC –  Winds and Concerto Class – is one of the UK’s most influential music educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches. He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (he has written over 600 books); and his inspirational masterclasses and workshops continue to influence thousands of young musicians and teachers all over the world in both the principles and practice of musical performance and education. 

Luise Horrocks — Choral & Vocal

LUISE HORROCKS MA (Oxon.), ARCM, PGCE, PGCA, Hon. TCL – Choral and Vocal.  After studies at Oxford University and the Royal College of Music, Luise’s career as a professional Soprano soloist took her throughout the UK, Europe, America and South Africa. She has held teaching positions in both the Junior and Senior departments of Birmingham Conservatoire and as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University. She runs an extensive private teaching practice and regularly gives masterclasses, choral workshops, presentations and teacher sessions both at home and abroad. She has recently been appointed as the singing teacher at Keble College, Oxford and has become a Vocal First Aider. She has also trained and conducted the Wyre Forest Young Voices Choir.