From watching the first episode last night I have very mixed feelings. This is partly because there was so much good and so much potential.
I always expect to be incredibly impressed by the musical ability of the young musicians, but what I was totally blown away how they spoke on camera about themselves and music. Mature, engaging, and captivating, each brought something unique and it felt like they had a clear sense of what they wanted from their performance that was something greater than winning a competition. As well as making for a great programme and potentially great content, if these musicians are our future we’re in good hands.
The programme also saw the TV presenting debut of 24-year-old Anna Lapwood, the organist, conductor and initiator of #playlikeagirl. Anna’s best moments came during interviews and discussions where there was license to go off script and gave opportunity for her genuine passion of the music to come through. If you’ve seen any of Anna’s posts on social media you’ll know about #playlikeagirl, as well as the more light-hearted but equally engaging toilet roll challenges during lockdown. For me, letting Anna have more freedom can only be a good thing.
