The accomplishments of young pianists at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy were showcased at a recital which marked the debut of the school’s new grand piano.

The programme opened with Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words, played by sixth form student Maddy Staten, who has achieved Grade 7 and is working towards Grade 8.

Alice Tulissio, who is in Year 7, and is already aiming for Grade 5, played Allemande in A Minor, by Handel.

Year 9 student Ben Pope, who has Grade 5, gave a lively rendition of Payphone by Maroon 5. Panny Frost, of the Lower Sixth, (aiming for Grade 7) performed Berceuse, by Frank Bridge.

Isabelle Dow (Year 9) who has just taken Grade 5, played the evocative Clouds by Pamela Wedgewood. In contrasting style, 21 Guns by Green Day, was played by Robbie Bean, of Year 9.

Lauren Baker, also Year 9, and soon to take Grade 1, gave a promising first performance with Moderato by Gedike. Max Bastow, Year 7, who has passed Grade 3 with distinction, performed Song of Twilight, by Yoshinao Nakada. Holly Gibbs, who will soon take Grade 4, played Elton John’s, Can You Feel the Love Tonight? Alex Harris (taking Grade 6) played Rondo Sonatina by Dussek. Mrunai Mane, who is in Year 7 and has gained Grade 6 with distinction, gave a splendid performance of Mozart’s Alla Turca Jazz, arranged by Fazil Say.

Adult musicians Sue McMullin (head of performing arts) and Jane Richmond, who teaches maths, played a delightful piano duet, Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No 2. The concert concluded with Felyx Wong, of Year 10, playing Chopin’s Nocturne op. 26 no. 2. Felyx has gained Grade 8 with distinction.