At Prestfelde, we believe curiosity is where learning begins, and what better way to spark it than through the magic of live music?
We were thrilled to welcome Duo b!z’art, the acclaimed piano duo André Roe and Geoffrey Baptiste, to Prestfelde in collaboration with the Shropshire Music Trust. Fresh from Switzerland, the Belgian musicians brought their unique blend of music, storytelling and performance to our pupils, creating a memorable and engaging introduction to the world of classical music.
Founded in 2004 after André and Geoffrey met while studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels, Duo b!z’art have built an international reputation for their imaginative performances. Performing on one or two pianos, they combine the precision and skill of two highly accomplished musicians with a real sense of fun and theatricality. Their concerts often bring together music, storytelling and visual elements, creating an experience that is as much about imagination and discovery as it is about listening.
Their visit to Prestfelde was no ordinary concert. Through a collection of fairy tales and stories, the duo introduced our pupils to composers, musical styles and sounds that many of them may never have encountered before. The children were encouraged to listen closely, respond to what they heard and allow the music to transport them into different worlds.
We were also delighted to welcome our friends from Mereside C of E Primary School and St Giles’ Primary School, who joined us for a second performance. It was lovely to share the experience with pupils from our local community and give even more children the opportunity to enjoy live music performed by such accomplished musicians.
For our pupils, the visit offered much more than an introduction to new music. It encouraged them to be curious, to ask questions, to listen in a different way and to discover something unexpected. Experiences such as these can open doors to new interests and passions, showing children that learning can happen in all sorts of ways and that there is always something new to explore.
A huge thank you to Duo b!z’art and to Shropshire Music Trust for bringing this wonderful musical experience to Prestfelde, and to Mereside and St Giles’ for joining us.
