Two gifted Sixth Form musicians have won scholarships to study at two of the world’s top conservatoires. Mezzo-soprano Anna Muñoz has been offered a place at the Royal College of Music, while oboist Katherine Farnden will be heading to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She’s following in the footsteps of her older brother Andrew (OK 14), who is in his third year there, studying clarinet. Both girls plan to take up their places after A Levels this summer.

Anna, a former Oundle Young Singer of the Year, has been taking singing lessons in school since joining Kimbolton Prep in Year 4. Last year she achieved a coveted Grade 7 Distinction in her ABRSM singing examination; she also plays the piano (Grade 5) and acoustic guitar. The hours of practice required to develop her voice and instrumental skills are fitted around A Level studies in Music, English Literature, and Drama & Theatre Studies. She said: “I’ve always loved music and the performance opportunities at school have really helped me to grow in confidence. I’m looking forward to continuing my vocal training at the Royal College, and hope to specialise in opera.”

Katherine, meanwhile, is taking A Levels in Art & Design (Photography), Music, and English Language & Literature. A multi-talented musician, she has already notched up a Grade 8 Distinction in Oboe, Grade 7 Distinction in Singing, and Grade 7 Merit in Piano – as well as playing the electric guitar and drums for fun! Like Anna, she plays an active role in our many ensembles, including the School Orchestra, Senior Choir, and Chamber Choir. 

Kimbolton School Director of Music Mr David Gibbs said: "Kimbolton has a strong reputation for nurturing and promoting a variety of musical talent, through individual lessons, instrumental ensembles and choirs.  Both Anna and Katherine are dedicated students, spending many hours perfecting their musical technique. These scholarships are richly deserved and I look forward to seeing their future successes as professional performers.”

Katherine and Anna will perform with the School Choir and singers from the wider Kimbolton community, accompanied by a professional orchestra, in Kimbolton School’s annual Choral Concert on 19 March 2017. The programme will feature Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto with Katherine as soloist, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, Finzi’s Lo, the full, final sacrifice and the Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein.  (Tickets will be available nearer the time from www.ticketsource.co.uk/kimbolton).