Alessandra Vinciguerra writes:

“I would like to report about the sojourn of the small contingent from the Curtis Institute, Philadelphia. The experience has been totally positive and thrilling. The group arrived on May 17th and left on June 2nd. During these days a total of 6 students came here: a string quartet, the Vertigo Quartet, who stayed throughout the 2 weeks; then a pianist for the first few days, and a baritone for about 10 days. Two members of the Faculty accompanied the students: Dean Bob Fitzpatrick for the first 10 days, and the Head of the Voice Dept, Mikael Eliassen, for about a week. Finally Roberto Diaz, the new president (from June 1st), came for only one day and gave a masterclass on the Viola Concerto, attended by a student from the Fiesole School (who appreciated it so much that she asked if she could attend more masterclasses by him!). The Curtis students performed in 6 concerts, 3 each weekend, with a very rich program (they never repeated a piece). The quality of the performances was really amazing, and the public was so enthusiastic that we had a full house for every concert. At the end of the last concert the baritone sang a serenade, a love song, in honour of Lady Walton to thank her for the hospitality!”

The Trust is delighted to be supporting the RNCM Manchester International Cello Festival from 2nd to 6th May 2007. The ninth RNCM Manchester International Cello Festival has as its theme British music. Major cellists from around the world will be taking part. The Festival's most prestigious concert will be given at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 5th May 2007 by the BBC Philharmonic with their principal conductor, Gianandrea Noseda and will highlight the Walton Cello Concerto performed by Yo-Yo Ma.

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has inaugurated a Walton Fellowship in 2006, worth £5,000 a year to a postgraduate student to study Walton, and perform his works. This Fellowship will be jointly funded by the Trust and the RWCMD. We are delighted to announce that the first Fellow is Matthew Jones.

La Mortella was been awarded the “Il Parco piu Bello d'Italia” prize by Rama Motori, the subsidiary of Briggs & Stratton manufacturers, which was presented on 3rd July 2004 at La Mortella. A bronze plaque was presented at a ceremony at La Mortella, followed by a short concert and lunch.