Two of the adjudicators at the 2022 Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival have spoken out about the quality of the performances they saw at the event earlier this month.

Andrea Calladine, who judged the vocal classes, and Ben Costello, who picked the winners of the instrumental classes, were both pleased with the level of competition at this year's festival.

Andrea said: "Over the last 18 months, Covid's vice-like grip created an arts wilderness with nowhere for performers to showcase their gifts during this time.

"As we emerge from this difficult period it is wonderful to be able to hear 'live music' once again through our festival movement. This was demonstrated with much aplomb at the recent Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival.

Isle of Wight County Press: Charlotte and Sarah Harris were among the winning singers. Charlotte and Sarah Harris were among the winning singers.

"I have adjudicated the vocal section at this festival over many years now and have always been impressed by the standard and quality of performance.

"There are a wide range of classes and age groups suited to the differing level of technical abilities of each performer, which enables them to display their vocal accomplishments at that moment in time.

"The school choir section of the festival is always a 'lively' occasion with many primary schools taking part.

"The excitement and anticipation is evident from the moment these young singers enter the church in readiness for their individual performances.

"Each school choir taking part this year were extremely well presented and rehearsed and knew the music thoroughly!

"Their animated facial expressions and beautiful singing drew the audience into their performance from the opening bars of each piece chosen. Queensgate Primary School Choir, (winners of the Newport Parish Council Challenge Shield) gave a very confident and musical delivery of two contrasting songs in their class.

"I'm sure that they will continue to grow and develop and (hopefully) return to sing at the festival next year!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Queensgate Foundation Primary School choir with their shield.Queensgate Foundation Primary School choir with their shield.

All the solo vocal classes offer a wide range of repertoire choices for the performer encompassing English Song, Lieder, French Melodie, Italian Song, Disney Song, TV Programme/Film Music, not forgetting Music Theatre and Rock and Pop Classes.

Andrea continued: "There were many excellent performances here in all of these classes (too numerous to mention!) but there was one particular performer who made an impact on all of those present, including me – and that lady was Sheila Strickland.

"Sheila has performed at the festival for over 40 years and has given many memorable performances. She continues to maintain a beautiful, vibrant vocal tone which has a 'bell-like' quality.

"Her performance of  Harold Arlen's Somewhere Over the Rainbow was magical, extremely expressive and emotive singing.

"To enable all these singers to perform to such high standards we must thank all the teachers whose hard work and  guidance lead them on their own musical journey.

"Also, a big thank you to the accompanists for their expertise and support, we did hear some lovely playing!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Caleb Zinnes was successful in the piano classes.Caleb Zinnes was successful in the piano classes.

Ben Costello, who judged the instrumental classes, is also a huge fan of the Island's festival.

He said: "Once again it was a huge pleasure to visit the Island to adjudicate the 2022 Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival. 

"It is to be commended that after such a difficult two years, the festival managed to return so healthily - and also ran successfully on-line in 2021. 

"Such an achievement was only possible through the dedication of the many festival volunteers, so it was fitting that the festival has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, and it was a pleasure for me to witness the formal presentation at the lovely Shanklin Theatre.   

"As with previous visits, I adjudicated performances of the highest calibre, ranging from rock and pop song classes, through to piano, brass, woodwind, strings, and organ, all in fine venues.   

"Organ classes are unfortunately something of a rarity on the festival circuit, so it was pleasing to hear some fine entries on the Island, in the beautiful All Saints' Church at Ryde, with its important Willis organ.   

"I look forward to visiting the Island again soon, and in the meantime wish all performers every success with their future musical endeavours. 

"The festival's importance in supporting and nurturing the artistic talents of these performers cannot be overestimated, and I hope that it continues to go from strength to strength."