Feedback

Dear Olena and Richard,

Thanks once again for all the work you put into making Encore 2025 such an enjoyable, engaging and rich experience for the young musicians. It must be an incredible amount of work — we don’t know how you do it, but, as parents, we really appreciate it!

This is Hannah’s third year now and honestly the first thing she said when she got in the car was — I can’t wait until next year!!

It is Hannah’s first year at Wells and she loved the campus and the city. The practice rooms at Vicars’ Close and elsewhere on campus worked very well for her. The closeness to town allowed Hannah and her friends to go for the occasional quick coffee too, which was good.

She thought the master classes were a great idea and loved the teachers’ concerts — so inspiring. She enjoyed all the ensembles and loved ending her lessons with the choir.

Lastly, thanks to all your teachers — they are all incredible and have played a big part in Hannah’s development as a musician.

I would like to sincerely thank you for the two amazing weeks filled with music, friendship, practice, and fun. I truly loved my stay in Wells, which is a beautiful city. All the lessons were very interesting, and I really enjoyed taking part in the orchestra, violin ensemble, and choir. I was able to practice a lot in a motivating environment, with lovely buildings and practice rooms. I also really enjoyed the teachers’ concerts. As a non-English speaker, it was a bit stressful at times, but all the teachers and students were very understanding and helpful.

Dear Olena,

I want to thank you and the team for the wonderful two weeks Ariel had. He really blossomed, both musically and socially!

The concert tonight was a fantastic experience.

I want to sincerely thank you for your help from the very beginning of our process of registering Louis for your program; it was a wonderful first experience away from home, in an English-speaking country!

Dear Olena,

You are truly incredible in organization.

Thank you for the speed of your answers and your effectiveness.

Thank you for this great experience at Encore this summer. It is said that happiness in life is made up of small moments.

These have been memorable moments filled with musical growth, fun, new friendships, reunions with the old ones, and — above all — moments of happiness. After all, what is life about if not that?

Thank you for making this possible and for the care you’ve shown us. I hope we stay in touch throughout the year, and we look forward to meeting again very soon. A big hug to all the “Encorers” from Catalonia.

Thank you for a special music program and an exceptional concert last evening. I truly enjoyed hearing many of the students’ performances — an amazing group of highly skilled young musicians.

A massive thank you from our family. This is what Valentina needed exactly; no other course has focused on the performer in her as Encore did! She loved immersing herself in music. She enjoyed having the small number of people in her room and trying for the first time the independence and responsibility to wake up on time, practice as much as she could, whilst doing it all solo. I do think 12 yrs old is the minimum age for this type of course that is boarding due to its long days packed with classes, practices, etc. Valentina enjoyed it and managed well allowing her to culminate with a beautiful performance. Thank you, thank you! We can’t wait until next year!