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Modern Languages Sixth Form Poetry Evening

On Wednesday, 5th March in the Cricket Pavilion, the Department of Modern Languages held a Sixth Form Poetry Evening during which Sixth Form modern linguists recited at least one foreign poem. French, Spanish, German and Russian were all represented and students had invested considerable time and effort into their recitals and often into their research. Perhaps the most gratifying part of the evening was that many students explained why they had chosen a particular poem and what it meant to them. The result was a very high standard of performance, with Prévert, Lorca and Heine among those poets represented.

The evening started with a stunning performance from Owen Franklin who chose to interpret Enrique Iglesias' 'Héroe'. The song was a superb, rousing way to start and it set the standard for the rest of the evening.

Heads of Languages had the unenviable task of selecting winners. The overall winner, chosen for pronunciation and conviction of delivery, was Lauren Vassiliades who recited poems in both French and Spanish. Owen Franklin also won a prize for his opening song. Other subject winners were Tansy Duncan, Olivia Robinson, Ilja Solomatins and Anastasia Goncharova.

Aside from the linguistic benefits of memorising poetry (pronunciation practice and widening of cultural knowledge), staff were delighted to see how the students all encouraged and supported each other as they took turns to participate. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, described as 'very professional' and even 'life affirming' by attendees. Let's hope that it has encouraged some of the participants to pursue and develop an ongoing appreciation for foreign poetry.

17 March 2008