PalMusic Scholar, Marc Kawwas
PalMusic not only supports music tuition at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) in Palestine, but we also open possibilities for young Palestinian musicians to study in the UK, through our bursary scheme. Scholarships are vital, enabling exceptionally talented young Palestinian musicians to achieve their potential. Study at this level is not available in Palestine. We remove financial barriers and provide connections and performance opportunities to scholars, many of whom have become significant Palestinian artists on the international scene.
Marc Kawwas, our current student from Bethlehem, is an exceptional pianist and is entering his final year at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester.
Marc’s hard work and talent is reflected in his school report for 2023-24, which includes comments such as:
‘Marc has made excellent progress this year. He has shown dedication, determination and enthusiasm and sets himself challenges that are demanding in the learning of new repertoire.’
‘Marc has developed a big sound and is looking forward to playing virtuosic repertoire.’
‘A truly wonderful year for Marc with excellent progress and many notable performances.’
Marc’s achievements in the last year include:
BBC Young Musician of the Year finals
EPTA-UK National Piano Competition (distinction)
Chetham’s Concerto Competition finals
Finalist of the Chetham’s Chopin and Beethoven competitions
Through to the Windsor and Maidenhead concerto competition finals in October 2024, playing a movement from the Khachaturian Piano Concerto. Hear him playing it in the Chetham’s Concerto Competition: https://youtu.be/m7rIdSDsMPI?si=FzoROKzs9_eQn2qD
Marc has also performed on numerous occasions in 2023-24 at Chetham’s Stollar Hall and Carole Nash Hall, and at Manchester cathedral. He has also performed Beethoven's 3rd Concerto with the Endcliffe orchestra in Sheffield and has been invited to return to perform Gershwin's Piano concerto in July 2025. Listen to his Sheffield performance here: https://youtu.be/QdBTy88m_Gc?si=N4UjglPJez7qpncb.
If you would like to hear Marc perform, he will be playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 3 with the St Paul’s Sinfonia at our 10th Anniversary Concert at Southwark Cathedral, London, on Thursday 14 November. Tickets here: 10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL - NEW DATE, 14 NOVEMBER 2024 - Palmusic.
We’re currently fundraising to support Marc’s travel and living expenses and for music, competition entries etc for 2024-25, with a target of £7,000. If you would like to contribute towards this initiative, please contact sal@palmusic.org.uk.