by Chinta An-Nissa Binti Yuswandi
In August 2025, I had the chance to go on a truly memorable musical journey, from the lively city of Kuala Lumpur to the peaceful, historic town of Wells in Somerset, England. I was honoured to be part of the very first Gibden Scholars Music Summer Camp, hosted at Wells Cathedral School, a place well known for its strong music tradition and inspiring environment and at the Royal College of Music, London.
Over the camp, I immersed myself in rehearsals, competitions, performances, and countless learning moments. This diary is a recap of that incredible experience, capturing each day and the lessons I took home with me.
A Journey Through Sound and Self
Day 01: Departure and Anticipation
August 15 (Friday)
At 11:30 PM, I boarded Malaysia Airlines flight MH002 to London Heathrow. My seat was 20B, surrounded by people all heading off on their own adventures. The flight covered over 11,000 kilometres and as the plane took off into the night sky, I felt a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity. I couldn’t stop thinking about what was waiting for me on the other side, new experiences, new people, and the chance to grow not just as a musician, but as a person too.
Day 02: Hello, London!
August 16 (Saturday)
We landed in London around 5:30 AM and were welcomed by the crisp morning air. It was such a nice change from the heat back home! After grabbing our luggage, we headed straight to the Premier Inn Hotel at Heathrow Terminal 4. The hotel was modern, comfy, and honestly, just what we needed after a long overnight flight.
Once we had a bit of rest and some breakfast, we took the Underground to Paddington Station. The station was buzzing with life and full of charm. One of the highlights for me was visiting the Paddington Bear shop, such a cute little place! I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs. The whole experience felt like a warm and gentle welcome to British culture, and it made me even more excited for the days ahead.
Day 03: Arriving at Wells & First Rehearsals
August 17 (Sunday)
After breakfast, we hopped on a coach for a scenic two-hour ride to Wells Cathedral School. It was such a peaceful and beautiful drive through the English countryside. When we arrived, the camp staff gave us a warm welcome and served us a delicious lunch (which was much appreciated after the journey!). I was placed in Room 5 at Edward Boarding House, where I met my lovely roommates, Jolene and Isabella. They were super friendly and just as excited about the camp as I was. We clicked right away, especially over our shared love of music.
In the afternoon, we had our first orchestra rehearsal at Cedars Hall. The hall itself was amazing, the acoustics were incredible, and the energy in the room was buzzing. We dove straight into working on ensemble playing, dynamics, and musical interpretation.
After dinner, rehearsals continued until about 8:30pm and then we ended the night with a mini concert. The performances were seriously inspiring. Ms. Helen Lin played a beautiful piano solo, and there were some stunning ensemble pieces by Mr. Matthew Gibbon Whillier (double bass), Mr. Michael Bochmann and Mr Angus Gibbon (violins), and Ms. Madoka Maxwell (piano). They were all so expressive and technically brilliant.
Day 04: Technique, Performance, and Emotional Expression
August 18 (Monday)
After breakfast, my day began with a warm-up session led by Mr. Nicholas, focusing on vocal and singing exercises. Our orchestra rehearsal followed, where we refined phrasing and articulation.
After lunch, I practiced violin and piano with Isabella. We exchanged feedback and encouraged each other, deepening our musical connection. Later, I had a solo piano class with Mr. Kevin, who helped me prepare for my competition piece. His guidance on tempo control and emotional nuance was invaluable.
That evening, I performed “Memory” from Cats in front of Ms. Yulia Chaplina. The piece is emotionally complex, and I aimed to convey both its sorrow and hope. Though nervous, I felt a sense of calm as I played, and the applause afterward was deeply affirming.
The mini concert featured the Arensky Piano Trio and Rossini Duo, performed by Mr. Angus Gibbon, Mr. Peter Adams, Ms. Madoka Maxwell, and Mr. Matthew Gibbon. Their ensemble work was seamless, and their interpretation was rich with character.
Day 05: Exploration and Strings Mastery
August 19 (Tuesday)
After our morning routine, we were given free time. Jolene and I explored the town of Wells, visiting local shops and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The town’s medieval architecture and friendly locals made the experience memorable.
In the afternoon, I attended a solo strings class with Mr. Matthew, who focused on bowing technique, vibrato control, and musical storytelling. His feedback was precise and encouraging, helping me refine my performance.
The evening concert featured Russian piano repertoire by Yulia Chaplina and the Franck Sonata by Michael Bochmann. Their performances were emotionally charged and technically masterful, leaving a lasting impression.
Day 06: Mozart and Dual Instruction
August 20 (Wednesday)
After breakfast, I started my day with line dancing warm-ups led by Mr. Nicholas and Ms. Reese. It was a fun way to shake off the sleep and get moving! After lunch, I went to town with Clara (my new bestie) enjoying a brief break before diving into Mozart Concerto rehearsals with the orchestra. The complexity of Mozart’s compositions challenged us to listen deeply and respond intuitively. I had solo piano lessons with Mr. Kevin and Ms. Madoka, each offering unique perspectives. Mr. Kevin emphasized structure and clarity, while Ms. Madoka focused on tone color and emotional depth.
Later in the evening, my friends and I went to check out Wells Cathedral with Ms. Reese. It was mind blowing to find out that the cathedral was built all the way back in the 14th century. Hard to believe something that old is still standing and looking that amazing!
At night, the mini concert featured Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 by Ms. Helen Lin, and Per Questa Bella Mano, performed by a talented ensemble including Mr. Nicholas Warden, Mr. Matthew Gibbon Whillier, and others. The performance was a masterclass in ensemble coordination and musical storytelling.
Day 07: Euroasia Strings Competition
August 21 (Thursday)
With a focused mindset, I prepared for the Euroasia Strings Competition, accompanied by Ms. Angel Lee from Malaysia. I was the first to perform, and although the pressure was immense, I remained composed and delivered my piece with conviction.
After lunch, I had another solo piano class with Mr. Kevin to prepare for the next day’s competition. The evening concert featured Cello Suite No. 5 by Peter Adams and Sonata in G Minor by Michael Bochmann, both performances were deeply moving and technically superb.
Day 08: Euroasia Piano Competition and Triumph
August 22 (Friday)
The morning was dedicated to final preparations for the Euroasia Piano Competition, where I was again the first to perform in my age category (Ages 11–12 Division). I gave my best effort and felt proud of my performance.
At night, we performed a La La Land piece as a group in the mini concert. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of competition results: I won Gold in Strings and Silver in Piano. The joy and pride I felt were indescribable. Winning Gold meant I would advance to the Finals Round in Malaysia in December 2025, a thrilling prospect.
Day 09: Final Rehearsals and Farewell
August 23 (Saturday)
The day was filled with final rehearsals and a student-led orchestra concert. We performed several pieces together, showcasing the progress we had made throughout the week. After the concert, we returned to the hostel for a small farewell part. It’s such an emotional evening filled with laughter, gratitude, and heartfelt goodbyes. I really had a great and memorable time at Wells Cathedral School. You will be missed.
Day 10: Welcome to Royal College of Music, London
August 24 (Sunday)
We departed early in the morning for the Royal College of Music, a dream destination for any aspiring musician. Upon arrival, we rehearsed and participated in chamber music and solo performances. I also had the opportunity to visit the Royal College Music Museum, which housed rare instruments and historical artifacts that deepened my appreciation for music’s legacy.
That evening, during the Grand Finale Concert at the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall in the Royal College of Music, London, I had the incredible opportunity to perform my solo piece, Allegro (final movement) from Sonata No. 3 in C. Standing in front of the audiences and my parents, was definitely nervous at first, but once I started playing, a sense of calm and confidence took over. As the music flowed, I felt this huge wave of pride. I was really doing it! The applause from the audience meant the world to me. It was such an unforgettable moment, standing on that beautiful stage, sharing my music in such a prestigious venue.
The concert wasn’t just a performance, it was the perfect grand finale to an amazing journey I’ll never forget. One, I’ll carry with me for a long, long time. Oh! No… that night, I made my Mom’s tears drop.
Day 11: Final Day in London
August 25 (Monday)
After a restful night at the hotel, I woke up later than usual, but with good reason. The comfort of the hotel bed and the excitement of the day ahead made it easy to linger. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, I set off toward the City of Westminster, the historic and political centre of London. It was the moment we laid eyes on Big Ben and the London Eye. I hopped onto one of London’s famous red Hop-on Hop-off buses. It was a fun way to see the city from a different angle. The bus looped around major sights, and we passed by Victoria Place, a lively shopping centre filled with people and color. The ride was breezy and relaxing, a perfect break from walking. I got off the bus and continued exploring on foot. London’s streets are full of surprises, we found a Hard Rock store. We entered and grabbed some souvenirs, jackets, caps and limited edition drumsticks for my brother.
I returned to the hotel for a short rest. I lay back on the bed, reflecting on the day and the entire trip. London has given us so much history, culture, laughter, and memories. At 5:30 PM, our airport taxi arrived. We packed up, checked in our luggage, and made our way to the airport lounge. Dinner in the airport lounge was quiet and reflective. We talked about our favourite parts of the trip, shared laughs, and prepared ourselves for the journey home. We boarded the Malaysia Airlines (MH 001) at 9.00 PM. As I settled into my seat, I looked out the window one last time. Goodbye, London. You’ve been magical. See you next year.
Day 12: Home Sweet Home, Malaysia
August 25 (Monday)
After 13 hours in the air, the plane finally touched down at 5:30 PM at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1). The familiar warmth and humidity of Malaysia greeted us as we stepped off the aircraft. It felt good to be home. We had collected our luggage and met our driver, who was waiting to take us back to Shah Alam, Selangor. The ride home was quiet, with everyone a little tired but content. As we pulled into our driveway, I realized how much I had missed the comfort of home, even though London had been magical.
A note of Gratitude
I extend my deepest appreciation to Gibden Education for their unwavering commitment to nurturing musical talent through world class education and transformative music camps. The dedication to guiding young musicians is truly inspiring. From the masterclasses to the ensemble sessions and performances, each day was filled with learning, inspiration, and joy. Your efforts have made a lasting impact on all of us.
To Euroasia Association of Performing Arts Malaysia, thank you so much for being a beacon of excellence in music education across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Your inclusive competitions, masterclasses, and outreach programs have opened doors for thousands of aspiring young musicians making music accessible and meaningful across communities.
To all music tutor, I am truly thankful for your guidance, encouragement, and dedication. Your passion for teaching and music was evident in every lesson, and I’ve learned so much, not just technically, but also in how to express myself through music. Your mentorship will continue to inspire me as I move forward.
To all the wonderful friends I met during this camp, thank you for sharing your music, your stories, and your laughter. The bonds we formed over rehearsals, meals, and spontaneous jam sessions made this experience unforgettable. I will always treasure the memories we created together. This camp was more than just an opportunity to grow musically, it was a journey of connection, discovery, and joy. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and inspiration, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future.
To Ms Angel, Sis Gabie, Abang Tristan, Sis Zhi Hsuan, Kakak Maya, Sis Dolphin and Sis Livia. Thank you for being there for me. Your support, kindness, and encouragement have meant more than words can express. Whether it was a helping hand, a listening ear, or just your presence when I needed it most, you made a difference. I’m truly grateful to have you in my corner. You’ve helped me grow, stay grounded, and keep going. Thank you for being exactly who you are.
Last but certainly not least, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the people who have been with me every step of the way. To my father, Encik Yuswandi, my mother, Puan Zazlina and my dear brother, Amsyar Eusoff, your endless support, encouragement and love have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. Every note I played, every step I took, was powered by your belief in me. I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for being my strength, my cheerleaders and my safe place.
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