The holidays may be coming but we have enjoyed a fabulously busy Half Term of music-making to get us there.
In the first week back at the beginning of November, our Music Scholars treated us to two beautiful Recitals featuring music including Concertos by Kabalevsky and Mendelssohn, piano music by Chopin and Mendelssohn; as well as pieces by Bach, Godard and Pablo De Sarasate. Students in Year 8 and 9 were given the opportunity to perform in a lunchtime concert of eclectic musical choices including Burgmüller and Boulanger; coupled with songs from Moana and the Ghost musical. Later that week we were glad to be able to participate in the wonderful Celebration of Words Event in aid of Ibba Girls’ School. During the evening some of our chamber groups performed, including a Spanish Dance by Granados for guitar and cello as well a lovely arrangement of The Water of Tyne for vocal trio.
A vital aspect of learning to be a performer is listening to other performers and trips to major concert halls provide wonderful opportunities to hear great music. A group of students joined us at the Royal Festival Hall to hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform Brahms Symphony No. 4 and the 1st Piano Concerto by Tchaikovsky.
Our programme of instrument spotlight concerts commenced in November with the flautists and singers presenting in their own concerts, held in our Music Hall. These concerts provide the opportunity for all students learning specific instruments to perform in an informal recital and develop the skills and the art of performing.
The orchestras and choirs presented brilliant performances in our major winter concert on 2nd December, featuring music by Shostakovich, Grieg, Fauré and Chilcott. One of the choirs also performed a remarkable work featuring texts written by the Bronte sisters. On 8th December all of our small ensembles were provided the opportunity to present their term’s work in the second of our Winter Concerts, the Ensembles Concert. Making their debut during this concert was the Harp Ensemble.
The forthcoming period of rest is well-deserved for our dedicated musicians, returning in January for more concerts, including our annual Gala Concert, this year taking place in Southwark Cathedral.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Scott R McCall
Director of Music
