Orchestral & Choral Concert

This year's Orchestral & Choral Concert which took place at 7pm on Wednesday 26 April 2023 opened with a rousing programme presented by Symphony Orchestra followed by a beautiful set of pieces from Schola Cantorum.

Chris Fish, Assistant Director of Music (Academic) commented that;

"Symphony Orchestra performed an exciting and ambitious programme. The world premiere of Year 13 student Tabitha's Mug Half Full was undoubtedly a highlight. The opening piece, the overture to Die Fledermaus, was played with energy, wit and panache and to close they rose to the considerable challenge of Elgar's Symphony No. 1. We are so proud of every member of the orchestra and marvel at the levels of musicianship they produce."

Jonathan Beatty, Assistant Director of Music, (Head of Performance), noted that;

"With the cathedral still resonating from the monumental symphonic opening to the concert, the Schola Cantorum drew their audience in on a much more intimate scale, confidently rising to the challenges of 8-part a cappella singing and responding to each other's every nuance with sensitivity and imagination."

During the interval a short presentation of a commemorative copy of the score of Tabitha's composition was made to officers of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers to mark the 50^th anniversary of its association with the school, after which the concert resumed with a performance from Chamber Orchestra and concluded with a performance by Chamber Choir.

Jo Doley, Head of Strings was delighted that 'Following a whirlwind of post-holiday rehearsals and practice performances, it was suddenly Concert Day and Chamber Orchestra rose to the occasion with their usual mix of enthusiasm and attention to detail. The Vaughan Williams oboe concerto, featuring our wonderful Year 13 student Emily, was quite simply the most beautiful of performances. Using the acoustic superbly, Emily was stunning. Rounding off Chamber Orchestra's contribution was a performance of A Moorside Suite by Holst, delivered with spirit, intensity and excitement in equal measure.'

Chris Dearmer, Director of Music, explained that he was;

"absolutely delighted with last night's concert, and so incredibly proud of everyone who contributed. There was music-making of the very highest calibre from all groups. Rutter's Gloria proved a spectacular end to the concert: a firework display in musical form."

The entire performance exuded energy, joy, and animation at every turn; an awe-inspiring beginning to the Trinity term.