Our Autumn series of major November concerts continued on Friday 12 November as we welcomed more ‘Ensembles in Concert’ in the School Chapel.
The Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra and Big Band took their turn in the spotlight, alongside six selected solo performers who had recently given excellent performances in lunchtime recitals or informal concerts.
The concert opened with vigorous music-making from the Wind Band, playing Sparke’s Infinity and Beyond under the direction of Miss Wardell. A sequence of four senior soloists then entertained our large audience, who enjoyed Ethan’s passionate ‘cello playing, Eliza’s dramatic Handel aria, Samantha’s sensitive Schumann on the piano, and Archie’s heroic and lyrical trombone playing.
The Chamber Orchestra were on fine form under the director of Assistant Director of Music, Mr Williams. They presented contrasting movements from two great works for string orchestra – Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Warlock’s Capriol Suite – with principal cellist Findlay also giving an expressive solo performance of a Bach Sarabande.
The popular Big Band took to the stage for the second half of the concert, thrilling the audience with a sequence of six contrasting jazz pieces. As well as tight ensemble playing under the director of Mr Foster, it was good to hear some terrific solos from within the band, as well as a chance to hear Poppy perform vocal solo from Frozen midway through their set.
Many congratulations to all the performers for another brilliant concert in Chapel, a recording of which can now be viewed online here.
