Stunning Gala Concert Marks Chapel Centenary in Style

Music at Oakham took centre stage as more than 120 pupils from Form 1 to Form 7 delivered a breath-taking Gala Concert in a specially transformed Chapel to mark its centenary. A packed audience enjoyed an evening of exceptional performances from five of our ensembles, each showcasing the remarkable depth and diversity of music at Oakham.

The Symphony Orchestra opened the concert with a vibrant performance of Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, conducted by Director of Music John Mountford, capturing the colour and energy of the famous score.   The programme continued as the Symphony Orchestra accompanied soloist Lizzie W in a virtuosic performance of Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, delivering a technically demanding work with confidence and flair.

The Chamber Orchestra followed with Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals, conducted by Toby White and performed on two pianos by Form 7 musicians Tomas D, Natalie D, Annie J and Grace L, who seamlessly rotated throughout the piece.  Notable mention also goes to cellist Isabelle W for the Swan and xylophonist Abigail S for Fossils.

After the interval, the Chapel Choir performed Jonathan Dove’s Missa Brevis, filling the Chapel with rich choral textures. The Concert Band, led by Steve Foster, followed with a spirited rendition of John Powell’s score from How to Train Your Dragon, before moving into Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and a tribute to Ennio Morricone in Moment for Morricone. The Chapel Choir joined the ensemble for this cinematic medley, capturing the sweeping melodies of classic westerns including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West.

For the grand finale, the Chapel Choir and Lower School Choir united for Alexander L’Estrange’s Zadok Rules – Halleluiah!, bringing the evening to a joyful and triumphant close with trumpets, timpani and organ adding to the sense of occasion.

Reflecting on the evening, Director of Music John Mountford said:
“It has been great to bring together five of our ensembles for this musical feast, with some of our pupils performing across different groups as singers and players of multiple instruments. I would like to give special recognition to our five soloists, whose contributions to music at Oakham over the years have been truly outstanding.”

I would like to give special recognition to our five soloists, whose contributions to music at Oakham over the years have been truly outstanding.

The Gala Concert was a fitting tribute to the Chapel’s centenary year and a shining example of the talent, dedication and joy that music brings to the Oakham community.

Watch our Music video to see how Oakham School provides opportunities for pupils of all ages to shine.