The Christmas Concerts at the close of last week showcased the sheer delight and hard work in music making enjoyed by the full range of our school ensembles.
The first concert focused on the choirs and bands, opening with the whole of the First Year singing ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Power In Me’, supported by a student ensemble, before continuing the choral theme with an enthusiastic and accomplished performance from the Abingdon Academicals. The Clarinet Ensemble followed, tackling a mix of ambitious and light repertoire with Mahler and excerpts from West Side Story respectively. The percussion ensemble regaled the audience with an upbeat and festive arrangement of Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’. Lower School Band also impressed with well put together performances of ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Hawaii 5-0’. The concert closed with the larger bands. Concert band performed a number of marches and a festive arrangement of Christmas tunes before Jazz Band, a newly formed ensemble for junior jazz musicians directed by Dr Preece, performed C Jam Blues and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The concert was rounded off by Big Band whose set showcased a number of impressive soloists and a range of traditional and modern jazz repertoire.
Friday’s concert focused entirely on the school’s orchestras. The programme opened with Chamber Orchestra performing a number of dances and Philip Herbert’s stunning Elegy (In Memoriam Stephen Laurence). Sinfonia followed with a lively set culminating in Strauss’ Radetzky March which saw the audience clapping along to the music under the capable direction of Mr Popplewell. The second half of the concert was dedicated to Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony under the direction of Mr Stafford. Written during a particularly fruitful period in Dvořák’s career, the symphony reflects his deep connection to the Bohemian countryside and folk traditions of his homeland. This symphony is more pastoral and intimate in tone, infused with a sense of optimism and natural beauty. It was premiered in Prague on February 2, 1890, under Dvořák’s own baton, and its varied themes and challenging woodwind and brass solos gave Symphony Orchestra plenty to get stuck into.
Our thanks must go to the visiting music teachers, ensemble leaders, music staff and parents who have dedicated time to preparing and supporting these performances. The high level of musicianship across the board simply would not be possible without their support.
View the concert recordings here:
Christmas Concert 1 Christmas Concert 2
