The Debut Teatime Concert

The result a teatime concert, of which last Friday’s was the first. The initiative also was intended to address the issue of small audiences at our informal concerts, which have hitherto taken place at 7.00pm or even 7.30pm in the evening. Whether through the attraction of cake or otherwise, the numbers were certainly higher, with around fifty five people present at the concert.

The preparation for so auspicious an event naturally began some weeks ago, though the all-important allocation of baking responsibilities was only decided in a recent meeting. Food aside, no self-respecting department would deign to hold such an event without due consideration to the visual appeal. Fine tablecloths were unearthed and ironed (though alas not starched), daffodils were arranged, and a pleasing array of baked goods was carefully assembled. Among the culinary contributions was a gloriously light double lemon cake, baked by Mrs Stubbs, and a rich and creamy Tarte aux Framboises from the cuisine of Mr Tonks. Mr Collins baked some lemon and rosemary shortbread, Mr Couldridge made some blueberry muffins, and Mr Hill baked some flapjack. Miss Martin made some double chocolate cookies, and Mr Tonks made some brownies. Tea arrived in an in enormous urn, before the unofficial Master i/c coffee prepared some cafetières. Shortly thereafter, some boys arrived, and though an unnamed music administrator was rather too lenient with the enforcement of FHB in relation to the brownies, there was still plenty of fare for the parents and teachers when they arrived shortly after.

The concert retained its informality, and though the several programme changes did not please everyone, it went quite smoothly. Opening with Percussion Ensemble, who played Stevie Wonder’s Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, we then heard successively the Guitar Ensemble and the Saxophone Ensemble. One of only two soloists, L Ho then played the second of Debussy’s Arabesques with great poise. Following this, the Recorder Consort arrived, or at least most did, for the ensemble was choreographed with the introduction of various members throughout the piece, including Mr Couldridge playing the tambourine. Following their success at the recent Merchant Taylors’ Hall concert, the Piano Trio played the first two movements of Telemann’s Sonata in D minor. This was followed by Taylors’ Funk Society who, though reduced in number, played Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing and Down by the riverside. The concert concluded with A Hastantram singing an aria from Handel’s Messiah, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion. This was accompanied by Mrs Stubbs and K Conti. Lasting around 50 minutes, the concert was a resounding success, and certainly a format to be repeated.

Last Friday’s concert comes before the much-anticipated Joint Schools’ Concert, A Celebration of English Music. The all-English programme features music by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Tippett, and Holst, and is performed by musicians from MTS, MTP, St Helen’s School Northwood, and St John’s School Northwood. Tickets can be purchased here: https://development.mtsn.org.uk/events