Writes Samuel Hill, Music Administrator
In front of a full hall of parents and boys, the Lower School Concert took place on Wednesday afternoon. After a welcome and introduction from the Head of the Lower School, Mr Manley, the concert began with two lively numbers from Wind Band under the direction of Miss Martin. First, we heard Offenbach’s Galop from Orpheus in the Underworld, and then the theme from the modern classic Wallace and Gromit.
It was wonderful that, in addition to a number of ensemble performances, we welcomed no fewer than eleven soloists to perform in front of their friends and families. Pianist Sebastian S. (4ths) took to the stage first, with an evocative performance of Glière’s Equisse in D. This was followed by the stately Allemande from James Gibbs’ violin Sonata in D minor, performed by Viyan V. (4ths). We then returned to the world of film music with Leo M’s (U3rds) rendition of the Raiders’ March from Indiana Jones on the clarinet. It was then the turn of Music Exhibitioner Josh S. (4ths), who performed the masterful Allegretto from Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata. We then welcomed the first of two solo singers, Henry I. (3rds), who drew the audience in with his rendition of the song Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables. It was then a delight to hear Adam K. (4ths) perform Bach’s Prelude in D minor on the organ.
Under the baton of Mr Crawford, the Sinfonia performed two dances from Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite, first the melancholic Pavane and then the lively Basse-Danse. Having been joined by Mr Tonks on cajón and Miss Martin on maracas, the Sinfonia then performed Piazzolla’s lively Libertango. Alexander B.-T. (4ths), another new Music Exhibitioner, then gave a captivating performance of another song from Les Misérables, On My Own. Aiden W. (3rds) played next, giving an assured performance of Mollenhauer’s The Boy Paganini on the violin. We were then transported to a celestial sphere by Vihaan R.’s (3rds) rendition of Nevada’s Starry Dance followed by an uplifting performance of the theme from Wallace and Gromit by Albie L. (3rds), both on the piano. Our last soloist was Ethan D. (4ths), who gave a dazzling performance of Johow’s lively Lomir Tanzn.
To close the concert, the entire Third Form took to the stage for their much-anticipated performance. To begin, they performed a toe-tapping arrangement of the African-American Spiritual. Joshua fit the Battle of Jericho, raising the roof with their energetic singing. This was swiftly followed by an equally ebullient performance of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, complete with audience participation in the final chorus, which was a thrilling end to a wonderful afternoon of music-making.
