The Choral Concert on Saturday 23 April 2016 was a glorious celebration of all things British and was an apt reflection of the national mood on St George’s Day, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and a few days after the Queen’s 90th birthday. The Senior Choir, supplemented by staff, friends and family, had been rehearsing hard since February and in the first half they performed two ambitious, contemporary English works by Rutter and Chilcott, The former’s Gloria for choir, brass ensemble, percussion and organ, sounded stunning in the Chapel. Chilcott’s Jubilate was more contemplative and included a beautiful solo from Bethany (12PEN) accompanied by obbligato horn.
The mood changed in the second half with a performance of Rutter’s The Reluctant Dragon, a very light-hearted take on the story of St George and the Dragon with confident solo performances by Hannah (7B), Lauren and Lauren (both in 13MIL) and Catherine (11α). The patriotic theme continued with the audience and choir raising the roof to sing Proms favourites – Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and finally The National Anthem (arrangement by Britten) all accompanied by orchestra and organ.
Our annual choral concert provides our students with an exciting and memorable opportunity to sing challenging works accompanied by professional musicians in a beautiful place. It is also a very enjoyable experience for the audience and this year’s concert was no exception. Thank you to the performers and all those who helped to make the evening such a success. Particular thanks must go to our Music Department, Dr Taylor, Mr McSweeney and Miss Warwick, for their vision, incredible hard work and inspiration.