Our magnificent Chapel was the perfect setting for our Easter Concert on Wednesday 22 March 2017. In the first half, some of the school's many ensembles were showcased, including the School Orchestra, Flute Groups, Recorder Consort, String Group, Wind Band and Swing Band. They all gave very polished performances and sounded particularly good in the Chapel's wonderful acoustic. The School Orchestra made a very impressive sound as it performed Walton's Crown Imperial, while some of the smaller groups showed off the characters of their instruments, in particular the Flute Quartet who played the technically difficult and sparkling 'Hedwig's Fantasy'. The combined String Group and Wind Band arrangement of the Pink Panther theme was great fun with an excellent solo saxophone performance by Hannah (11 Alpha). This part of the concert came to a rousing and toe-tapping close with a medley of tunes from My Fair Lady played by the Swing Band.
While the audience was enjoying refreshments in the Refectory, kindly provided by the Friends of Farnborough Hill, seating was rearranged ready for the second half of the concert. This was a performance of Fauré's sublime Requiem sung by a massed choir made up of singers from all the school choirs (Year 7 Choir, Junior Choir, Senior Choir) together with members of staff, parents and friends who had been rehearsing on Wednesday evenings in the months leading up to the concert. This spectacular choir was accompanied by a professional orchestra and this, combined with the setting, resulted in a very high standard of performance and one which the girls taking part will never forget. The baritone solo was sung by Angus McPhee whose deep and mellow voice filled the Chapel and our own Beth (13PEN) sang the soprano solo flawlessly. Her beautiful Pie Jesu was ethereal and moving.
Well done to all who were involved in this very special event and thank you especially to the Music Department for all their hard work.