Winter Concerts

The end of term brought a spectacular flourish of musical activity, showcasing the immense talent across the school.

In her first term as Director of Music, Miss Ellis conducted a busy schedule of Teatime Concerts, Scholars’ Recitals, a Rock and Pop Concert, evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, and ABRSM and Trinity Music exams… The final few weeks of term culminated in two outstanding winter concerts, celebrating our larger ensembles, Carol singing at our local Waterstones’ children’s literature festival, and a magical, festive Carol Service at Hampstead Parish Church.

The Lower School Winter Concert featured a wonderful selection of ensembles, with the programme spanning a range of styles, from the jazz standard It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It ‘Ain’t Got That Swing) and the 80’s hit Take on Me by A-ha, to festive cheer with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and the classical elegance of W.A. Mozart’s Divertimento in D major K136: Andante and Presto. The evening culminated in a combined performance by the Year 7 Choir and Sinfonia of Somewhere in My Memory, sending everyone home in high spirits.

Just two evenings later, the Upper School Winter Concert featured an equally diverse repertoire, ranging from the cinematic sweep of How to Train your Dragon and the iconic Hawaii Five-O theme, to the choral beauty of F. Schubert’s Der 23. Psalm and Edward Elgar’s The Snow. This concert also showcased two of our talented Sixth Form Music Scholars as soloists; Carolina expertly performed Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra by Vaughan Williams, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra, and Mimi performed musical theatre classics accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra: Cabaret, There are Worse Things I Could Do, and Don’t Rain on My Parade.

Throughout both concerts, pupil-led ensembles were on display; these groups give pupils the chance to develop their musicality and leadership through preparing repertoire, organising rehearsals, and leading their peers in high quality music making. Congratulations to everyone involved in making these concerts and our end of term Carol Service such wonderful occasions. We now look forward with excitement to all the musical endeavours the spring term will bring!