The Sports Hall was alive with music, singing and festive spirit at our Winter Concert last Wednesday (24 November).
Our hosts for the evening were Year 13 pupils Sam Bourke and Cordelia Pink who did a fantastic job of introducing the evening and keeping the audience entertained between acts.
The concert was our first live concert for two years and all pupils executed the performances impeccably well. From the first drop of the baton for Big Band's performance of Doctor No-ël through to the dynamic journey of choirs, ensembles and two exceptional soloists there was plenty of pizzazz for everyone.
With the exception of the First Eight which is an auditioned choir, all other acts are entirely inclusive and represent every single year group, exploring a variety of styles.
The individual performances of Leo Guo singing Funiculí, Funicula and Nikita Saitov performing Prokofiev's charming and blisteringly difficult Prelude No.2 in C Major were exquisite, showcasing the discipline that is required to present work to this level.
Collaborations were also on display with our Senior Soul Band, Rare Groove, working with Year 8 pupil Jack Dag on vocals and promoting musical mentoring throughout the term leading to the toe-tapping performance of Groove is in the Heart which closed the concert.
The audience were then all on their feet and encouraged to sing along to the Big Band's performance of Elton John's Step Into Christmas... Shiplake style!
Mr Richard Curran, Director of Music said: "I hope that the range of items presented at the concert went some way to inspiring others, either to take up an instrument, join a choir or be spurred on to excel on their own instrument."
Our thanks goes to the following acts for their hard work in putting on such outstanding performances:
- Big Band
- Rock Choir
- Lower School Choir
- Year 13 Music
- Shockwave
- Woodwind Ensemble
- Leo Guo
- Camerata
- Nikita Saitov
- First Eight
- Shiplake Chorus
- Rare Groove
