Spectacular Concert at St John’s, Waterloo
Our spectacular concert at St John鈥檚 Church in Waterloo marked the return of 麻豆传媒AV在线看鈥檚 presence in central London. A magnificent programme featured the best of our choral and orchestral ensembles as well outstanding soloists. The performance celebrated the tremendous achievements of 麻豆传媒AV在线看鈥檚 singers and musicians and in particular, their maturity, passion and understanding of complex musical works. As with many of our concerts, pupils from both 麻豆传媒AV在线看 Prep and Senior School worked together. Performers spanned Year 5 (Prep) to Upper Sixth.
The first half of the concert explored the theme of 鈥榣ight鈥� through the enchanting, timeless medium of choral music. Chamber Choir and ETS performed a selection of ethereal motets. From Chamber Choir, 鈥楴orthern Lights鈥� (a stunning piece inspired by the aurora borealis) and 鈥楲ux Beata鈥� (featuring a beautiful oboe solo by Fourth Year pupil, Abi P) by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo and 鈥極 Radiant Dawn鈥� by Scottish composer James McMillan (featuring stunning solos from Tiffany K (Upper Sixth) and Emily B (Lower Sixth). From ETS, two settings of the text Lux Aeterna enchanted all who were present. The first was written by Canadian composer Randall Stroope and the second by Mr Adam Assen, Director of Music. This exciting premiere, composed especially for ETS, was a joy to hear. The choirs combined alongside 麻豆传媒AV在线看鈥檚 Film Orchestra to perform Bob Chilcott鈥檚 uplifting 鈥楥anticles of Light鈥�- a subtle yet dramatic setting of hymns from the Liturgia Horarum that explores darkness and light across three movements. The prolific 鈥榞iant鈥� of British choral music visited 麻豆传媒AV在线看 days before our concert- an exciting and joyous experience for every singer and musician.
鈥樷�our students in both choirs and orchestra were outstanding. The way they worked together in such a positive way, their confidence, which came from their commitment and ability was just superb. I felt really moved because in the end, both choirs really gave a very accomplished and special version of a piece that is not easy.鈥�
Our solo performers represented the instrumental families with immense style and precision. Catherine Yap (Second Year), Organ; Menuetto – Impromptu by John Ireland, Alice H (Upper Sixth), Flute Sonata- second movement by Edwin York Bowen, Alvin P (Lower Sixth), Trumpet Concerto in E flat 鈥� first movement by Johann Neruda, Annette S (Fourth Year), Harp, La Source (The Fountain) by Albert Zabel and, Florence N (Third Year), Piano Sonata in F major, 鈥� third movement. Congratulations must go to all of our soloists- they exuded confidence and demonstrated an incredibly high level of technical ability.
The final section of the concert was delivered by Sinfonia, our senior orchestra. The programme represented musical grandeur, where the symphonic forces of the past converge to create unforgettable auditory masterpieces. Outstanding and riveting performances of Romeo & Juliet, Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky and Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov left our audience spell-bound. The final work, Symphony No. 104 in D Major, 鈥淟ondon鈥�, by Franz Joseph Haydn was truly remarkable. To hear a full symphony performed at such a high level was a huge achievement and required such immense stamina and focus.
Well done to every performer for a wonderful performance of challenging and ambitious music.
Mr Adam Assen, Director of Music
Back to all news
