Consort feature in International Music Festival
Caterham School Consort performed in the prestigious music festival, London International Festival of Early Music (LIFEM) in a lunchtime recital on Friday 14 November. The festival celebrates music composed within the Renaissance, Baroque and early Classical era (circa. 1500-1750). Other performers in the four-day festival included the Academy of Ancient Music, Wrocław Baroque Orchestra and performers from the Royal Academy of Music; for a school ensemble to be invited to perform is quite the compliment and honour.
They performed an ambitious and beautiful programme of instrumental repertoire, giving a forty-minute recital to a receptive audience.
The recital opened with Henry Purcell’s Rondeau from Abdelazer, followed by George Frideric Handel’s bold Passacaglia from Suite No. 7.
Tomaso Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto in D minor showcased three soloists: Sophia A (First Year) gave a crisp and lively Allegro e non presto; Abigail P (Lower Sixth) delivered a beautifully lyrical Adagio; and Lucy B (Upper Sixth) brought energy and precise articulation to the final Allegro, working superbly with the ripieno ensemble.
The programme continued with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Air from Suite No. 3, sensitively shaped by the ensemble, and the evocative Largo from Antonio Vivaldi’s Winter, capturing the stillness of a winter scene.
The final work was Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso in D minor, featuring concertino players Ayrton N (Violin I), Mark U (Violin II) and Mannix K (Violoncello). Their performance highlighted Baroque virtuosity and interplay across the contrasting movements—from the imitative opening Allegro, through the intricate Adagio e spiccato and expressive Largo e spiccato, to a vibrant concluding Allegro in which all three soloists and the ripieno shone.
Following the concert, all of the performers were given complimentary passes to attend the LIFEM Exhibition in Blackheath Halls where the performers had the opportunity to play authentic instruments, including the hurdy gurdy, harpsichords, Serpent as well viols, Baroque violins and oboes.
Congratulations to all musicians for performing so eloquently, stylishly and authentically. This is Caterham School Consort’s first professional engagement, and it will not be the last.
