Triumphant end to the term at Spring Concert
The Music Department held a fantastic concert that marked the end of the Spring Term in style. Choirs performed a selection of pieces that celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; Handel’s ‘Zadok The Priest’ combined both Chamber Choir and ETS in a majestic and uplifting chorus, accompanied by the Senior String Ensemble with additional woodwind and brass. ETS sang a short recital of anthems associated with the British Royal Family – pieces sung at weddings and state funerals composed by Faure and Vaughan Williams. Chamber Choir performed Bob Chilcott’s powerful ‘Jubilate’, together with the Brass Ensemble- an interesting and modern setting of ancient words from Psalm 100 and a poem by Gerald Hopkins. The Brass Ensemble also performed Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks with great style and force. The second half of the concert featured some of our instrumental ensembles- the Cello Ensemble performing an original work by Jae C (Fifh Year). His challenging and rhythmic piece, ‘Impulse’ was most impressive in both its performance and composition. Chamber Ensembles performed pieces by Shostakovich and a relatively unknown composer, Hisaishi. His piece ‘Merry Go Round of Life’ features in the film ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and perfectly captures the setting of a magical kingdom. The Boarders’ Ensemble performed Berlioz’s fantastic Hungarian March with great energy. The final piece, ‘Mars’ by Holst, performed by Sinfonia, left the audience cheering. A powerful, poised and jaw-dropping performance of this masterpiece captured the talent and flair of so many of our orchestral musicians. The drama of this piece was made even more intense in the great acoustics of St. John’s Church. Huge congratulations must go to all of our singers and musicians who took part in this concert.
Thanks to the kind donations from our audience, an impressive amount of money was raised for the church’s Accessibility Project. It is a delight to help St. John’s in return for their warm welcome and appreciation of music from Caterham School.
Mr. Adam Assen- Director of Music
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