MUSIC AT THE COLLEGE
Lunchtime Concerts The Foundation Schools’ Lunchtime Concert Series, held on Wednesday lunchtimes at Christ’s Chapel of God’s Gift, have featured individual musicians and a range of College ensembles this year, and will celebrate its 200th concert in March 2024.
Remembering the Queen Phoebe Threadgould (Year 12, James Allen’s Girls’ School) reflects on the service held by the Foundation Schools to remember the Queen On Thursday 15 September 2022, the Foundation Schools came together in Christ’s Chapel to commemorate the long and memorable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. After a brief rehearsal, parents, teachers, governors, family and friends gathered on an autumnal September evening to sing, reflect and listen to the readings and wise words of senior staff from across the three schools. The programme ranged from Faure’s ‘In Paradisum’, to Sibel- ius’ Finlandia, and perhaps most memorably, the Queen’s favourite, ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’. This varied programme of beautiful music was conducted by the Directors of Music from across all three schools. As a member of the JAGS choir, I felt privileged to be part of such a talented group of musicians, all coming together to join in this historic event. Although for most of the service the Chapel was filled with uplifting melodies and moving harmonies, the silence hung still in the air during the two minutes’ silence, as each individual reflected on what the Queen had meant to them and the enormity of this moment in history. Despite the sombre occasion, the sense of community was undeniable as we reflected on the significance of the Queen’s passing, her commitment to service and duty, and the important role she has played throughout our lives. The occasion was particularly poignant for the choirs of all three schools due to the limiting circumstanc- es of the last few years; being able to join in this way to sing, celebrate and reflect will be something that we will all remember and cherish in the years to come. Despite the sombre occasion, the sense of community was undeniable
Singing masterclass Professional singer, Helen Meyerhoff, shared her expertise ahead of the singing competition, reports Dan Ludford-Thomas On 4 November, singers and accompanists were given a masterclass by professional singer and singing teacher Helen Meyerhoff in preparation for the singing competi- tion the following week. Singers were taken through their vocal paces, working on the technical production of their voices as well as refining the presentation of their songs. Pianists were encouraged to listen beyond what they were doing on the keyboard, to breathe with the singers, and at some points were made to sing along! Both singers and pianists were shown the importance of looking deeply into the meaning of the words, and they worked on ways they could use imagination to bring life to the songs. Helen kept us all engaged with her expertise in performing solo song, giving beautiful demonstrations and insightful back- ground to the music.
Winter Concert 2022 The audience enjoyed a wonderful Winter Concert, writes Richard Mayo Over 250 pupils were involved in the College’s Winter Concert at Cadogan Hall on Wednesday 30 November. This stunning venue was nearly up to capacity, and a very appreciative audience enjoyed a diverse and exciting programme of choral and orchestral music that included works by Rautavaara, Philip Sparke, Elgar and Duke El- lington. The Madrigal Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Sym- phonic Wind Band, Symphony Orchestra and the Year 7 Concert Choir performed with energy, commitment and a strong sense of musicality. Two Year 13 soloists, Olisaemeka Aghadiuno (tenor) and Yan-hung Lui (violin), gave superb performances of Vaughan Williams’ Sea Songs and the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, respectively. The concert has been described as one of the best Winter Concerts in recent memory. One of the most anticipated pieces of the evening was a commission for the College called Waltz in C: Kody the Cat, written by Alison Doubleday
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MUSIC
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