by Mr Wheble), his trumpet solos in the second movement were excellent. The final movement welcomed in the interval with a bang, and the energy he put into conducting it surely left Mr Eno having to take the first few weeks of the Lent term off recovering. After much excitement at their orange juice and biscuits, the Lower School boys were finally seated as the last of the parents returned from the Crypt Bar, allowing the concert to restart with some more Vaughan Williams – this time the prelude from his Suite for Viola and Orchestra , with Benet Parker performing the solo viola role. The warm arpeggios rose from the depths of the instrument, and Mr Mayo directed the rather unusual combination of violas, cellos and basses – plus a flute, a bassoon and a clarinet to accompany it. After this came a trio by Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu made up of flute, cello and piano (played by myself, Minsuk Kim and Georgio Piccolboni, respectively). This was a joy to play, largely owing to the exquisite interplay between the unusually combined
instruments. Mr Barratt – who had coached us all term to fit the piece together with the necessary energy – was onstage turning pages for Georgio, a truly exceptional young pianist who has sadly now returned to Italy. The evening was brought to a close with a return to the Lower School boys’ Concert Choir, this time joined by the Madrigal Choir to sing the première performance of Kate Whitley’s I am the Sea . This was conducted by OA Chris Stark. Suffice to say, the beads of sweat pouring from his face were enough to both terrify and inspire all of us in front of him as he guided us through the unusual new work. This rousing performance was a fitting end to a great evening. This concert will always hold a special place in my memory, both as my seventh and final Winter Concert with the school, and as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to be included in every item in one of such concerts. It was a truly wonderful evening. I hope that many more will be able to enjoy such events in the future – both on stage and in the audience.
This concertwill alwaysholda special place inmymemory
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