Eighty pupils, from D to A2, took to the stage at Holy Trinity Church for this year’s London Concert, delivering a wonderful evening of music that celebrated the breadth and depth of talent across the school.
The Concert Band opened proceedings in lively style with the familiar theme from Grandstand, followed by Raye’s Where Is My Husband?, setting an upbeat tone for the evening. Consort of Voices then offered a change of pace with a moving rendition of Parry’s Sunset, before Bella B and Ned C entertained the audience with a saxophone performance of Twinkling the Cool.
The school’s younger musicians were equally impressive. The D Boys’ Quartet brought a touch of musical theatre to the programme with I Just Can’t Wait to Be King from The Lion King, followed by the C/D Girls’ Choir performing the Kyrie and Benedictus from Fauré’s Messe Basse, featuring soloists Nina A and Amelia W.
Instrumental highlights included Astral N, Oliver S and Arlo K performing the third movement of Severn’s Suite for Two Violins and Piano, before the School Choir brought the first half to a beautiful close with Lauridsen’s Sure on This Shining Night.
The second half opened with the Brass Group performing two audience favourites, Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 and Irving Berlin’s Puttin’ on the Ritz. Chamber Choir then created a more reflective atmosphere with Villette’s O Salutaris Hostia and Gjeilo’s Sacred Heart, accompanied by a string quartet.
Camerata continued the instrumental programme with the third movement of Britten’s Simple Symphony, followed by a memorable organ solo from Rory L, who performed Kenneth Leighton’s Fantasy on St Columba.
The orchestra brought the evening towards a stirring conclusion with Elgar’s Nimrod and Pomp and Circumstance, before the audience joined the musicians for a rousing final chorus of Land of Hope and Glory.
From the youngest singers to the school’s most experienced performers, the concert was a wonderful celebration of musical excellence and the opportunities available to Bryanston pupils.
Congratulations to all 80 musicians on a memorable evening of music.
