Bryanston’s much-anticipated annual London Concert returned to Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, drawing a packed audience and spotlighting a broad range of pupil talent across choirs, bands, ensembles and soloists.
Opening with a set from the Soul Band, the evening swung into gear with Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, featuring vocals by Anna A, Rose O and Zola S. The Jazz Ensemble then accompanied Zola S for a smoky take on All of Me (Marks & Simons).
Choral forces were on fine form with the Chamber Choir offering a poised Upon Your Heart by Eleanor Daley, followed by a supple Monteverdi Beatus Vir. Chamber music shone too, with Oliver H, Sancha H and Simpson W delivering the first movement (Molto allegro ed agitato) of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 49. The C/D Choir brought warmth and blend to Bob Chilcott’s arrangement of the traditional Irish Blessing. Percussionists energised the nave with Ivan Trevino’s Shared Space, while the School Choir sang The Yearning by Craig Courtney beautifully. The first half closed with the Combined Choirs and Ensemble in an atmospheric Karl Jenkins Adiemus.
After the interval, the Camerata charmed with Dag Wirén’s Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 11, before a graceful rendition of Mozart’s Soave sia il vento from Così fan tutte. Musical theatre followed as soloist Sofia T-C delivered a reflective Send in the Clowns from Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. The Concert Band brought lyrical sweep to Ennio Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe, and the Orchestra paired operatic flair with orchestral grandeur: the famous Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen featuring soloist Tabby B-W, and a rousing Maestoso & Finale from Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78 (“Organ Symphony”).
Xavier Iles, Director of Music, said the occasion remains a highlight of the school year:
“The London concert is a highlight of the musical calendar, and we are delighted to return to Holy Trinity Church this year. Performing in this stunning church for such a special concert is an experience we hope the pupils will remember. I am extremely proud of the musicians who’ve worked tirelessly for the concert and attended weekly rehearsals amongst busy school schedules. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the music staff. Without their dedication and support behind the scenes, the London Concert would not be such a wonderful occasion.”
From jazz standards to Baroque motets, contemporary percussion to late-Romantic symphonic writing, the programme demonstrated the depth and range of music-making at Bryanston.
To find out more about Bryanston’s music, scholarships and how to enter the Bryanston String Competition 2026, in partnership with Trinity Laban, click here.
