Chapel Concert, February
The marvellous acoustic of the Chapel is a rewarding
place for our pupils to perform, and the February Chapel
concert proved the point. The evening was a showcase
for the increasing number of our pupils learning the organ, and
we were treated to three assured performances from Meiling
Daniell-Greenhalgh, William Cashmore and Rudi Smith. The
Chapel organ is a very fine instrument, and the pupils were all
able to coax out the full range of timbres available. Camilla Arliss
was the soloist in the Suite Antique by John Rutter, very ably
supported by the String Orchestra. Camilla's beautiful flute tone
was shown off particularly in the Aria movement, and her fast
passage work in the final Waltz was most impressive. The strings,
providing a rich accompaniment, responded well to the ebb and
flow of the piece. Soloists included a wonderful I Could Have
Danced All Night from singer Flora Davies, and a real virtuoso
display of saxophone playing from Annie O'Neill, whose final
crescendo nearly lifted the roof. The evening concluded with
items from the Chamber Choir, who continued to impress with
some very tricky music. They ended with a spirited rendition of
Don't Stop Believing.
St John Passion, March
The world-renowned choral composer Bob Chilcott came
to King's again in March, conducting the Chapel Choir in a
performance of his own work, the St John Passion. The
story of Holy Week and the events leading up to the crucifixion
of Christ have been set to music many times over the centuries,
most notably in the two great masterpieces of J S Bach in the
18th century. This latest piece is a most welcome continuation
of this great tradition.
Taylor Williams plays at the Christmas Concert
Will McEacharn sparkles on the French horn
Flynn Oliphant takes centre stage
Alex Michaels on percussion at the Christmas Concert
Music 79