52
Summer Concert
by Chris Holmes T
he musical year at King's came to a
close with an excellent concert of
music featuring both solos and
ensemble performances. The brass group
launched proceedings with Puttin' on the
Ritz, full of punch and swing, despite a
little wobble which seemed to entertain
the performers and only added to the
sense of fun for the audience!
Alex Grace then impressed with Stars from
Les Misérables. Alex's music has
developed enormously over his time at
King's, and it was only right that he should
have this platform to show his natural and
sophisticated musicianship. His was the
first of four vocal performances: Bryony
House delighted the audience with her
rendition of Song to the Moon by Dvorak,
her voice ringing out into the Chapel -
there was a palpable tinge of sadness that
this would be our last chance to hear her
perform as a pupil.
Guy Fenton then sang Per la Gloria, his
customary beautiful phrasing on show as
ever, combined with immaculate
intonation. Continuing the Exeter
Cathedral connection, Hannah Jewell and
Simon Oakley gave a pitch perfect
performance of Sound the Trumpet, their
phrasing matching effortlessly, and their
voices blending beautifully.
With the singers taking a short break, the
stage was set for Meiling DaniellGreenhalgh
and her performance of
Massenet's Méditation from Thaïs.
Meiling's violin playing grows increasingly
mature, and this was assured playing
both in terms of tone and intonation - a
real delight.
Returning to the school's army of singers,
Patrick Cartwright gave us O Isis und
Osiris from Mozart's The Magic Flute.
This needs a really well-developed voice,
and Paddy did not disappoint, his bottom
Fs resonating, resounding around the
sanctuary area! And occupying a slightly
different pitch range, Flora Davies gave a
delightful performance of Love is here to
Stay by Gershwin. She has a truly
beautiful sound, and neatly characterised
this charming number.
Which left the stage ready for the Wind
Band to round things off, first with a
medley of film music entitled John
Williams Swings, and finally with some
of the best bits from the film Pirates of
the Caribbean. The players were as ever
in rude health, tempos hurtling along at
breakneck speed, creating a wall of sound
of really impressive power. A great way
to end the musical year!