A Cracker of a Chamber Concert

Right at the end of the first half of term the Beldam Hall hosted a Chamber Music concert, of pupils playing and singing in a wide range of groups and ensembles.  A large audience gathered, to celebrate the start of the holidays, and to hear some very fine performances.

The evening began with the Harp Ensemble, led by Sammy Allsop and Katie Jankinson. Playing Chant du Soir and Carnivalito. The String ensemble and quartet were in great form and noticeably the Rumba and Fandango had a beautiful Latin feel. Many parents commented on how the Symphonic Brass sounded so polished and  balanced and the antiphonal Prince of Denmark’s March really hit the mark. Well done to the two duet performers, an eclectic mix of slow jazz - Georgia and a vocal duet, Give Ear Unto Me accompianied by Mr Pares on the harpsichord.

What also impressed the audience was the Senior String Quartet playing the slow movement from Dvorak’s "American" Quartet. The music was executed with real musicality and  maturity. Well done to Joey Holroyd, Nathaniel Paxton, Damon Ho and Katie Jankinson.

As always, the Junior and Senior Guitar Ensembles performed with dexterity and finesse, playing Morenita and libertango.  The Flute choir under their director Mrs Hardy played Fauré’s  Cantique De Jean Racine with superb control and excellent intonation. And thank you to SaxPack for their quirky yet rhythmically challenging Simpsons Theme Tune; an excellent arrangement. Perhaps some Mario Kart next time!  And last but not least the Reptiles ended with  The Bluebird by Stanford - a beautiful, calm ending to what has been an exciting and hectic half term. 

Thank you to all the performers and  Mr Hodgkinson, Mr Pares, Mr Oppenheimer,  Mrs Harwood, our Visiting Music Staff, Mr Rippingale (Guitar), Mrs Cobb (Piano),Mrs Scott (Harp), Mrs Hardy (Flute), Miss Senior (Violin), Mrs Curtis (Cello) and Miss Freeman ( Saxophone) for all their tireless hard work in helping to make the concert a great success.

MHC