Autumn Concert – Opera in Concert

An opera gala concert, attended by The Chairman of Tandridge District Council, Councillor Gill Black and The Worshipful Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Liz Frost, was held in the wonderful setting of St. John’s Church, Caterham where all instrumental ensembles and vocal soloists performed a programme of opera music. The repertoire formed a musical timeline of opera with items from Baroque operas such as Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas by Purcell (sung by Chamber Choir with a wonderful solo by Alyssa Day), Ombra Mai Fu from Serse by Handel (sung by Vocalpoint and Vivaldi String Orchestra) and items from romantic operas such as The Ride of The Valkeries by Wagner (performed with majesty by the newly-formed Concert Band).

Sinfonia, the School’s chamber orchestra, performed Mozart’s famous Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, with great skill and style, whilst the Senior Brass Ensemble enchanted the audience with an emotional rendition of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, featuring WIlliam Kwan on Trombone. Vocal solos; Handel’s Lascia Cho’io Pianga sung by Olivia Lindo, Bizet’s Habanera sung by Charlotte Roberts and Delibes’ Flower Duet sung by Aldi Ho showed great expertise and character. Other groups such as Strad String Orchestra and the Clarinet Ensemble performed a variety of opera works, again with great style and precision. The concert featured a soloist from English Touring Opera, Mr Bradley Travis who also performed comical, demanding and powerful pieces alongside Caterham School’s visiting music teacher, Miss Carole Irvine – all expertly supported with ferociously difficult piano accompaniment by Mr Tristan Hall. The concert ended with the 160-strong force of our Symphony Orchestra and joint choirs in Verdi’s Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves – a triumphant finale to this celebration of opera music through the ages.

Thanks to the generosity of parents, family and friends, just over £400 was raised for St. John’s Church in the retiring collection. A wonderful evening was had by all who attended and all performances showcased the amazing talents of Caterham School’s musicians and singers.

Mr Assen, Director of Music.