Autumn Concert – A Triumph!

This week’s Autumn Concert saw the return of live, orchestral music at Caterham School – marked by performances by the magnificent Symphony Orchestra, which is comprised of all instrumental ensembles: Sinfonia, Wind Orchestra, Flute Ensemble, Boarders’ Ensemble, Drum/Percussion groups, Trumpet Ensemble and more. Symphony Orchestra is all-inclusive and gives all of our instrumental musicians the opportunity to immerse themselves into large-scale orchestral works and perform with their peers. 

The first item, Aladdin opened the evening with epic Broadway magic! Featuring classics such as Arabian Nights, Friend Like Me and A Whole New World. Sinfonia & Boarders’ Ensemble performed Stars from Les Misérables with Nico W (Lower Sixth) providing the vocals. This was a stunning performance with emotion and reflectiveness. This preceded Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz; Isabella B (Fifth Year) sang this beautiful Eva Cassidy version with elegance and sensitivity. 

The String Orchestra performed Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music. This beautiful ballad was stunning and it was fantastic to see diploma standard string players performing with younger performers who have only been playing for a number of months! The rich, warm sound created was testament to this great piece of music.  

This was followed by three vocal performances from members of our Sixth Form. Anna D (Lower Sixth) performed the stunning ballad Everything I Know from In the Heights. This was quite simply, exceptional. Anna’s theatrical performances are always something to look forward to, and this one did not disappoint. Sophia M’s (Lower Sixth) rendition of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard was striking and demonstrated her accomplished technique and unique style, which shone through in this emotive and powerful song. Millie T (Upper Sixth) performed Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl. This was an energetic and rapturous performance with precision – a jaw-dropping and very enjoyable performance. 

The audience was then treated to two stunning songs from Bernstein’s masterpiece, West Side Story with Sinfonia expertly accompanying. Kathryn B (Upper Sixth) sung the heart-breaking song, Somewhere which was followed by Ferdinand C (Upper Sixth) performing the love song, Maria. Both performances were superb; demonstrating maturity and understanding of the style of music as well as singing with mastery and emotion. 

The Wind Orchestra treated us to an arrangement of classics from The Lion King. This was phenomenal from the opening brass fanfare to flourishing flutes and rampant percussion throughout. 

To end this fantastic evening, the Symphony Orchestra performed a medley of songs from The Greatest Showman. This was a superb way to round off a magical and stylish evening. It was an absolute delight to see such commitment and engagement from every single musician in this 130 piece strong orchestra.  

Thanks must go to Mrs Penny Parker for her contributions on the French Horn – as well as being Assistant Head of Mathematics, she is also a fine musician and a wonderful supporter of the Performing Arts Department. We would also like to give a special mention and thanks to Mr Brian Hill (Head of Instrumental Music) for his amazing arrangements for all of the pieces- his efforts in carefully preparing the scores enables every musician, whatever their standard to participate in the exciting programme.  Lastly, we must thank and congratulate all of the talented and hard-working musicians who performed on the night. They were quite simply, outstanding and the standing ovation from the audience is testament to their achievements.  

Welcome back, and Bravo! 

Mr Tristan Hall, Head of Academic Music