Day of Music Making

Orchestral musicians from both the senior and prep schools took part in our Orchestral Training Day in the Humphreys Theatre. The Symphony Orchestra is an exciting new ensemble, with over 60 players, and the day gave pupils the opportunity to work on new repertoire ahead of next term. Year 5 and 6 pupils who will soon be joining the senior school were also invited- well done in particular to all of them for taking up the challenge to work and perform alongside our senior pupils. All our musicians benefitted from the expert guidance of two visiting professional musicians, conductor and timpanist Chris Ridley, and violinist and chamber musician Nadine Nagen. The orchestra tackled advanced orchestral repertoire including Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. At the end of the day, parents and friends were invited to watch a short performance of both pieces. 

Running alongside this was a training day for our fabulous Chamber Choir. They spent the day working on new repertoire including Bob Chilcott’s beautiful, filmic ‘Canticles of Light’, in anticipation of working with the composer in-person, next term. This will form a central part of our forthcoming concert next term at St. John’s Church, Waterloo. Choir members also learnt about wider aspects of singing in a sacred choir- types of church services, brief history of choral music and composers that are significant to our Chamber Choir. 

Well done to all who participated in the training day.