Huge Talent Displayed at Twilight Concert

The June Twilight Concert was a triumph. An eclectic range of repertoire from Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D to Swing Band performing classics by Rollins and Lerner/Loewe. 

The concert began with Caterham’s resident Swing Band; they performed Tenor Madness by Rollins and Almost Like Falling in Love by Lerner/Loewe. Outstanding solos by James W, Ethan T and Lynus L as well as cool, calm and collected piano playing by Ethan G. The Swing Band are a new ensemble that formed in September 2022; it has been a pleasure to hear them rehearsing every week and seeing them progress. Aimee L and Ann T both gave beautiful harp performances, playing with both elegance and stylistic awareness – it was a delight. Our String Quartet, featuring Annie L, Catherin Y, Winnie K and Yolanda C performed La Calinda by Delius; a beautifully chromatic, lyrical piece of music with togetherness, superb balance and excellent intonation. Antoine G gave a delightful solo performance of Musette on the guitar, playing with confidence and lyricism. This was followed with an electric guitar performance by Chris H, who performed Lettieri’s, Sunday Brunch. Rosa H’s stunning vocal performance of Allegria, from Cirque du Soleil was outstanding. Accompanied by piano, guitar and violin, Rosa’s understanding of the folky and narrative style of the song whilst singing it in multiple languages, with musicianship and technical detail was excellent. The Cello Ensemble gave an energetic and exciting performance of Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto (first movement) which was followed by a superb performance by our Lower Sixth Quartet of Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D (first movement). The balance and detail in articulation and phrasing as well as the light and shade within passages was excellent. Members of the ensemble had superb interplay between one another whilst dovetailing melodic ideas throughout. 

 A special mention must go to Leo L, who concluded the concert with the momentous yet beautiful first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D. Not only is this a monumental, technical ‘beast’ to perform, but the musicality required for this twenty-minute movement is quite astounding. Leo’s lyrical playing as well as his technical mastery was a delight to behold. He brought the lyrical first subject idea to life with warmth in his vibrato and colourful tone, contrasting to the second subject’s more-syncopated musical ideas where he brought the playful characteristics of the music to life. His cadenza performance was quite simply, mesmerising! Leo has managed to achieve this feat whilst undertaking his A Level examinations – practicing and preparing for this performance has been an outlet and a way to relax and enjoy music.