Scholars’ Concert
The annual Scholars’ Concert demonstrated the outstanding talents and musicianship of Caterham musicians. Many of the scholars also took part in the Pro Corda National Music Festival earlier in the week and it was impressive to see them perform again in such a demanding musical week. The performances were highly polished and displayed not only technical abilities but our young musicians’ passion and understanding of complex music.
Starting the concert was the trio who presented an immaculate performance of Faure’s Dolly Suite. This was followed by two exceptionally well played solo items from Ammara (clarinet) and James (oboe), before Toby delighted the audience with a breath-taking rendition of Bellini’s Vaga Luna.
Michelle who kindly gave up her 16th birthday to perform in last night’s concert, lead the newly formed String Quartet with an piece by the Czech composer Josef Suk, Barcarolle, which again left the audience wanting more. Alice, Katie and Charlotte all offered contrasting solo flute pieces allowing the audience to see the different depths, tone colours, articulation and style the instrument has to offer. Emma’s ‘cello solo, Jewish Song, written by the Swiss-born American composer Ernest Bloch followed on with the focus of tone colour while playing what seemed like a simple yet intriguing song that depicts the character of a typical eastern European Jewish folksong.
Philip and Michelle represented the violin whilst playing contrasting solos from British composer Edward Elgar; Chanson de Matin and American composer John Williams; Remembrances from the soundtrack to Schindler’s List. The concert would not be complete without the vocal contributions of Rory and Alyssa, who both took the audience on a journey through their story-telling. The pieces were John Ireland’s Sea Fever and Arthur Sullivan’s The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze from The Mikado.
In in dedication to her grandfather, Willow played the Tommy Dorsey classic Getting Sentimental over You with great attention to the swing style of the 1940’s, with lovely tone and classic vibrato. To conclude an evening of musical excellence, Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice was performed by the Second Year Scholars Ensemble.
All performers should be highly praised for such wonderful performances.
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