King’s Musicians Celebrate as Summer is a’comin’ in

This term’s Summer Concert on Tuesday evening was a wonderful celebration of the power and engagement of music, featuring the First Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Band, The King’s Swingers, School Choir, Lower Years Choir and Second Orchestra. It was the final opportunity for our departing Upper Sixth students to perform in our instrumental ensembles and for us to offer our thanks and congratulations for all they have contributed to the musical life of the School throughout their time here. Alex W, one of our Upper Sixth Music Scholars, commented, 

“The concert on Tuesday, whilst it was my last, was also my favourite, and showcased all the best parts of King’s Music, whether that be the power of The King’s Swingers, the grace of Chamber Orchestra or the virtuosity of the Wind Band. 

“During my time at King’s, I have been extremely privileged to have played a role in the Music Department, from Formal Jazz evenings to playing in the stage band for the Senior Production of Footloose.  Music has also been instrumental in my integration into the school community from a shy Lower Remove pupil, fumbling his way through pieces such as Jungle Boogie, to a confident Upper Sixth blasting out solos in front of hundreds of people. 

“Playing music has been one of the favourite things about my time at King’s; it has helped me to develop my confidence whilst also providing a creative outlet that has been vital, especially during my later years, dealing with exam stress. I believe getting involved with music is one of the best decisions you can make and would recommend it to everyone.” 

The concert began with four excellent numbers from the Swingers, finishing with one of their favourites, Cold Duck Time.  The Second Orchestra then performed two pieces: the first, Dance of the Clowns was expertly played, with lots of contrasts of tone and texture between the strings and wind players, and it was followed by the ever-popular theme from Wallace and Gromit. The Lower Years Choir then stepped into the limelight as they reprised music from last term’s Primary Schools Partnership Concert in the Cathedral with a performance of Hepplewhite’s Elements songs. 

We doubt that music by Taylor Swift and Jean Sibelius has ever featured in the same concert until now, but the innovative approach of our Music Department brought together an excellent string arrangement of Swift’s Wildest Dreams alongside the expressive Romance by Sibelius, each played beautifully by the Chamber Orchestra. The First Orchestra then took to the stage with the playful music of Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours, which contrasted with the dramatic March to the Scaffold by Berlioz. 

The School Choir had given a memorable performance of Rutter’s Kyrie from his Requiem in the Lent Cathedral Service last term and for this concert two further movements were performed from the Requiem, with Upper Sixth Music Scholar, Florence P as the soloist. Everyone at King’s is so proud of Florence’s achievement in being offered a place to read Music at Cambridge next year, with a Choral Scholarship at Trinity College, and her breathtaking performance in this concert left no one in any doubt as to how richly she deserves this outstanding award. 

The Wind Band concluded a full evening of music with three rousing numbers, finishing with the classic Dam Busters Theme, which sent the highly appreciative audience soaring off to their homes in the very best of spirits, uplifted by the transcendent power of music.