Today saw the launch of a new series of Lunchtime Music
Concerts. The new concept is designed to give pupils experience of performing
live in front of an audience, and also allows them to make the most of the first-class facilities in the new Music Department.
This afternoon’s concert was in fact the first official
performance by current pupils in the Eve Lecture Theatre. Several performers
made use of the gleaming baby grand piano, either playing themselves or relying
on teachers’ accompaniment.
Matt Aldridge opened the show on the tenor horn, before
performances from Charles Marsden, Tom McCooke, Will Kidd and Dhanyal Butt
continued to impress the audience. The star performer was arguably Eliska
Zahorova, who delivered a mesmerizing piano recital, all from memory without the
aid of music to read. The concert was concluded by Year 12 vocalist Jordan
Gibson, who courageously stepped in as a last minute replacement for an absent
peer. The group performed a range of wonderful music styles, allowing staff to sit
back and relax at the end of a busy week.
Music teacher Mr Chris Ham commented: “The Lunchtime
Concerts are intended to be a platform for students of all abilities to share
their music-making, in an informal setting. Today’s performers all put in
excellent performances, entertaining a healthy crowd including the Headmaster, the
Rev and several Housemasters. I am already looking forward to the next concert
after half term where more Shiplake musicians will have an opportunity to
perform.”