On Thursday 30 March, musicians from Years 9 to 13 performed as part of the Soloists’ Concert, impressing an audience of family, friends and staff in the Great Hall. The concert, which included performances on the guitar, violin, trumpet and voice, was organised by Director of Music Mr Richard Curran to celebrate the incredible level of talent from Shiplake’s musicians.
Performing to a varied audience in the Great Hall, Michael Scanlon opened the evening’s concert with a performance of Stravinsky’s Gavotte with Two Variations on the violin. Josh Howard took to the stage next, playing Gerry Rafferty’s iconic Baker Street on the saxophone. Ethan Overton, the youngest of the evening’s performers, played Soledad by OSer and Bourree by Bach on the acoustic guitar. Bobby Howard-Jones was next to entertain the audience, giving a note-perfect rendition of John McCabe’s Polish Dance. Patrick Kenny then gave a highly entertaining and theatrical performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s When a Felon’s Not Engaged in his Employment and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pilate’s Dream from Jesus Christ Superstar. Alexander John-Vallee then played Bortkiewicz’s Erster Schmerz on the piano, before Ben Atkin came to the stage to sing Luck be a Lady from famous musical Guys and Dolls, followed by Copland’s At the River. Ben Fletcher gave a toe-tapping rendition of Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, and a tune called Gypsy Dance. Michael Ball, normally on the saxophone, was trying his hand at singing, and gave a note-perfect performance of Stars from musical Les Miserables. Quin Wagner-Piggott gave the penultimate performance of the evening, with Riddle by Thomas Leeb, before Robbie Rayne closed the evening with Vaughan Williams’ Linden Lea.
The performers were ably accompanied by Mrs Louise Rapple Moore and Mr Paul Jones. Mr Curran commented: ‘I am not only constantly impressed by the high standard that the performers bring to these evenings, but also the variety of what they are playing. There is such a range of genre showcased and it speaks volumes of the hard work and commitment that the pupils dedicate to learning their instruments. Congratulations to all!’
Don't miss your chance to see the Shiplake musicians at the Spring Concert on Tuesday 4 April. More information can be found here.