For the first time in the College’s history, Shiplake’s
Chamber Choir and Music scholars took to the stage in Christ Church, Henley-on-Thames,
to perform to staff, fellow students and members of the public alike. A
fantastic venue in the centre of the town, the Church offered plenty of space
and great facilities.
The Music Department put together a beautiful concert of
pieces, followed by John Rutter’s Requiem. This was a fantastic opportunity for
senior musicians to perform in the community and gain valuable experience. It
also provided a platform for recordings of GCSE and A-Level coursework, and
marks the first of many performances for the wider community.
Accompanied by a small orchestra of professional musicians,
the students showed no nerves as they embraced the challenge of performing to a
sell-out audience. The College’s peripatetic music teachers Mr Gary Branch and
Mr Tom Hammond were joined by Mr Simon Dinsdale on the organ, using his
extensive experience with recordings and concerts to aid the music scholars in
their performances.
Year 11 student Josh Hirst bravely opened the concert with a
clarinet recital of Carl Maria von Weber’s Menuetto Capriccio and Trio,
followed by wonderful renditions from Charles Marsden, singing The Turtle Dove
by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Tom McCooke playing Granados’ Danza de la Rosa on
the piano. The mesmerising performances did not stop there: the audience were
wowed by Matthew Aldridge, Ben Atkin, Michael Ball, Harry Blois-Brooke, Eliska
Zahorova and Rebecca Robinson, all expertly showcasing the musical talent at
Shiplake.
Following a brief interval, it was time for the Chamber Choir
to take to the stage and perform the piece for which the concert was named:
John Rutter’s Requiem. An enduring piece, the Requiem was written in 1985 and
remains a very popular piece. Contrasting hauntingly beautiful melodies with
livelier sections and discordant phrases, the song is an undeniably memorable
tune. The seven-movement piece was brought to life by the College Chamber Choir.
Year 12 Rowing scholar Lucy Walker sang the soprano solo parts, flawlessly
hitting each note and leaving the audience in awe. Below is an audio excerpt from
the beautifully sung Requiem: Pie Jesu.
A first for the College, the Chamber Choir and scholars
impressed the audience and hope to return to Christ Church for further concerts
soon. Of course, musical talent will be showcased before this, and the Gala Concert
coming up on 22 June promises to be a huge success!