Autumn Concert

Monday’s Autumn Concert was nothing short of a musical tour de force. Across ten performances, the audience was whisked around the globe and through eras, genres, and inventive arrangements—all expertly curated by Mrs Williams and the Music Department.

The Chamber Choir opened the evening with a beautifully controlled performance of Kusimama, immediately capturing the hall’s attention. They were swiftly followed by the String Orchestra, who offered a tender and expressive rendition of Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose. The Lower School Choir then lifted the energy with the ever-inspiring The Power in Me, before the Junior Band transported us to Argentina with a spirited Summer Tango—a piece that, paired with Mr Newman’s mulled wine, warmed the soul wonderfully. Year Five rounded off the first half with the Jackson 5 classic I’ll Be There, leaving no doubt that the audience was being thoroughly spoiled.

The second half burst into life with Mr Eaglestone—channelling a Brazilian Batucada master—leading the Percussion Group in Ijexamatic, a lively call-and-response showcase in which all five performers stayed perfectly in sync. As the echoes of Copacabana faded, the Flute Group and then the Chamber Group brought the atmosphere gently back to earth with an ethereal rendition of Scarborough Fair, displaying exceptional musicianship and ensemble coordination.

But it wasn’t long before the roof was raised once more. The Senior Band delivered a crowd-pleasing Best of Queen medley, and the Contemporary Band joined forces with the Chamber Choir for a vibrant rendition of the chart-topping Baker Street. And just when it seemed the evening had reached its peak, all choirs stormed the stage for a show-stopping finale: Golden—complete with K-Pop flair and pupil-led choreography.

It was an exceptional evening, and every performer should feel immensely proud of their contribution.