To Read & So... is our newsletter for former pupils, their parents, friends, and former members of staff. Below is an excerpt from out current edition.  Select here for a full pdf version of the document. NB: it may tale a little time to load.

JAGS Choral Society 20th Birthday Concert

The impressive concert given in St Barnabas’ Church on 11 December 2007 celebrated the 20th Birthday of JAGS Choral Society (JCS).

It was a joyful occasion, and it seemed only fitting, therefore, that the programme contained two contrasting settings of the Te Deum, by Bruckner and Dvorak. The intensity of the Bruckner was particularly memorable. The concert opened with the delightful Overture to Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck, performed by the Symphony Orchestra.

The rest of the programme brought together the school’s own choral forces (Holst  Chamber Choir, Madrigal Group and the Whole School Choir) with JAGS Choral Society. Puccini’s Humming Chorus (Madame Butterfly), and Verdi’s Triumphal March (Aida) and Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Nabucco) were given stirring performances in which the commitment and enjoyment of the singers and instrumentalists were evident.

Perhaps most moving was the Hallelujah Chorus, as the Choral Society’s very first concert in 1987 had featured Handel’s Messiah. All performances were ably partnered by the Symphony Orchestra. JAGS Choral Society is very much a part of the musical life of JAGS, and the Headmistress, Mrs Marion Gibbs, thanked the Choral Society members for their immense contribution over the past 20 years.

The evening was a true celebration of the JCS – a challenging and successful programme, and in every sense "a big sing."