|
The Orchestral Concert always heralds the countdown to Christmas for me, that nip in the air while we’re still kicking through autumn leaves. There are still miles of term to get through and yet all the young musicians have stepped up to fill the boots of their predecessors, now left. It was a pleasure to see St Barnabas packed in appreciation of their musical talents. I loved the unaccompanied Recorder Consort and the light-touch playfulness of ‘Joe’s Jitters’. Great discipline too. The Year 7 choir, Bel Canto, can hardly have got to know each other yet, but what confidence and enthusiasm they showed.’ Happy Together’ was a real feel-good blast from the past. I thought they sang ‘Homeward Bound’ by Marta Keen beautifully; it had a haunting folk song-like quality, perhaps Celtic in mood. Then the Concert Orchestra had us swaying gently with the familiar rhythms of Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Which of those girls playing in the orchestra hasn’t wanted to be Princess Aurora? I could visualise the Baroque ballet as they played. What a responsibility when something’s so well-known.
Everyone was impressed with Wonderbrass’s tight, accurate rendition of Langford’s Prelude and Polonaise. The punchy trumpets were terrific. Finally the excellent Symphony Orchestra played pieces with a decidedly Spanish/Latin American theme - Rimsky Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol, Albeniz: Tango and Moncayo: Huapango. The five Spanish pieces in Capriccio Espagnol had lots of surprises for me, particularly the strumming of violins like guitars, and featured percussion glissando effects. I nearly had a ‘Strictly’ moment with the gentle ‘Tango’ but resisted the temptation to rise to my feet, thank goodness. We ended with a bright, whirling Mexican dance which seemed all encompassing. What an evening! Thanks to the Music department and especially to Director of Music, Leigh O’Hara, who together with Elinor Corp, Kay Dickson and Steve Thompson conducted the various music ensembles, and brought some magic to a brisk Wednesday evening.
Alison Venn
17.11.2011
|
