Huge congratulations to all the musicians who took part in our spectacular Gala Concert on Sunday. It was an evening of remarkable performances that displayed the exceptional talent and dedication of our musicians. Held before an enthusiastic audience, the concert featured the Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, and a massed choir and ensemble in a grand and unforgettable finale: Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Under the baton of Steve Foster, the Concert Band opened the evening with three movements from Ernest Tomlinson’s Suite of English Folk Dances, capturing the vibrant spirit of traditional English melodies with energy and charm. The lively interplay between sections brought Dick’s Maggot, Hunt the Squirrel, and Nonesuch to life, setting a cheerful tone for the concert. This was followed by Alfred Reed’s Ballade, featuring George on alto saxophone. George’s expressive interpretation of this lyrical work was both sensitive and commanding, his rich tone soaring above the ensemble with elegance. The Concert Band concluded their set with Frank Ticheli’s Shenandoah, a beautifully textured arrangement that highlighted their nuanced dynamics and evocative phrasing, drawing the audience into the haunting beauty of the folk melody.
The Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Mountford, opened their programme with the first movement of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, featuring the exceptional Maya as soloist. Maya’s performance was a masterclass in lyricism and control, effortlessly navigating the movement’s soaring melodies and intricate passages with both intimacy and power. The orchestra provided a sensitive and dynamic accompaniment, enhancing the movement’s cinematic beauty and folk-inspired rhythms. Following this, the orchestra delivered a dramatic and stirring account of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, capturing the depth and intensity of Goethe’s tragic hero. Their precision and expressive contrasts highlighted the emotional weight of the piece, culminating in a triumphant conclusion.
The second half of the concert belonged to the massed choirs and instrumental ensemble in a resplendent performance of Carmina Burana. The combined forces of the Chapel Choir, Lower School Choir, and Oakham Choral Society created a thrillingly powerful sound under John Mountford’s direction. Evie (soprano), Harry Jacques (tenor), and Alex Bower-Brown (baritone) delivered exceptional solo performances, each bringing character and expressiveness to Orff’s evocative settings of medieval poetry. From the dramatic opening and closing strains of O Fortuna, to the raucous revelry of In Taberna and the tender lyricism of Cour d’amours, the performance was a feast of rhythmic vitality and choral intensity.
The concert concluded in a blaze of sound, with the resounding final chorus bringing the audience to their feet in delighted applause. The evening was a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of all involved, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It was wonderful to collaborate with Oakham Choral Society and also to include a former teacher (Harry Jacques) and an Old Oakhamian (Alex Bower-Brown) in our performance. Bravo to all our musicians for an extraordinary evening!
