A Vocal Showcase

Singers Hattie, Simi and Charlie joined together to perform a recital of arias by Handel in this week’s Music at Lunchtime concert, accompanied by Peter Davis on piano and organ.

Hattie (Form 7) opened the recital with Handel’s ‘Eternal Source of Light Divine’ from his Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne. Joined by Oakham’s Head of Brass and Percussion, Steve Foster, on trumpet, Hattie’s performance was atmospheric, and the interaction of the trumpet and vocal lines made for a sensitive performance. Next, Charlie (Form 2) performed ‘Non lo dirò col labbro’. Charlie’s projection of the piece really allowed the audience to be transported into the world of Handel’s Tolomeo. Simi (Form 5) closed the recital with a pair of Handel arias. The first, taken from Guilio Cesare, began expressively before setting off into a fiery coloratura middle section. The second, ‘Tornami a vagheggiar’ from Alcina was full of characterful ornamentation and virtuosic passages- a real vocal showcase. Congratulations to the three students- they gave a wonderful recital which was a treat for the audience in All Saints’ Church.

There is a break in the Music at Lunchtime concerts due to half-term. The next lunchtime recital will be on Wednesday 2 November with Form 5 student Eloise singing songs by Dring and from musical theatre.