The Michaelmas Concert and the Carol Services put a significant loading on hundreds of pupils and both they, and the team of Visiting Music Teachers, deserve heartfelt thanks for the work they put in throughout the term. An intense schedule of over 350 instrumental lessons was delivered and over 30 rehearsals per week could not have been achieved without the dedication of all involved.
The first formal evening concert of the Michaelmas Term took place in early November. The Ensemble Concert was a celebration of the College’s pop and jazz bands and, in the newly refurbished Music Hall, a capacity audience was treated to renditions of a Beatles classic, a James Bond theme, Bill Withers and George Gershwin. More memorably, at last we were back to Bradfield pupils performing on the stage, with a fabulous audience cheering them on. It may be because it was our first live concert for nearly two years, but it was an emotional and memorable evening.
The Michaelmas Concert has historically been the Music Department’s showcase concert of the term and always attracts a large audience of nearly 400 guests. This year was no different and the atmosphere was as magical as ever. Nearly 100 performers put on a remarkable show which included a Bradfield Voices Choir composed of 65 pupils from across all year groups. Classical chamber groups and soloists also performed to great acclaim and thanks to Lottie’s (I) rendition of The Man with the Bag and the Upper Sixth Vocal Group’s version of Hark the Herald the audience left with a festive spring in their step.
The Carol Services concluded the music-making for the term. Each week, the Chapel Choir, under the leadership of Liz Croft, Head of Voice, rehearse three times and perform in Evensong. During Advent, however, their work rate increases further and together with Bradfield Brass, they perform in seven separate carol concerts, including the high-profile performance in London with many OBs in attendance. Anyone who has ever attended a Bradfield Carol Service will know the magic of these events and the 2021 services were no exception.
