A large programme of performances has been squeezed into a relatively short Lent Term, showcasing a variety of genres and offering solo and ensemble performance opportunities to a high proportion of the College’s student body.
Lent Term
This term particular congratulations should go to the winners of our Junior and Senior Instrumental Competition, Luca (H) on piano and Arion (G) on saxophone. Both competitions saw an incredibly high standard compete and I should like to echo our adjudicator’s comments regarding Arion that his performance would not have been out of place as an undergraduate’s final recital. Having put particular emphasis on the piano in the department this year it was particularly good to see so many of our Juniors playing so well. Highlights from the lunchtime concert series include those dedicated to our Dr Gray Scholars and Music Exhibitioners. It was also thrilling to see Luka (C) play the electric cello. The College Ensembles were also busy this term. The Chapel Choir enjoyed a trip to Winchester Cathedral to participate in Choral Evensong, ensuring they continued their upward trajectory after the busy Carol Season. The vocal group ‘IV’ led the organisation of this term’s Community Concert in Yattendon Village Hall, raising money for their chosen charity ‘Skcin’. The evening, which took ‘Film Music’ as its theme, saw many excellent solo and band performances.
The two significant concerts were the Lent Concert in the Chapel and the Easter Concert in the Old Gym. The Lent Concert saw a long overdue return of the Bradfield College Choral Society, comprising staff, parents and other local vocal enthusiasts. They were brought together to join our Chapel Choir in a performance of Faure’s Requiem, as we sought to highlight the composer in this the 100th year since his death. The performance of Elegie by Luka (C) on the cello was another standout performance in a concert which saw the Clarinet Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Chapel Consort all take to the stage.
The Easter Concert, by contrast, celebrated our pop and jazz musicians, opening with an atmospheric performance of a Suite from Interstellar, performed by our Orchestra. This was followed by Palmer House’s reprise of ‘Where Have You Been’, the winning House Harmony performance from earlier in the term, an evening worth a mention as the standard from both girls’ and boys’ Houses continues to rise.
Summer Term
The Summer term started with the Early Summer Soirée in our own Concert Hall. Once again, the Chapel Consort kicked off proceedings with two madrigals. These performances were led by our Head of Singing, Liz Croft, who will move into a new position of responsibility within the Bradfield Group at the end of this term when she moves to become the Director of Music at St Andrew’s Prep School. Liz has led the singing department at Bradfield with distinction, and her stewardship of the Chapel Choir is of particular note. Whilst it is sad to lose a colleague of Liz’s quality from the department, I am thrilled that we will continue to work closely together as she heads down to St Andrew’s full-time from September. A particularly exciting development for the Music Department at St Andrew’s and I have no doubt we will start seeing the impact here at Bradfield in the not too distant future.
The Early Summer Soirée gave us an opportunity to celebrate our year 13 classical musicians and we were treated to fantastic performances from Evie (J), Freddie (H), Nathan (A), Theo (H), Miranda(J), and Arion (G). Amongst this, we also heard a performance of Britten’s The Sally Garden by Charlotte Knox, a small peek into the
talent we have to look forward to in the coming years. Less than a week later we hosted a performance with a completely different feel at The Bedford in London. In this programme, our top jazz and pop musicians performed to a packed house in a venue which has enjoyed performances by many high-profile acts such as Ed Sheeran.
Less than a week later we hosted a performance with a completely different feel at The Bedford in London. In this programme, our top jazz and pop musicians performed to a packed house in a venue which has enjoyed performances by many high-profile acts such as Ed Sheeran. The crown of the Summer Term however goes to “Jazz on a Summer’s Evening” when Bradfieldian musicians once again delighted the audience of parents and alumni in the Greek Theatre. The forecast promised showers but Mr Etherington need not have fretted as the evening stayed dry and pupils delivered strong performances from classic jazz and contemporary pieces in performances full of energy and soul. In addition, £7500 was raised for the music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins who harness the power of music to break through barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation. Their work can be transformative for all ages and all needs, reaching many who benefit from the ability of music to make their lives better.
The Summer Term is always bittersweet and while we enjoy some of the very best quality performances from our top musicians the thought that we also say goodbye to such a talented Upper Sixth lingers in the background. The current Year 13 have had a significant impact on the musical landscape of the College and will leave big shoes to fill. We will miss you… but there is always the opportunity to return to Bradfield to perform in one of our Alumni College events so please await Mr Etherington’s call!
