Celebration of ensembles at Gala Concert

The Music faculty has had much to celebrate this year, with a series of superb performances from individuals as well as choral and instrumental ensembles.

It was fitting, therefore, that the Summer Term Gala concert took ‘celebration’ as its theme, including repertoire associated with the Coronation.

Beginning the programme was an original composition by our outgoing Head of Choral Music, Richard Stafford, scored for brass ensemble and timpani. This was followed by Carl Nielson’s ‘Little Suite’, performed by the string orchestra under the baton of David Joyce, and ‘Awakening Hills’, performed by the concert band and conducted by Katy Landon.

The highlight of the first half was Michael Kamen’s ‘Concerto for Saxophone’ written for the legendary saxophonist David Sanborn, and performed here by our own legendary U6th saxophonist, Elliot I (Rb, UVI). The final cadenza was a virtuoso display of musicianship and skill, and was testament to the extraordinary ‘star-factory’ that is Shrewsbury’s wind and brass department.

In the second half, the Symphony Orchestra took to the stage with four extraordinary pieces, including William Walton’s ‘Crown Imperial’ – first written for the coronation of George VI in 1937 – and Lalo’s ‘Symphonie Espacgnole’. Here too, we were treated to an extraordinary solo performance by Max H (Rt, UVI), who captured both the tenderness and driving Spanish rhythms of the piece.

Congratulations to all involved.

Dr Helen Brown

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) 

You can watch the concert here: