2023 Symphonic Sunday is the biggest and best yet

On Sunday we held our annual Gala Concert for Symphonic Sundays – our biggest and best yet.

Sunday's event was a great example of bringing together young musicians from across Shropshire and beyond, from prep and primary schools, to spark passion and nurture the ability to perform together and in front of an audience. 

In total we had around 200 young musicians from 15 schools who performed to a full audience of 400+ parents and supporters.  Many of the Sinfonia musicians began the year only knowing a handful of notes, but with guidance from our dedicated music teachers and working alongside Shrewsbury School pupils, they were able to perform showing that they have made wonderful progress over the year – with renditions of the theme from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and In the Hall of the Mountain King by Greig. 

The more experienced musicians, many of them returning for another year, enjoyed the new repertoire which included Finlandia by Sibelius, extracts from Polar Express and the themes from Dark Knight.  Also, for the first time, we had a choir of Year 3-6 pupils from Radbrook Primary School and Packwood Prep School incorporated into the event. Perched above the orchestra – they sang with gusto to fill the Alington with their voices, performing a medley from The Lion King and Power in Me.  The performance culminated in celebratory mood, with a patriotic performance of Zadok Rules – Hallelujah by Alexander L’Estrange – a rousing finale drawing rapturous applause and creating a real buzz of appreciation as the audience made its way home.

All in all, the Gala Concert was a fitting end to another tremendous year of this flagship cross-sector partnership programme.  Its success is testament to the commitment and passion of all involved – pupils and staff - all created to share and promote a love of music from a young age.  Maria McKenzie, Director of Music at Shrewsbury School, and founder of Symphonic Sundays, is already looking forward to next year – opportunities are there for participants to sign up again or as new members. 

Stuart Cowper

Head of Partnership and Community Engagement

Details can be found here:

Symphonic Sundays Sinfonia | Shrewsbury School

Symphonic Sundays | Shrewsbury School

You can watch the concert here: