Old Salopian performers and arts lovers gather in Oxford

On the first dry and sunny day after weeks of rain the Salopian Arts Committee hosted a Spring Day Out in Oxford.

The event started at Queen’s Lane Coffee House, which is the oldest coffee house in the city, with coffee and conversation in the afternoon sun. From there the musicians went off to rehearse for the evening’s concert whilst the remaining group embarked on a walking tour of the historic centre led by former Deputy Head and long-term resident of Oxford (and Cambridge Graduate!) Peter Fanning. The tour took in the splendour of Magdalen College and its deer park and the cosy charms of Brasenose College where Salopian Club Director Holly Fitzgerald studied. 

Guided by Nicholas Barber (SH 1954-58) the party then reconvened at Wadham College, where Nicholas was an undergraduate, for tea and cake.  The highlight of the day was a concert in the evening led by former Director of Music John Moore and featuring performances of astonishing quality by Old Salopian musicians and singers.

Pianist Galin Ganchev (M2010-15) who is one of the most accomplished Salopian musicians of recent years flew in from Paris especially to play. Another talented pianist Almaz Razif (MSH 2018-20) impressed with her performance of Beethoven’s Sonata in E Major Opus 109. Former Headmaster Jeremy Goulding played the cello in a piano trio with former staff member Alex Thomas on Violin and John Moore on piano with his grandchildren cheering him on from the auditorium. Professor Richard Frewer (M 1955-60) moved the audience with his rendition of Three Lieder by Schubert and Dominic Sullivan and Jesse Inglis Jones radiated charisma as they took on two Sondheim numbers. The concert ended with the Old Salopian Choir lighting up the room singing a set of English Part Songs conducted by Patrick Craig (Ch 1982-87)

There was still time for a drink at the King’s Arms (one of the Salopian Club’s regular haunts!) It’s difficult to describe just how good the standard of musicianship is in the Old Salopian community, please do come along and support our events – you won’t be disappointed.

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