Gala Concert showcases exceptional skill level of talented musicians

The Gala Concert in Alington last Friday was a musical tour de force that will be hard to follow.

Over 100 performers in four different instrumental ensembles provided a wide variety of demanding music played with an exceptional skill level that belied their youth.

From the silky elegance of the String Orchestra’s Dvorak Serenade, through the startling and challenging Dark Rain by Andy Scott from the Wind Orchestra (plus Nat T (EDH, UVI) and Ollie C (RAJC, UVI), all the way to John Williams’ bustling and ebullient Star Wars Suite from the Symphony Orchestra – there was something for everyone.

A particular moment of delight was when the conductor pulled out a light sabre to conduct the Imperial March!

The success of this concert and the very evident pursuit of excellence is in no small measure due the efforts of the indefatigable Director of Music, Maria McKenzie. No doubt, she will be quick to tell you that the students and her staff are to blame.

Either way, the huge audience left happy and well-satisfied.

Mike Skipper

Head of Academic Music 

You can watch the concert below and find the programme for the evening here: