This year’s Choral Concert featured over 100 performers, including students and alumnae, with a diverse and engaging programme which highlighted the school’s strong musical tradition.

The concert was held in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, with around 350 guests gathering to enjoy the evening of music.

The concert opened with Vivaldi’s Gloria, featuring solo performances from Constance (Year 9), Tara (Year 9), Hannah (Year 12), Eleanor (Year 12) and Daisy Pinching (Class of 2016). The choir and orchestra delivered a polished and expressive performance, setting the tone for the evening.

An instrumental highlight followed with Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto in D minor, performed by member of the Head Girl Team and Music Scholar Lara (Year 13), before moving into the Vocal Ensemble’s Poulenc’s Ave Corpus and the Chamber Choir’s Tavener’s Song for Athene and John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen, each piece performed with clarity and depth.

After the interval, the audience enjoyed a mix of classical and contemporary works. Heart of Courage by Thomas Bergersen, Adele’s When We Were Young (sung by Music Captain and Music and Sport Scholar Izzy in Year 13) and Eric Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby all brought variety to the programme. The Contemporary Choir’s version of Stay by Rihanna provided a modern contrast.

The evening concluded with Will Todd’s Mass in Blue, featuring standout solo performances from Izzy (Year 13) and Hannah (Year 12). The jazz-influenced piece brought energy and a fresh dimension to the concert.

The setting of the cathedral added to the atmosphere and it was wonderful to see students, alumnae, parents, staff and friends of the school coming together to share in the experience.

A huge thank you to all who made the concert possible, particularly the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, our dedicated Music Department and the generous support of Smith & Pinching. Most of all, congratulations to our students and alumnae for their hard work and commitment.