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28
Jan
The Three Choirs Concert
Mr William Goldring writes us a review of the
exciting
Three Choirs Concert held last Thursday.
"On Thursday night a large audience of students, parents and staff enjoyed the long awaited performance of Faure’s Requiem by the Girls Choir. The concert also featured the first major performance by the mixed Chamber Choir, as well as a song by the Lower School Choir.
Around 40 girls took part in the Faure, accompanied by Ms Quinn on piano and a string ensemble led by our visiting Professor of Strings, Dr Brandon Christensen. From the girls’ very first entry in the Kyrie it was clear all their hard work rehearsing, including an intensive weekend away, was worth it. Singing in three parts, they filled the hall with luscious harmonies, and showed great ability going from louder, more dramatic moments to the beautiful, quiet, long melodic lines.
Mr Staalberg sang the solo part in two of the numbers and once again demonstrated his extraordinary singing ability, blending perfectly with the instruments. Rachel Tsang (Year 10) sang the famous Pie Jesu solo with the Lower School Choir. She showed no signs of nerves, and produced a breathtaking sound; the purity and clarity of the sound sent shivers down the spine; for all there it was a truly special moment, and she deserves huge credit. The Lower School sang their parts with their customary energy and no little ability – it is good to know the future of the school’s vocal productions is in safe hands! Overall the girls did an outstanding job in bringing Faure’s beautiful, yet humble, masterpiece to life in the Persimmon Hall.
A final mention must go to Mrs Murchie, who conducted the work – her last concert before she leaves to go on maternity leave. She had led rehearsals with wonderful energy and humour, and the final performance, and enjoyment and satisfaction on all the girls’ faces at the end, was testament to the fantastic job she has done. We wish her all the best and will miss her while she takes some well deserved time off.
Following the Faure was always going to be a tough act to follow, but the Lower School Choir, singing the 60s classic California Dreamin, made it seem easy! Miss Brunton’s choir was joined by Guillaume Dujat (drums) and Young Shin (bass, both Year 12), and the 12 young students, singing off by heart, were fabulous, gaining the largest round of applause of the evening.
Finally, the Chamber Choir performed a medley of 15 Beatles songs. The Chamber Choir is made up of 12 boys and 12 girls, and having this mixture means we are able to achieve a completely different texture to previous choral performances. Guillaume and Daniel Albar (Year 12), along with Ms Quinn on piano, formed the accompaniment, moving through the different songs and tempo with gusto. The students performed fabulously – energetic, looking up, smiling, giving it their all – as conductor I felt quite redundant! The boys’ solo in Let It Be, and the girls’ Yesterday, both showed a different side – smooth, heartfelt, packed with intensity and meaning. The big finale – performed twice, the second time with all the choirs on stage (and a superb solo from Willy Shin (Year 10)!), was spectacular, the classic chorus from Hey Jude invigorating the whole Hall, and sending everyone home with a big smile on their faces.
Huge congratulations to all the students who took part, especially the four students who hobbled up to the stage on crutches! What a wonderful evening – thanks to all involved – bring on the next concert!"
William Goldring.
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