News
The last few weeks of the Spring Term has seen an intense period of high-profile concerts for the Music Department. We kicked things off with our fourth Music School Recital, given by Sophia Kannathasan, an exciting young violinist associated with Chineke!, the Benedetti Foundation, and The Royal Opera House. Sophia treated us to a varied programme including Florence Price’s Adoration, and Johannes Brahms’ Sonata FAE. Members of our audience remarked on the exceptionally expressive quality of the sound which Sophia created on her Richard Duke violin (circa. 1750).
Between 13 – 20 March, we presented the McClure Instrumental Competition. Made up of two rounds, pupils competed in categories that were separated by their approximate grade, ranging from complete beginner to post Grade Eight standard. The Competition was a fabulous opportunity for our instrumentalists to perform for, and be inspired by, their peers. We were also delighted to welcome Mr James Williams, Head of Music at Cobham Hall School to adjudicate the final. He offered his congratulations to all the participants and commended the strong sense of community, love for music and camaraderie among the pupils in the department. Ultimately, our overall winners in their respective categories were:
A huge congratulations to you all!
On 16 March, we combined the forces of our Chapel Choir, the Parents and OMs Choral Society, and notable Old Millhillians to produce the long-awaited McClure Memorial Trust Concert at Holy Trinity Sloane Square, Chelsea. Beginning with a newly commissioned Fanfare by Ethan Lieber Old Millhillian (OM), the audience were treated to a heartfelt and sensitive interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto by BBC Young Musician String Finalist Ellen Baumring-Gledhill (OM). Throughout the evening, our musicians had the privilege of singing and playing with musicians of the Glyndebourne Tour Orchestra, who excelled themselves under the baton of previous Chief Conductor, Ben Glassberg (OM). We were delighted to collaborate with the Development Team on this project and were thrilled to have been involved in an event which brought together the Mill Hill Community through music.
Finally, this term, on 26 March, 40 of our musicians from the Big Band and Jazz Band travelled to the 606 Club in Chelsea to present two Jazz and Lunch events. Although our Jazz Soirée is usually on Mill Hill School grounds, it was such a treat to take this event to one of the premiere jazz clubs in the UK. This has been a wonderful opportunity to offer to our musicians, and some of the finalists from our recent Farrowing Singing Prize.
If you (or your child) would like to get involved with our musical offering, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at music@millhill.org.uk or give us a call via reception, we offer practical music lessons in almost every traditional Western instrument, and ensembles to suit all abilities.
Mr Siebertz-Willet, Residential Music Graduate Assistant
