Music

Following on from last half term which saw scholarship auditions, vocal workshops and our second Scholars’ Solo Concert at the Farrow, this half term has been just as inspiring and busy. From the annual Spring Concert which showcased classical and jazz ensembles to a visit to the international jazz club Pizza Express Live in Holborn, there has been no shortage of musical activity.

The term began with twelve of our most advanced pianists benefiting from an intensive masterclass with international concert pianist Neil Cooney. His insights into repertoire and interpretation enriched each participant’s playing and the session concluded with remarkable performances of Debussy’s Girl with the Flaxen Hair and Satie’s Gnosienne No. 1. These workshops provided invaluable preparation for the following week’s McClure Instrumental Competition, particularly for pianists who as soloists command an entire musical landscape at their fingertips and greatly benefit from the collaborative environment such sessions offer.

Our second major competition of the year, the McClure Instrumental Week, showcased an impressive breadth of talent. Across two days and over four hours of heats, thirteen finalists were selected from a wide range of instrumental entries. The final itself highlighted exceptional musicianship with judges considering at least three performances as potential prize winning entries. Highlights included Uzo E (Winfield) who delivered a haunting interpretation of Bach’s Chaconne; Seb J (Collinson) who energised the room with trombone led jazz; and Max P, the eventual winner, whose performance of Elgar’s iconic Cello Concerto was distinguished by maturity and expressive depth.

Our adjudicator Anna Wolstenholme, Chamber Music and Postgraduate Tutor at the Royal Academy of Music, praised the exceptionally high standard of playing and likened it to the level expected of third year undergraduates under her mentorship. Such affirmation is a remarkable accolade for all our finalists.

The term’s musical crescendo reached its peak with the Spring Concert and Pizza Express Live! events held on consecutive weeks. More than 150 pupils performed across these major showcases with notable solos from Head Chorister Josh G (McClure) and Farrow Prizewinner Maj Britt (Collinson). Opening with a farewell to our departing Upper Sixth scholars, the programme began with a sublime set of American spirituals arranged for Brass Ensemble which set an elegant tone for the evening.

Rachmaninov’s Vespers, performed by our finest singers, contrasted beautifully with the vivacity of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Foundation Orchestra rose to the considerable technical challenges of Albinoni’s Concerto in G Major.The concert concluded with Fauré’s Requiem, a Classic FM favourite and a choral masterpiece. This project marked another successful collaboration with the Mill Hill Education Group Parent and Staff Choir and featured parents performing alongside professional guest musicians in the orchestra. The resulting performance was unforgettable.

Towards the end of term the Sax Quartet, Jazz Collective and Big Band took to the stage at Pizza Express Live! in Holborn. This iconic central London venue provided the perfect backdrop for an electrifying evening of music making. All 38 performers delivered outstanding sets, from piano jazz and saxophone favourites presented by our scholar quartet to a vibrant programme of jazz standards by Arlen, Mancini, Hancock and Porter. Under the dynamic leadership of jazz impresario Mr Driver, both the Collective and Big Band produced what was undoubtedly their finest sound in recent years.

With performers ranging from advanced Belmont pupils to Upper Sixth leavers, Music Scholars and developing jazz musicians from across the school, the evening represented an extraordinary concentration of talent and an experience that will remain long in the memories of both performers and audience members.

Amidst all these achievements we also celebrate notable individual successes at the national level. Nepheli K (McClure) was shortlisted by several Junior Conservatoires and Sophie S (Priestley) secured a coveted casting place with the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre.