Thursday 30 June saw the annual S Anselm's Summer Concert, involving all choirs and ensembles, plus solos from this year's leavers.
The Chamber Orchestra commenced proceedings with a rendition of Eric Coates' Dambusters March, followed by selections from Sound of Music.
The Junior Choir followed with some war-time Music Hall songs, such as Maybe it's Because I'm a Londoner and Lambeth Walk. We have learnt these in preparation for our visit from Kingshott School next week, when we are being invited to join in part of their concert.
The Recorder Ensemble, directed by Sue Dumpleton continued the concert with three pieces: Tallis' famous Canon, Fiery Clock Face and a lovely tango called El Choclo.
Four pupils who move on from S Anselm's next week then entertained us with solo items. Lucy R played 'Comic Song' on her flute, Hannah S sang 'Who will Buy?' from Oliver, Alex T played 'Close Every Door' from Joseph on his clarinet, and Yasmin D sang 'When Daisies Pied' by Thomas Arne (more famous for writing Rule Britannia!)
The concert continued with some more of the ensembles. String Orchestra, again directed by Sue Dumpleton, played Sad Movie, a very effective piece by Kathy and David Blackwell, before playing two waltzes - Bethena Waltz and Emma's Waltz.
Guitar Ensemble, directed by Nichola Dinnigan then played two pieces - O Merciful Redeemer by Gustav Holst, followed by Sangria by Debbie Cracknell.
Three more soloists graced the stage, with Nancy S singing Jerome Kern's 'Long Ago and Far Away' before Lily S played 'Evening' on the clarinet, and Sophia D took us back to Oliver with a rendition of 'Consider Yourself'.
The final section of the concert involved the Swing Band, directed by Alex Williams, who played 'Brass Bop' and 'In the Twenties', followed by the Beatles' classic song 'Hey Jude'. This was to be the last performance at S Anselm's directed by Alex, and it was a fitting opportunity to thank Alex for his hard work over the past few years, teaching brass and running the Swing Band. He moves on to do a PGCE in Bangor and we wish him every success.
The concert concluded with a performance by the Chapel Choir of selections for Les Miserables, with numerous solos.
It was, once again, a concert of variety and high-standard and sums up a very successful year for the department.
I would like to pay tribute to my fantastic team of peripatetic instrumental teachers, without whom, concerts like this evening would not be possible.
Have a lovely Summer.
Posted on
Fri, July 1, 2011
by JPW