Music Roundup 2023

Director of Music Samantha Horseman summarises a busy and successful year of music-making...

"As we now look ahead to our final musical events on Speech Day this year, I am proud to reflect on what has been an outstanding term of music-making for the department."

Summer Concert

This Term has certainly been a busy and musical one, starting with our Summer Concert - the buzz from the students was palpable all that week and was a true celebration of the girl's talents. For those who were unable to join us, you can now find a video of our orchestral finale below.

National Ensembles

Our Music Scholars and A Level Students continue to strive for new heights and it was a pleasure to support Lucinda (LVI) and Yanni (LVI) in their successful applications for the National Youth Concert Band of Great Britain. Lucinda has previously been a member of the National Children's Concert Band of Great Britain. but this more senior group brings a much higher level of competition for places and demand for ability.

Lucinda writes, "Just before Christmas, with the support of the Music Department, Yanni and I both successfully auditioned for the National Youth Concert Band of Great Britain. This exciting opportunity entailed a week-long residential in Birmingham during the Easter holidays, which ultimately worked towards a concert on the final day at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. We both loved the experience!

The video of their final performance is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pps5sQTUqE

Lucinda is also our new Head Chorister for 2023/24 and she has an exciting Summer ahead, planning to work with renowned musical director Anna Lapwood at the Eton Choral Course. She writes:
"Recently I successfully applied to attend the Eton Choral Course, directed by Anna Lapwood (of Pembroke College, Cambridge). This experience mainly focuses on choral music (although there are orchestral opportunities too) and will take place during the summer holidays for a week at Eton College. The programme includes elements such as seminars and private tuition. Overall, I'm very grateful and excited for this opportunity!"

Speech Day

Preparations are now well underway for the musical celebrations on Speech Day including what promises to be an emotional Leavers' Concert. The Chamber Choir is working towards our most ambitious choral performance of the year in celebration and praise of our UVI.

As ever, we are grateful to the Tenors and Basses who will join us from Durham Cathedral to enable our girls to experience important works as part of an SATB choir. As a reminder of what might be in store on our last day of term, I am proud to be able to share this fantastic recording of our 2022 Speech Day anthem, Gone is Gone Up by Finzi.