Reflections on a Remarkable Spring Concert

The Spring Concert, a jewel in this term’s musical crown, delivered an evening of sheer delight, a testament to the remarkable talent nurtured within our young musicians. They should rightly hold their heads high. The Concert Band, with a blend of finesse and formidable power, opened proceedings with James Horner’s ‘The Perfect Storm’, the ‘Eternal Father’ refrains resonating with a stirring intensity. Scott Watson’s ‘Extraordinary Machines’ then took centre stage, a veritable tour de force showcasing the seven-strong percussion section’s rhythmic mastery and precision.

The Chamber Orchestra followed, offering a deeply moving rendition of Barber’s Adagio, a piece that spoke directly to the soul, followed by a stylish and elegant performance of Respighi’s ‘Ancient Airs and Dances’. The Senior Jazz ensemble brought the first half to a close with a flourish. Eden Marks delivered a soulful rendition of Carol King’s ‘You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman’, her vocals capturing the essence of the song with captivating warmth. Joseph Kouyoumjian’s outstanding piano playing in Gordon Goodwin’s ‘Mueva Los Huesos’ added a layer of brilliance, showcasing his exceptional skill.

The second half was a showcase of virtuosity, featuring two magnificent concerto performances from our departing Sixth Form musicians. Finn Kjaergaard, an ideal advocate for Prokofiev’s scintillating Violin Concerto No 1, navigated the challenging pyrotechnics and mercurial mood changes with remarkable aplomb, demonstrating not just technical skill, but a true understanding of the work. Yasmin Campbell, equally impressive, excelled in Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No 1, projecting a rich, rounded sound with an undeniable authority. Throughout, the UCS Symphony Orchestra proved to be sensitive and responsive accompanists, providing a seamless backdrop for these exceptional solo performances.

It was, in essence, an evening where the meticulous attention to detail, much like the ‘German bread’ delight, created a truly memorable experience.