MUSICAL NOTES

Closely following the opening concert was Grammarpalooza. Once again, Grammar’s rock musicians were in fine form. The bar was set high by the opening act, Junior Rock, which featured some of Grammar’s youngest rockers. They were followed by a variety of acts including bands, duets and solo items. As always, the standard was impressive and the high energy performances were nicely complemented by the brilliant light show. To top it off, all money raised on the evening was donated to the Prefects’ charity.

Pictured: The Cello Dudes performed Smooth Criminal to a full house at Grammarpalooza

The final concert for the 2023 festival was held in the John Vallance Hall and featured a large number of ensembles. In keeping with the festival’s theme, repertoire included music from Game of Thrones and Star Wars, as well as traditional favourites such as Purcell’s King Arthur, Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music and Walton’s Crown Imperial. The concert (and the festival) culminated in a performance of Handel’s coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest. Almost 400 performers were involved in this final item, including boys from the Preparatory schools and the specially formed choir made up of parents and staff. The sound they made was truly impressive and a fitting end to the festival!

Pictured: Some of the 400 performers in the Music Festival finale

The second major concert of the term, Concert B, was held on 22 August in the John Vallance Hall. This concert featured many of the School’s senior ensembles and the significant contribution of our Form VI musicians, for whom this was their final College Street concert, was acknowledged throughout the evening. The first half of the concert showcased many of our string, percussion and jazz ensembles, while the second half featured many of our vocal ensembles, including Cantorum, School Choir, Junior Vocal Ensemble, Croonivores and Grammarphones. There was also a stunning performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto (1st Mvt) by Michael Liu, accompanied by an expanded AMCO.

Pictured: Michael Liu (VI) and AMCO performing Mendelssohn’sViolin Concerto

Form V Instrumental and Vocal Competition

The annual Form V Instrumental and Vocal Competition Finals were held on 10 August and as expected, the standard of performance from the finalists was very high. The jazz finalists were fortunate to play with a professional rhythm section made up of Grammar instrumental tutors. The adjudicator had a very difficult decision to make and ultimately awarded First Place to bassist Theodore Cosgrove. In the Vocal section, we heard an operatic aria, a French chanson and a German lied. First Place went to Taj Macé for his thrilling rendition of Schubert’s Der Erlkönig. The final section of the evening, the Instrumental section, had eight finalists playing a variety of instruments. All of the finalists played well and enormous technical skill and musical expression were on display. After careful deliberation, the adjudicator awarded First Place to Ivan Zhang (clarinet). Second Place went to James Woo (vibraphone) and Third Place was awarded to Edmond Sim (trombone).

Mr Greg Platt, Director of Music