Report: Annual Winter Concert Series

The annual Winter Concert series is a highlight of the School’s Music calendar and provides preparation for students for the upcoming Music Festivals in Term 3. Despite the short and intense rehearsal period spanning just Terms 1 and 2, all the performances were polished and convincing, and testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.

Winter Concert I, held Tuesday 30 July in the Centennial Theatre, was a celebration of musical talent and diversity. Opening with an exuberant performance by the Jazz Combo, the group set a high-energy tone with Twin by Christian Scott. This fast and upbeat trumpet feature was characterized by driving Latin rhythms and showcased impressive solos from Form 7 students R. C. Y. Fong on trumpet and R. R. Ediraweera Wijesuriya on drums.

Their second piece was a technical arrangement of the jazz standard In A Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington, arranged by Israeli pianist Shai Maestro, featuring Form 7 student M. A. Ramassh on piano. The Jazz Combo’s performance was both sophisticated and technically demanding, captivating the audience from the start.

Next, the concert featured two groups that had performed with distinction in the Chamber Music Contest. The Classical Guitar Trio provided a contemplative mood change with their mellifluous performance of three movements from the Acoustique Suite composed by Yolanda van den Bemd. The presence of the composer in the audience added a special touch to their evocative rendition.

Following this, the Clarinet Quartet delivered an entertaining performance of Kenneth A. Wilson’s arrangement of Variations on a Theme of Paganini for Four Bb Clarinets, showcasing their playful and skilled musicianship.

The first half of the concert concluded with a performance by Grammar Voices. They began with the traditional French Christmas carol Pat-a-pan, followed by the beautiful hymn Mō Maria, accompanied by Samuel Beggs on acoustic guitar. The highlight of their set was the rousing rendition of Tshotsholoza, often referred to as the ‘second national anthem of South Africa’. Accompanied by brothers B. E. and J. R. Lewis on percussion and featuring the captivating soloist F. G. H. Gardner, this piece brought the first half of the concert to an exhilarating close.

The second half of the concert began with Grammar Virtuosi, directed by Head of Music C. Hahm. Their program featured beautiful, varied, and technically demanding music for Chamber Orchestra. They started with the infectiously rhythmic and joyful first movement from J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, followed by Douglas Lilburn’s Diversions for String Orchestra, a delightful exploration of New Zealand landscapes. Their final piece was Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, a joyous yet wistful reflection of the composer’s cherished time in the city he adored.

Grammarphonics continued the musical journey with May God Bless You by New Zealand composer Chris Artley, accompanied by Y. Lin on piano. Their next song, the American folk song The Road Home, featured soloist R. Shen and explored the universal theme of returning after being lost or wandering. They concluded their set with the spiritual song Fare Ye Well, featuring a semi-chorus of Form 7 students F. G. H. Gardner and M. A. Young, leaving the audience moved by their heartfelt performance.

The concert concluded on a joyful and buoyant note with the Big Band (pictured above), directed by Head of Performing Arts, J. Ioelu. Their lively and energetic performance was the perfect finale, leaving the audience in high spirits. The concert was a magnificent showcase of the students’ musical talents and dedication.

Winter Concert II, held two days later, illustrated the talent and hard work of the School’s young musicians, featuring performances from the Pipe Band, the Concertante String Orchestra, Wind Band, the Premier Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, and the Jazz Combo.

The concert opened with the powerful and stirring sounds of the Pipe Band, setting a majestic tone with Highland Cathedral. The band then transported the audience to the Scottish Highlands with Bonnie Galloway and Drummer’s Salute, their precise drumming and harmonious pipes resonating through the theatre. Murdo’s Wedding and The Rowan Tree offered a touch of romantic nostalgia, while Paddy’s Leather Breeches and the ever-popular Scotland The Brave closed their set on an energetic note.

Directed by B. Lin, the Concertante String Orchestra for emerging players brought a whimsical touch with their performance of Highlights from Harry Potter. The young musicians’ enthusiasm was palpable, and their rendition of the iconic themes was impressive. They followed up with Funky Pizzicato, a playful piece that demonstrated their growing confidence and skill on their instruments.

Under the baton of Director of Performance Music, B. Wasson, the Wind Band’s young musicians delivered a delightful and varied program. They began with Shaftoe’s Hoe-Down by Malcolm Binney, a lively and rhythmic piece that had the audience tapping their feet. Juan for the Road (A Spanish Promenade) by Fergal Carroll brought a touch of Spanish flair, with its vibrant melodies and intricate rhythms. They concluded with another Carroll piece, Dance of the Fir Darrig, which captivated the audience with its dynamic and lively themes.

The Premier Concert Band impressed with their performance of three movements from Bohemian Revelry by Adam Gorb. Furiant, Sousedska and Skocna each brought a different flavor of Bohemian folk music, from the lively and vigorous to the more measured and reflective. Their set culminated in the world premiere of Skydome by Ki Hoon Sung, a piece that was both innovative and evocative.

The Symphony Orchestra began their set with Allegretto from Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich. They continued with selections from Maxime Goulet’s Chocolats Symphoniques, specifically Chocolat au caramel and Chocolat au café, which were sweet, rich, and full of character. The orchestra concluded with the vibrant Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34 by Rimsky-Korsakov, featuring the Scene e Canto gitano and Fandango asturiano. These pieces showcased the Symphony Orchestra’s technical prowess and ability to convey the spirited and colourful themes of Spanish music.

The evening concluded with the Jazz Combo, who brought a touch of cool sophistication to the concert. They performed Prayer by Joel Ross, a piece that was both contemplative and soulful. Their final number, All Blues by Miles Davis and arranged by Ari Hoenig, was a fitting end to the night. The Combo’s smooth and expressive playing left the audience in a mellow and appreciative mood.

Overall, the Winter Concert Series was a splendid showcase of musical talent and dedication. Each group brought their unique flair and expertise, making two unforgettable evenings for all who attended.