Choirs and soloists, instrumentalists, ensembles and orchestras...they all got their chance to perform their party pieces on the last day of Spring Term.
The Spring Concert is always a fantastic way to bring the term to a close and showcase the extraordinary range and variety of Harrodian's musical output.
From classic to contemporary, with a selection of jazz and soul greats and a smattering of musical theatre and pop numbers, there really was something for everyone to enjoy.
Our colourful Pre-Prep choir opened the show – all dressed in their shimmering party outfits – with an energetic performance of 'Glorious' by Stephanie Mabey. This was followed by the orchestra's assured performance of Hishaishi's 'Merry Go Round of Life' from the Studio Ghibli animated film Howl's Moving Castle.
A newly formed Lower Prep choir featuring pupils from the 8s, 9s and 10s gave an animated rendition of One Republic's 'Counting Stars' whilst the already established Training Choir (11s and 12s) impressed the audience with an evocative interpretation of 'What a Wonderful World,' by Louis Armstrong.
A classical solo performance of Debussy's 'Page d'album' was played beautifully on the piano by Daisy, of recent Grease fame (aka Sandy). For fans of folk music there was a rendition of the Shaker song 'Circle March' by our relatively new auditioned choir (11s -13s), who are re-naming themselves the Harrodian Harmonies.
Olivia and Woody (also from Grease fame) sang a spine-tingling and expressive duet from Finding Neverland and a trio consisting of Daisy, Kai and Rocco on vocals added humour with amusing lyrics from musical Avenue Q's 'I Wish I Could Go Back to College.'
A stunning version of A-Ha's 'Take on Me' with ambitious harmonies was performed by our Sixth Form Chamber choir and an equally impressive performance delivered by our Staff Choir of Coldplay's 'Fix You' which featured solos by Mr David Sanders, Mr Janek Saller and Mr Adam Lineker.
Our jazz band delighted with a Herbie Hancock classic 'Chameleon' whilst vocal soloists Olivia and Jessie entertained the audience with pop classics by Harry Styles and Adele. Not forgetting incredible performances by our backing bands with guitar, bass, drums and keys played by Harrodian pupils and/or staff.
Our stalwart Upper Sixth musicians - Alex and Sampson - enjoyed the limelight for the final time in the Harrodian Theatre and sang their solos with great stage presence.
This year's concert was particularly emotional because it involved the final appearance of our Upper Sixth musicians, above. For the last few years, we have enjoyed such wonderful performances from them all but at the beginning of next term they will be embarking on their study leave in preparation for their A Levels. Mr Hooke asked them up on stage at the end of the concert, 16 of them in total - including Felix the compère for the evening, to wish them well in their next chapter.
A huge thank you to the Music department for a fantastic concert.
Please find a link to a gallery of photos (below) taken at rehearsals and a copy of the full programme below.
To view the full gallery of photos, dress rehearsal and evening performance
The full programme can be seen below:
