Harrodian musicians from across the school came together last week for the annual Autumn Concert, an uplifting showcase that demonstrated just how much progress can be made in only six weeks of term. With performances from choirs, bands, ensembles and the orchestra, the evening showed the impressive range of music our pupils take on and the ease with which they adapt to different styles.
The evening was warmly compèred by Upper Sixth students Olivia and Jack, both members of this year’s Les Misérables cast and attending their final Autumn Concert. Olivia, in her role as Deputy Head Girl and well known for her singer–songwriting, and Jack, a committed actor and performer, guided the audience confidently through the programme.
Director of Music Kay Le Doujet praised the pupils for the focus and energy they have shown since September. “The Autumn Concert was a celebration of the hard work and talent of our musicians,” she said. “It was wonderful to see the ensembles perform with such confidence and to feel the joy they brought to their music-making.”
It was wonderful to see the ensembles perform with such confidence and to feel the joy they brought to their music-making
Director of Music, Kay Le Doujet
The orchestra opened the evening with an assured and expressive performance of Dvořák’s Largo from the New World Symphony, providing a strong start to the concert.
This was followed by the Pre-Prep performance, which also introduced the audience to Ms Tatyana Niedinger, Harrodian’s new Head of Lower School Music. The Pre-Prep Choir and Pre-Prep Percussion Band, both directed by Tatyana, delivered a charming rendition of Siyahamba. Their performance set an upbeat tone, with the drum rhythms prompting the audience to clap along and creating a lively, positive atmosphere in the room. Director of Music Kay Le Doujet is delighted to have Tatyana on board, noting, “We’re thrilled to welcome Tatyana to the department, and the Pre-Prep performance was a real highlight. We’re looking forward to hearing and seeing even more Lower School music over the course of the academic year.”
The programme continued with confident and ambitious performances from the Lower Prep, Boys and Training Choirs; uplifting ensemble pieces from the Training Strings, Wind and Brass group; and varied choral performances from the Auditioned, Senior and Chamber Choirs, whose pieces highlighted everything from complex harmonies to clear individual voices and subtle ensemble textures.
To view more photos taken at the rehearsal on Wednesday 5 November by intern Yana Kazur
One of the most anticipated moments of the night came near the end, when the cast of this year’s school musical performed a short teaser of “One Day More” from Les Misérables. The cast’s stage presence and cohesion earned enthusiastic applause and offered an exciting preview of the full production to come in the new year.
Our music events are a great opportunity to celebrate the breadth of musical talent, dedication and teamwork among our performers
Looking ahead, Kay shares her excitement for the next major events in the school’s musical calendar. Next year, the Spring Concert will take place across two separate events: a Lower School Spring Concert for Pre-Prep and Lower School musicians, and the Spring Music Cabaret Concert for pupils in the 11s and above. “Both concerts will feature a mix of solo and ensemble performances, alongside larger group pieces,” Kay adds. “They’re a great opportunity to celebrate the breadth of musical talent, dedication and teamwork among our performers.”
Find the full Autumn Concert programme below:
