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The large audience in the Princess Hall were treated to a wonderfully varied programme of chamber music performed by pupils from all year groups on the evening of Thursday 2nd February. 

Our 10-piece senior flute ensemble opened the concert with 4 Sail by Russell Stokes. This lively four-part work has tricky syncopated rhythms. They were played with ease by the girls and their sound blended seamlessly. 

We then had four students in Lower College performing Vivaldi’s 4 Violin Concerto in B minor. This was accompanied by the String Serenaders and it was very special to see Natalie (LC3 / Year 9), Elise and Georgie (both LC2 / Year 8) and Jonna (LC1 / Year 7) perform with an orchestra for the very first time. Each pupil played their solo passages with refined sound and secure co-ordination, and the colour, dynamic range and breadth of phrasing when they played together was very impressive for those so young. 

We were then tapping along to Lily (LC2 / Year 8) and Kelly (LC3 / Year 9) performing their debut performance as part of our Lower College jazz trio. Mr Jones kindly stepped in at the last minute due to the pianist being unable to perform. They performed So What by Miles Davis and the communication between them was as if they had played together for years! We loved Lily’s bouncing ascending passages on the double bass and Kelly’s smooth hypnotic brushing on the kit. Mr Jones couldn’t resist giving us some cheeky improvisation on the piano too! 

Next, we heard two movements from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite for piano duet played by Natalie and Sandy (both SFC1 / Year 12). Each note and chord were played with care and poise, and in the more expansive sections we could see why Ravel went on to arrange it for full orchestra. 

The variety of instruments were shown in our next item; our Upper College wind quintet performed two movements from Peer Gynt by Grieg. Sofia on flute, Audrey on oboe (both UC4 / year 10), Zadie on French horn (UC5 / Year 11) and Costanza on clarinet (UC4 / Year 10) were joined by Mrs Portus on bassoon for this impressive work. The performers captured the many changes in mood and speed this piece demands, and the long phrases in the second movement showed their accomplished breath control. 

Two short pieces played on two harps followed. Bach’s Siciliano and La Folia arranged by Middleton were performed by Natalie (LC1 / Year 7) and Janice (LC3 / Year 9). The synchronicity and eloquence of the two lines drew in the listener especially due to the resonant acoustic of the Princess Hall. 

Our last two items were pieces that are relatively unknown. Milhaud’s Sonata No.2 for two violins and piano were performed by Lily, Vanessa and Jiayi (all SFC2 / Year 13). This piece transports the listener around the world with sounds and harmonies from France and Asia. The three girls played very expressively, and the wide range of pitch and articulation was on full show here. 

The final item was Elgar’s Andante and Allegro for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello. The meandering accompaniment in the strings allows for the oboe to soar above with a singing melody performed sensitively by Semi (SFC2 / Year 13). The string parts played by Eleanor, Stephanie (both SFC2 / Year 13) and Vivien (UC4 / Year 10) are more at the forefront in the Allegro and they each played their fast energetic passages with style and flair.  

The Chamber Concert was a wonderful occasion. Congratulations to everyone who performed.

Mr Bailey, Head of Strings