The Music department welcomed in the New Year with its first concert of 2015 on the 15 January in the historic setting of Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair. Renowned as one of the premier chamber music venues in London, the chapel, which dates back to the 18th century, is steeped in musical history and has played host to some of the world’s finest musicians, including the Baroque composer G.F Handel. Last week it proved the perfect setting for an evening of chamber music performed by the College’s talented Music Scholars.

The concert, which was programmed and rehearsed by the Scholars themselves, proved the ideal antidote to those winter blues. An enthusiastic audience was treated to an eclectic and vibrant programme performed with real commitment and musicianship.

Speaking of the event, AS Music Scholar Marta Mungai said, “Performing at such a prestigious venue as Grosvenor Chapel was a truly great experience. I really enjoyed this wonderful opportunity to play chamber music and collaborate actively with other Scholars.”

Afterwards, Simon Reigh, Director of Faculty at the College, heaped praise upon the students. “The Music Scholars rose to the occasion in this most prestigious of venues’, he said “It's such a delight to see how their confidence has grown in the space of just a few months and the quality of their performances was breath-taking. Providing opportunities to play in surroundings such as these marks Farnborough out as the number one place to study music.”

College Governor Svetla Potter added, “This was my first Scholars’ Concert and I was so impressed by the maturity of performance of all the Scholars. Their choice of chamber music was varied and refreshing and their performances were wonderful and uplifting. The concert clearly reflected the immense commitment from the music staff, their continuous support to the students and their creativity in finding a venue that is both charming and memorable.”