St Peter’s, Eaton Square was the splendid backdrop for the year’s last Music Scholars’ concert in aid of the Charity Shivia. This distinguished London church, magnificently shimmering in gold leaf, reverberated to a varied, colourful and energetic programme presented by these talented young players. The programme opened with a brass fanfare played from the organ gallery – the music soaring resplendently through the building from above the audience making for a spine tingling start.

The evening then moved through well-known works by J.S Bach, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Fauré, Strauss and Elgar and each played with a commitment and maturity which belied the age of the players. However, less familiar music was nobly represented in two world premieres of student compositions by AS scholar Tom Mungall, vibraphone music by Wood, a beautifully poignant vocal number from Bernstein’s ‘Mass the Musical’, a jolly trio by French composer Poulenc and a virtuosic reading of Wilby’s ‘Dance Zeibekikos’ from his Concerto for Euphonium. The music concluded with an exhilarating and energetic rendition of Stevie Wonder’s ‘I want to make her love me’, arranged by scholar James Akers and performed by all the musicians.

Of the many distinguished guests, star of BBC’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ and Moonpig founder Nick Jenkins was completely taken aback by the quality of the College’s students. "It is extraordinary that one College can produce so many concert standard performers. This was a note-perfect recital and riveting from start to finish."

Speaking after of the concert, Curriculum Manager Harry White said, "I am both overwhelmed and humbled by the talent of our scholars. Through the maturity, quality and professionalism of their readings they have proved themselves, once again, to be amongst the most gifted young musicians in the UK. No-one could have failed to have been anything less than utterly inspired by tonight. Events such as this consolidate Farnborough’s position as a trail-blazer for music education."

Second year Music Scholar Madeleine Jewell was enthusiastic in her response to the evening, "Having the opportunity to play with other talented musicians drawn from such wide-ranging backgrounds has been utterly inspiring. The Music Scholarship has been the ideal preparation for my future studies at Conservatoire level." First year Sam Fang agreed, adding, “Despite not studying Music A Level, the scholarship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in music-making at the College. We have shown tonight how vital music is to the education of all young people and the unifying role it can play when at the heart of such a vibrant College community like ours."

Please click here for further details about the charity Shivia.