A capacity crowd, full of parents and friends, packed into the Prospect Theatre, on Thursday 19 November, for an outstanding evening of music-making by the College’s Chamber Orchestra and Big Band.  Dedicated to the victims of the Paris massacre, the evening consisted of a number of poignant musical tributes, to those who lost their lives on the night of 13 November and to all victims of terrorism and war around the world.

With the tricolour displayed in full at the back of the Theatre, the first half got underway with a celebration of ‘the art of song’, including works by Rutter, Barber and Mozart, sung by student soloists Charlotte Baker, Charlotte Day and Emily Beech, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra.

The audience remained captivated throughout by the maturity and musicality of the performances and were sent dancing into the interval as members of Chamber Orchestra performed a stunning Suite of popular, Danish folk-songs.

The evening’s second half consisted of a toe-tapping selection of Jazz and Big Band classics, including performances of ‘Brown- Eyed Girl’ and ‘Minnie the Moocher’ and a wonderfully inventive swing arrangement of the ‘90’s indie classic, ‘Wonderwall’.

The College’s elite Jazz ensemble, directed by music student, Eilidh Reid, having just returned from a recent tour of Paris, dedicated a number of works to their friends and hosts in the City.

Soloists, in the second half included, Alistair Slack, Chloe Elliott, Ellie Mackie, Dylan Kirk and Chris Tomlinson. 

Felicity Hamilton a second year, who performed ‘Accentuate the Positives’ with Big Band, said after the event, “It was wonderful to perform with so many students, both from within and outside of the Music Department.  It was particularly great to get the chance to sing with a full Big Band; I was so proud of everyone that took part!’

Curriculum Manager Harry White added, “This was a fitting tribute to our friends in Paris and all victims of violence throughout the world. The Department has developed formal links with the City over a number of years, including during several tours and has always been blessed with kind, generous and warm hosts.  We even have one former student now studying in Higher Education in Paris, as a result of contacts gained from the experience.

The Music Department has been busy staging several concerts this term, but tonight was particularly special.  It was incredibly moving and uplifting to see so many students from the College community, come together to make such inspiring music together.  I was overwhelmed by the support from parents and the spirit of the evening just served to prove how music-making is at the heart of the College. “

Director of Teaching and Quality, Aidan Hamilton said, “Tonight was a fine example of true music education.  These talented young people have been given the opportunity to develop and showcase that talent, under the expert guidance of the music department who support them to achieve their true potential, to gain experience and hone their skills.  The range of work on view tonight and the confident performances of these young musicians was a wonderful and uplifting experience, to which the reaction of the packed audience attests.  A big, big thank you to all.  It was truly joyous.”