A sold-out Prospect Theatre was entertained by an exciting, energetic evening of music-making as Big Band and Chamber Orchestra kicked off the first concert of the summer term.  Over 100 students from across the College community performed a range of classical, jazz, funk and swing favourites, the evening was a joyful celebration of the talents of the many musicians involved each week in musical enrichment at the College.

The first half was a primarily classical affair, bookended by music from South America and featuring, at its heart, highlights from Mozart’s opera-buffa Le Nozze di Figaro with student soloists Emily Beech, Josh Williamson, Charlotte Baker and Lottie Day accompanied by the College’s Chamber Orchestra.  This was a hugely ambitious choice of repertoire, but approached and performed with such skill and musicality that the audience were left utterly awe-inspired.  

The evening’s second half, hosted by Big Band, took in a number of toe-tapping favourites from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Macavity’ to Richard Rodgers’ ‘The Lady is a Tramp’.  The audience was also delighted by the College’s two smaller jazz ensembles, ‘Just Jazz’ and ‘Jazz Ensemble’, fresh from a series of workshops with leading professional jazz musicians and who impressed with the sharpness of their ensemble playing and sophisticated improvisations.

Speaking after the event, Director of Faculty Aidan Hamilton said, “This was a wonderful evening of music.  The students’ talent, commitment and musicality shone through in performances that were both technically polished and moving.  These were performances that left the audience rapt.”

Curriculum Manager for Music, Harry White praised the students’ commitment and dedication commenting “We have a number of ensembles within the department that cater for students from across the College community and look to deliver the highest standard of performances of great repertoire for a huge demographic.  Out of the over 30 concerts a year that the music department puts on, those featuring Chamber Orchestra and Big Band are amongst our favourites. They encapsulate perfectly the spirit of music-making at this College and the outstanding opportunities and performances we offer for all. This was the perfect start to a busy summer term.”