The Prospect Theatre was once again packed with an enthusiastic audience, who were treated to another magnificent evening of music making. The Chamber Orchestra and Big Band took them on a journey of 20th and 21st century music, including a world exclusive!
In the first half, Chamber Orchestra performed works by Arvo Pärt, Maurice Ravel, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and Béla Bartók. In addition to these established composers, a work for Orchestra by second year composition scholar Evie Oldfield was performed for the first time entitled, ‘Moelleux’. Evie wanted to capture the soft feeling evoked in many 20th century French works, such as the ‘Pavane pour une infant defunte’, which was performed by Chamber Orchestra immediately before. After the performance, Evie commented, “It was such a fantastic experience having my piece performed by the orchestra and they played it so well! The evening as a whole was brilliant.”
Big Band ramped up the tempo in the second half opening with ‘When Jonny Comes Swingin’ Home’ and foot tapping standards such as ‘Yankee Doodle' and ‘A Salute to Benny Goodman’, an arrangement of his most popular works.
The College Jazz Ensemble, ‘Sixth Spice’ performed three numbers; ‘Sunny’, ‘Cute’ and ‘Billie Jean’. Vocalist with the ensemble and second year student, Alicia Rockall, said of the experience, “The concert is a great opportunity for us to showcase our work from the term. Not only does it build confidence in us all as performers but it is also immense fun!”
Ben Dowsett, Curriculum Manager for music remarked, “I was very proud of the students as they performed some very challenging repertoire with great aplomb. Sixth Spice in particular demonstrated astounding musicianship as an ensemble that has developed during their time at College.”
