St Andrew's Garrison Church, Aldershot played host to the College’s Easter Choral Society and Chamber Choir Concert. After their triumph in Guildford Cathedral for the College Carol Service, the 110-strong student chorus inspired a full house with a programme of Mozart and Skempton.

The evening began with the Chamber Choir singing a beautiful version of the Magnificat written by English composer Howard Skempton. It was commissioned in 2011 to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

The centre-piece of the evening was Mozart’s Requiem. The piece was famously written by the great composer on his deathbed, after accepting the commission from an ‘unknown, grey stranger’ who turned up at his door. Despite working on the piece obsessively, believing that he was writing a Requiem for his own funeral, Mozart died before it was completed.

The evening was a tribute to the hard work the students put into preparing for the concert, as first year music student April West said, “The concert was a remarkable feat and truly memorable experience for the performers and audience alike. It was thanks to the hard work all of the musicians involved that we were able to execute such a successful performance and I felt extremely grateful to have the opportunity to sing a renowned choral work with this musical family.”

First year music student Dominic Hall observed, “To perform Mozart’s Requiem, a work of inexplicable beauty, as a part of this astounding Choral Society, accompanied by a professional orchestra was a true privilege and a precious memory that will stay with me forever.”

Singing with a full, professional symphony orchestra, the College’s Choral Society amazed the audience with the power, conviction and quality of their singing. Second year music student Molly Beere commented, “The Mozart Requiem concert was what I can only describe as one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. The exquisite music paired with the sheer power and effort created by Choral Society was absolutely overwhelming. It was an honour to be able to perform with the soloists and professional orchestra.”

Second year music student Oliver Trigg echoed Molly’s sentiment, saying, “Performing in a gorgeous venue with such a high standard of orchestra is an experience I will never forget. The achievement of the Choir in such little rehearsal time is a prime example of the commitment of the students and the dedication of the staff here at Farnborough.”

Harry White, Curriculum Manager for musical performance said, “I am utterly in awe of the talent, energy, musicality and commitment of all the students involved. Their performance had everything; a moving esprit de corps, fearless singing and, above all, supreme musicianship. That so many students from across the College community have performed a work of such magnitude to such a phenomenal standard in only nine weeks almost defies belief. This was a truly special evening; the perfect example of why this College is such a unique place in which students can blossom.”