The annual St Cecilia’s Concert took place on 16 November in the Eaton Theatre. This particular concert focused on the groups and ensembles that form part of New Hall Music School.

Opening the event was the orchestra, on best ever form. Now the biggest it has ever been, the orchestra performed the majestic Allegro Maestoso by William Boyce and the rousing Hungarian March by Berlioz. After an entertaining performance of Swinging Saxophones by the Saxtet, and a charming rendition of Country Gardens arranged by Mr Castell for the junior string quartet, the Chamber Choir took to the stage. Their performances of The Birds’ Lament by Bennett and The Owl and the Pussycat by Mathias enchanted the audience. Due to illness, the trio that followed was diminished to a duo; but with Emily Legner (Year 12) leading the way on oboe, the Scherzo and Minore from Divertimento by Albrechtsberger was a great contribution to the evening. Coralie Smart (Year 13) on oboe was joined by Peggy Hu (Year 13) on piano, Diane Wong (Year 12) on flute and Elena Artamonova on viola, performing the intricate Waltz from the opera War and Peace by Prokofiev, to great acclaim.

Next on the programme was the newest addition to the Music School, The Jazz Initiative, also known as TJI; the group took the floor for their performance of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy by Zawinul. It was a great debut, with an impressive improvised solo from James Summers (Year 9) on clarinet. The penultimate item was by Year 8 Music Scholar, Fay Archer, who performed the very moving Adoration by Borowski.

To end the night with a smile, the Voces boys sang In all my Dreams, I Dream of You by Piantadosi and I Dream of Jeanie with the Light Brown Hairby Foster. It was a lovely ending to a wonderful evening, showcasing the considerable talent of our students.