As we near the end of term, life for our musicians always becomes particularly busy at this time of the year, not to mention the lives of musicians up and down the country! At Charterhouse, as ever, as soon as the beautiful Christmas tree appears in the Chapel, you know it’s that special time of the year again.
We must therefore, first and foremost, give a huge vote of thanks to everyone involved that has made Christmas at Charterhouse such a great success, once again – all of our teaching staff, our Visiting Music Teachers, our Heads of instrumental sections but of course our excellent pupils, who have all worked incredibly hard these last few weeks to put on some superb performances.
Candlelit Carols
A particular highlight in the school calendar is Candlelit Carols, which returned to the Chapel in, perhaps, a more traditional format but as ever, delighted the massed audience over the two performances. Led by Mr McKee and sung by the ever-impressive Schola Cantorum, the evening got off to the most atmospheric start as the choir sang Jan Sandström’s arrangement of the Praetorius hymn tune Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen. The shimmering ‘hum’ of the choral accompaniment rang through the building as the quartet of lower school singers sang the well-known hymn. With candles at hand, the choir then processed from the West to the East end of the Chapel and continued to give a superb concert of carols and readings. Particular highlights included Lux aurumque and O magnum mysterium by American composers Eric Whitacre and Morten Laurisden respectively, two pieces which have become particular favourites at this time of the year; however, most ambitious and visually pleasing too was Schola’s performance of Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Stars. As well as some distinct and sonourous harmonies created by the choir, the performance was given an extra dimension by the use of tuned wine glasses, expertly tuned by Mr Beynon a real treat for the audience, as well as a delicate and multi-tasking job for the choir!
Candlelit Carols
Carols at the Care Homes
Charterhouse is continually proud of its connections with the local community and we were once again delighted and honoured to bring some festive cheer to two of our local care homes this season. Pop Choir, led by Mr Sutton, headed out to Broadwater Lodge and Eastlake Homes to meet the residents and sing some carols. This was a most joyous of occasions and the pupils were most excellent in their interactions with the staff and residents, a real highlight of the day and the week for many.
Christmas Concert
This year’s Christmas Concert had a real eclectic mix of repertoire and once again featured the ‘moving audience’ element too! Starting in Chapel, Chamber Orchestra gave a beautiful performance of Arnold Schoenberg’s Notturno for Strings, soloist Christy (Year 12) adding a lovely and colourful violin line over the top of the ensemble. Short, but very sweet indeed, the acoustic adding a special flavour to this fascinating piece. This was followed by an excellent performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, scored for upper voices and harp. The collective Sopranos and Altos from both Chapel Choirs took to the stage, accompanied by Dylan (Year 11). The music is full of twists and turns, different textures and sonorities, different tempi and dynamics, all to tell a Christmas story. The voices rang out with impressive assurance in this tricky repertoire, giving an excellent performance indeed. Bravo to all the soloists but an extra special mention must go to Dylan who gave a superb accompanimental performance. In this notoriously difficult piece, Dylan showed confidence, dexterity and technical skill in his role, mastering all the notes throughout the performance. His solo movement in the piece was a real treat for the audience. Bravo tutti!
Next, the audience moved to Hall where a real smorgasbord was on offer! All with a Christmas theme, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble and Close Harmony all took to the stage to delight the audience. Repertoire was wide and varied, but all with style and toe-tapping smiles for all involved. The evening then took a stylistic turn as three of our leading rock bands strutted their Christmassy stuff – The Shepherds, Audacity and Magenta gave performances of some classic repertoire courtesy of Deep Purple, Maneskin and Artic Monkeys. The volume was turned up but this only heightened the enthusiasm and delight of the audience! Closing the evening was a return to the jazz and swing of Big Band whose rendition of Mariah Carey’s classic All I want for Christmas was the perfect conclusion to the most successful of evenings. Again, huge well done to everyone involved and massive thanks to Mr Corkin, Mrs Harris and Mr Kellett for their hours of dedication to the cause.
Candlelit Carols
Carol Services
As ever, the school community celebrated in true liturgical style with the Carol Services, this year accompanied by the addition of a chamber orchestra to the organ. Over the three days – Sunday for the parents, Monday Upper School and Tuesday Lower School – the combined Senior and Junior Chapel choirs took the School through a beautiful sequence of readings and carols, neatly crafted by the Chaplaincy and Musical teams. Music by Rutter, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Handel and a lovely setting of Away in a manger by Russel Pascoe guided the congregation through the Christmas story; coupled with hearty singing of favourite carols, the services, once again, proved to be a special moment at the end of a very busy term. Schola also travelled to London to give the annual Christmas Founder’s Evensong at the London Charterhouse, celebrating in the traditional style.
A huge bravo to everything that has been achieved and to everyone that has made it happen. A massive vote of thanks to Mr McKee, who has masterminded and guided the troops through a hectic term – and let’s not forget, all the while rehearsing the musical too! - but always with musical success, innovation and progression. It’s been another great term of music-making. May we wish everyone the merriest of Christmases and we look forward to the delights of next term.
