Christmas might feel a long time ago now, but the later than usual start to Long Quarter (Spring Term) this year has meant that we’ve hurtled towards Exeat (Half Term), but not without its highlights of music-making through these first four weeks – a short while in the grand scheme of things, but packing a significantly weighty punch!
Diplomas
We are continually proud of all pupils at Charterhouse who put themselves through the rigours of both performances and exams, not just in Music but across the school curriculum. However, the pinnacle for musicians, especially when still in their early schooling days, is the hugely significant achievement of obtaining a Diploma in their discipline. Charterhouse is no stranger to standout stars and we were delighted to share the news of two more successes at the start of the term: Kai (Year 10) and Rachel (Year 11), achieving a Diploma in violin and clarinet, respectively. We offer a huge 'well done', a true testament to both the hours and effort they put into their preparation but also to the time they dedicate to the department as Music Scholars. Bravo indeed!
String Day
Next in the diary was the highly anticipated String Day, in which we welcomed more than 35 prep school pupils from Edgeborough, RGS Wellington Prep, Hoebridge, Westbourne House and Cobham Free School. Led by our wonderful Head of Strings, Mrs Katie Harris, pupils were joined by members of our own Chamber Orchestra whose kindness and encouragement helped the younger musicians to learn and develop their skills throughout the day. Three ensembles were formed, all of which gave excellent performances in the final concert in Hall. Two Peter Martin arrangements were heard by the junior and intermediate ensembles: the upbeat and fun Latin American Dances, and by the intermediate players, the first movement of his Divertimento for Strings. After a wonderful showcase by Mrs Harris and viola teacher Mrs Louise Hawker, performing Robert Fuchs’ Duo No.12 for Violin and Viola – a real treat for all in the Hall – everyone came together to play Tchaikovsky’s ‘Waltz’ from the Serenade for Strings to cap off what was another excellent day for the string department. Huge thanks go to Mrs Harris, as well as to the fellow Visiting Music Teachers who provided their wonderful guidance – Mrs Hawker, as mentioned, and also Mr Robb in the depths of the double bass department!
Evening Recital
A lovely informal Evening Recital was held in Hall with performances by the Piano Quartet, Guitar Ensemble, Close Harmony and Pop Choir, which served as the warm-up act for what has been the biggest musical occasion in Mr McKee’s tenure as Head of Music to date. Throughout last term and into this one, Symphony Orchestra and Choral Society have been hard at work, getting to grips with the might of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with its epic final movement, complete with chorus and soloists, celebrating one of classical music’s most popular and recognisable melodies. Monday 3 February saw all these forces take to the stage in Hall to perform a complete rendition of the Symphony – all 80 minutes of it! With over 100 musicians involved in the performance, we were also thrilled to welcome four excellent soloists to the roster: our very own Mrs Alexandra Stevenson, Mrs Claire Sutton-Williams and Mr Guy Beynon, and a special welcome to Charterhouse to bass-baritone Mr Greg Bannon. This was a superb performance, full of life, colour, musical excitement and energy and it was thrilling to see so many pupils involved.
Cadogan Hall Concert
Cadogan Hall
Yet, we haven't even reached the main event – a trip to Cadogan Hall, London, one of the premier concert halls in the UK and Europe (if not the world!), to portray the excellence of music at Charterhouse. And what a superb day it was. Once again, with well over 100 musicians (not to mention the kit), the Music Department travelled en masse on the morning of Wednesday 5 February to this most famous of venues. On board were all those in the Beethoven ensemble, as well as musicians from our top ensembles, all of whom would have their chance to shine on stage. Rehearsals began as soon as we arrived in the late morning and continued right through until dinner, all in preparation for the Showcase Concert at 7pm. The day was a success from the outset; pupils were on superb form, the schedule of the day was managed perfectly and the rehearsal process was slick and successful. Everything was well in hand for the excitement of the concert.
It certainly did not disappoint! The first half opened with a beautiful rendition of Arnold Schoenberg’s 'Notturno' for Violin and Strings, a wonderful solo played by Christy (Year 12), accompanied by the sweet sonorities of Chamber Orchestra. This performance perfectly set the scene, with anticipation in the auditorium almost palpable. The piano quartet, with Christy once more, alongside Damian (Year 10), Jonathan (Year 13) and Claire (Year 12) was next on the programme, playing the slow movement from Brahms’ Piano Quartet no.3, op.60. When you bring four superb musicians together with a real understanding for both the music itself and the ensemble as a whole, the result is simply magical; some highly impressive chamber playing was on show. Next came a choral item, courtesy of Charterhouse’s top vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum, complete with wine glasses for a starry and atmospheric effect. Their performance of Ērik Ešenvalds' 'Stars' totally silenced the crowds and a haunting yet enticing performance graced the hall. Guitar Ensemble and Wind Ensemble followed, both once again showing true chamber music skill and interaction between the musicians; Jűrg Kindle’s 'Kalimba' and an arrangement of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody in Blue' delighted the audience. A turn towards the lighter side continued and, under expert guidance of our inspirational Head of Contemporary Music, Mr Ian Kellett, the leading Rock School band ‘The Skate Band’ took to the stage. With their rendition of 'Skate (Silk Sonic)', this performance was full of passion, energy, fun and excitement, all delivered with perfect ensemble and musical skill. This was not before the close harmony group gave us their version of 'Don’t Stop Believing' and Lyra (Year 13) rounded off the first half, accompanied by Big Band, with Carly Simon’s 'Nobody Does it Better'. Lyra has been a standout performer during her time at Charterhouse, and this performance, full of style and grace, musicality and maturity, was the perfect way to conclude the proceedings.
My wife and I attended the Charterhouse Concert at Cadogan Hall last night – what a superb evening. We so enjoyed the performances and were indeed in awe of the whole team – please do pass on our congratulations to the Music School.
Old Carthusian
Cadogan Hall Concert
After a short interval, almost all the pupils took to the stage for a mighty performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This time alongside Alexandra and Claire once again, we were thrilled and honoured to welcome Mr Sam Furness OC as our tenor soloist and Mr David Stout as bass. Both are internationally renowned opera performers and it was a true thrill for our pupils to be joined on stage by such stellar soloists. Symphony Orchestra, led by Christy (Year 12), played with real vigour, excitement, pride and musicality, energy and excellence. The final movement saw the might of the chorus, spread across the stage and the balconies, bringing this epic piece to a close – a true ode to musical joy! This was an event that will live long in the memory of our Charterhouse musicians and a huge bravo goes to all involved. We must also give special mention to Mr McKee and the brains behind the entire operation, Mrs Lucia Brown, for their expertise in pulling off this most splendid of days in the musical calendar.
The depth and breadth of musical ability at Charterhouse is remarkable and was beautifully demonstrated over the whole concert. I first heard Beethoven's Ninth sixty years ago at a large open air concert in Santander conducted by Raphael Frubeck de Burgos. The pleasure I felt last night matched that at Santander such was the excellence of last night's performance and the venue.
Old Carthusian
