As Cricket Quarter (Summer Term) continues on, we are always impressed by and must commend those pupils that work so hard at this time, particularly the exam year groups, whilst still keeping up with their commitments and being part of the wonderful co-curricular programme at Charterhouse.
Taking your head out of your books, taking a breather from revision is so important and healthy for one’s well-being and we’ve been delighted to see the way in which many of our musicians have continued to be part of what has been a very busy Quarter this year.
As part of the A-Level and IGCSE syllabus, composition features very prominently and the works that pupils produce is most impressive indeed, really exploring and exploiting their creative juices through notes on the page. This year, we were delighted to welcome Mr Russell Pascoe to Charterhouse to adjudicate on the annual Composition prizes. Mr Pascoe is a prominent Cornish composer having studied, worked and composed for many ensembles and eminent musicians. Entries from the pupils varied hugely and delightfully; from instrument and piano compositions to full scale orchestral scores, even with an electronic composition thrown in also. Nine pieces were chosen to be scrutinized and Mr Pascoe gave some very thoughtful, insightful and positive comments to all of our young composers. Very hard to choose indeed, but Joshua (Year 11) took the John Wilson I Prize with Eamon (Year 11) taking the John Wilson II prize. But a huge congratulations to all that showed off their compositional talents. A wonderful evening of creativity and new music.
Perhaps the highlight of the last few years has been the annual Eve of Carthusian Day Concerto Concert which, once again, proved to be a truly stellar evening of music making. Opportunities to play with the Symphony or Chamber Orchestras are granted to our leaving musicians and this year, fell to Timothy (Year 13), Edward (Year 13) and Jago (Year 13). All three pupils have been consummate professional during their time at Charterhouse: reliable and committed, signs of true development of musical maturity but above all a sense of responsibility to their clear talents as highly capable musicians.
The concert opened with Jago performing the first movement of Stamitz’s concerto no.6 for clarinet alongside Chamber Orchestra led by Mrs Katie Harris. Very much in the Classical style, Jago played with finesse and nuance, filling the beautiful Chapel acoustic with his singing instrumental lines, accompanied sensitively by the orchestra. Dialogue between soloist and orchestra were ever present and this was the perfect concert opener. Next up was something a little different and rare to be offered in a school concert. Poulenc’s Organ Concerto is no easy feat, neither for soloist nor orchestra and credit must be given straight to away to both Edward and Mrs Harris and Chamber Orchestra for so masterfully tackling so many notes! This is a work of real drama and excitement, portrayed wonderfully by the variety of sounds of the Cavaillé-Coll organ in Chapel (through the digital Hauptwerk system) explored by Edward at the console; similarly, Chamber Orchestra played with vibrancy and edge that added to this complete performance. This concerto is a 20-minute one movement work, but there was never any let up in this performance. Directed by Mr Jamal Sutton, there was some truly excellent playing on show from all musicians and so exciting to be able to perform an organ concerto. Edward has been a superb asset to the Chapel music making during his time at Charterhouse and this was a most fitting way to sign off. We very much look forward to hearing him for the last time at the Leavers' Service.
A short interval encouraged the audience to migrate over to Hall where Symphony Orchestra now took the stage to accompany Timothy through Bruch’s famous violin concerto no.1 in G minor. With so many memorable tunes and recognizable moments, this was never going to disappoint! Furthermore, Timothy has poured his heart and soul into the preparation of this work; he was a clear and deserved winner at String Prizes, when he played the first movement, but he has spent his time getting his fingers round the (many!) notes, truly understanding the shape of the three movements in this concerto and spending time to get the interplay with the orchestra just right. Conducted by Mr David McKee, a huge number of performers on stage brought this piece to life. It was lovely to see almost an entire Verites boarding house to support Timothy who played with flair and finesse, musical maturity but with some truly beautiful moments too. Credit, as ever, must be given to the orchestra also who similarly had another huge handful of notes to learn but carried it off with true professionalism. It is no easy feat, as the orchestra – Symphony and Chamber – to be the backing track (!) to three soloists; such playing requires consideration, understanding and musicality, all of which was shown by our pupils. Huge, huge thanks goes to all the pupils for their playing but also to the staff that have rehearsed and spent devoted time in lessons and sectionals to get the best from our players – Mrs Katie Harris, Mr Samuel Corkin and of course Mr David McKee. Bravo tutti, once again a truly splendid evening of music making.
Earlier this week, however, two recitals were offered from our staff and Old Carthusians (OC). Firstly, Head of Music Mr David McKee gave a truly delightful vocal recital, accompanied by Mr Jamal Sutton, of German and English music. Including a performance of Schumann’s beautiful Dichterliebe, some beautiful music was chosen and sung with great expertise to delight the audience. A few days later, we were thrilled to welcome back OC Benedict Wong who gave an outstanding violin recital. Benedict left us a few years ago now, but has very much continued his musical journey. A choral and instrumental scholar up at Durham University then led to a current place at the Guildhall where he is a studying for a post-graduate degree in violin performance. A fantastic player and above all, a super chap, this was wonderful occasion and lovely to welcome him back to hear how his musicianship has progressed.
We were also thrilled to welcome Mr Jonathan Hope, Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, to give an enlightening masterclass to our organ pupils. Jonathan spent time with 5 of our top organists, giving his thoughts and tips on their playing but then also a mini-improvisation tutorial, an art that he is a true master. Our pupils were able to perform to each other, take insights from each other’s lesson but work in a convivial environment at which everyone was able to cement learnings and understandings as they take their playing forwards.
We’re almost at the end of term, but the ever-popular Artifex is just around the corner. Many of our musicians will once again take to the smaller stage to offer much music through the week, playing in solo and ensemble capacity, delighting friends and colleagues as this wonderful venture takes centre stage at Charterhouse. Let me also take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Music Department who have given their time and energy to produce a truly exciting first year under new leadership. Mr Corkin and Mrs Harris have worked tirelessly and selflessly to continually prepare our pupils for the next concert; Dr Millard has been an ever-steady excellent Head of Academic Studies, making sure everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time; Mr Sutton with his piano and organ skills on a weekly basis and Mr Boulton (who we say a sad ‘farewell’ to as he takes up a new role as Assistant Head of Music at Bedales School) always on hand to ensure our technical provision is ship-shape; our superb team of VMTs have worked so hard and excellently through the year, always ensuring the very best from our pupils; Mrs Brown for her quiet, smooth running of the department with all the unseen goings on to keep everything ticking over; and of course to Mr McKee – an excellent appointment and a thoroughly successful first year. But finally, to all our pupils and musicians, without whom none of this is possible. Thank you everyone, this has been another wonderful year of Music at Charterhouse.
