Welcome back to all our pupils and to another year at Charterhouse. As ever, it’s such a delight to see and feel the air of anticipation around the School, the expectation of excitement and the prospect of what can be for all our pupils as another academic year begins.
Music School, as ever, continues to be a focus for so many of our talented pupils and once again, we welcome a new crop of Music Scholars into our sphere. As we tick over the end of just week 4 in Oration Quarter (Autumn Term), ensembles are up and running, music lessons are very much in full flow and we’re already planning for a host of exciting events later this term and through the year. Notable mention must be the ever-popular House Singing and Candlelit Carols this term, but the School Musical (The Addams Family) and our major instrumental showcase concert in Cadogan Hall, London, next term. And if that wasn’t enough to whet the appetite of all Charterhouse musicians and followers, we’re also very much looking forward to our Italian tour next summer. Another exciting year planned by our wonderful Head of Music, Mr David McKee.
Last year's Candle-Lit Carols
Despite a couple of respite weeks at the start of Oration Quarter whilst we get everybody up and running, Schola Cantorum, our top vocal ensemble, has been filling the Chapel with their beautiful and harmonious sounds on a weekly basis, singing Choral Evensong since the start of term. This week, we were delighted to welcome Mr Christopher Gray, Director of Music at St. John’s Chapel, Cambridge, perhaps one of the finest choirs in the country (if not the world…). Mr Gray led the choir through a fascinating workshop in the afternoon, exploring vocal techniques and choral sounds, continuing to develop the sound of the choir in the glorious Memorial Chapel. He then directed Evensong with music by McKee, Bairstow and Wood. The choir were on excellent form, certainly learnt some new and valuable techniques and a wonderful afternoon was had by all. Our huge thanks go to Mr Gray for giving up his time and visiting Charterhouse, just before the start of his own University term.
Last year's House Singing
As mentioned, much to look forward to in the coming weeks: next week, a Music Scholar showcase descends upon Farncombe Church, we welcome numerous Prep School pupils to Charterhouse as Mr Corkin undoubtedly leads a fun and vibrant Wind and Brass day, before we’re into the throws and joys of House Singing to guide us into Exeat.
Welcome back everyone, here we go again!
