Read the latest updates from the Music Department
It has already been a very busy term in the Music Department with numerous successes across a variety of fields. With such a wealth of high calibre musicians, it is always so pleasing to see music flowing from the department in such a mixture of impressive outlets, both within the school and further afield. We congratulate all those achievements thus far that continue to encourage the excellent music making at Charterhouse.
The term started with some wonderful news for Henry who achieved a staggering 91/100 for his Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) examination, playing a beautiful programme for viola. This was real justification for a highly musical and musically intelligent boy who has been an integral part to the musical life of Charterhouse.
Before going further, mention must be given to the staff and visiting music teachers who constantly strive to improve the musical abilities of our students. We are very fortunate to have such an excellent line up of peripatetic staff and in fact our very own David Whitson, was recently recognised by the British Trombone Society, as Trombone Teacher of the Year, 2018.
At the end of January, the first of the term’s Evening Recital concerts was held in Hall; a variety of repertoire was beautifully performed by Michael (piano, Liszt Liebestraume), Henry (viola, Britten Lachrymae) and Henry (works for piano by Debussy and Brahms), all thoroughly enjoyed by the captive audience.
In a very busy week straight after Half Term, the string trio of Ashley, Henry and Benedict progressed to the semi-final of the Pro Corda chamber music competition.
This was the filling for a busy three days which saw, firstly, a visit to the Cardinal Clinic in Windsor. A regular fixture in the year, the residents of the clinic were once again treated to an excellent performance by a number of the Charterhouse ensembles – brass ensemble, string trio, close harmony group, saxophone quartet, Baroque ensemble and wind ensemble; there were also solo performances by Veronika, Charlie and Benedict and a rousing rendition of Schubert’s Marche Militaire for piano duet given by two of our outstanding Fourth Form pupils (Year 9), Justin and Lancelot.
Later in the week, the department welcomed Dr Evan Rothstein, Professor of String Studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, to adjudicate String Prizes. With such a long list of performances (too many to note here!), it was huge credit to the string playing in the School, all under the expert guidance of our new Head of Strings, Rafael Bolivar and string teaching staff. The three prize winners were David, Michael and Benedict. Many congratulations to all pupils that entered.
With a busy second half of term ahead, there is certainly much to look forward to. Brass and Woodwind prizes are next week, the second Evening Recital will see two of the great works for violin being performed (come along to find out what they are!) and the two major concerts come up at the end of term, the Choral Concert and the Orchestral Concert.
For further details about upcoming concerts or to be added to our mailing list, do get in touch with our administrator – music@charterhouse.org.uk
Follow the department on Twitter also where concerts and events will always be published - @CharterhouseMu1
