This year’s Autumn Serenade was a vibrant showcase of the school’s musical talent, offering an impressively diverse programme that moved seamlessly from classical staples to jazz, musical theatre, and modern ensemble works. Each group brought its own character to the stage, creating an evening full of colour, confidence, and genuine musical joy.
The concert opened in rousing fashion with the Symphony Orchestra performing Johann Strauss’s Radetsky March. The familiar rhythmic drive and energetic clapping from the audience set a celebratory tone for the evening, and the orchestra carried the piece with maturity and enthusiasm. A stylish change of atmosphere followed with the Brass Ensemble, who delivered Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ with an easy charm and a warm, blended sound. Their phrasing captured the spirit of the Jazz Age while still feeling fresh and accessible.
The Double Reed Ensemble delighted listeners with a witty, well-balanced rendition of Queen’s Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, managing the song’s playful quirks with impressive clarity and blend. The String Orchestra then returned the evening to the classical world with the Allegro from L. Mozart’s Sinfonia in G. Their performance was bright and crisp, showcasing elegant bow control and sensitive dynamic contrasts. A moment of calm arrived with the Harp Ensemble, whose gentle, shimmering interpretation of Fauré’s Berceuse de Dolly gave a beautiful moment of serenity. The Inimicos Ensemble gave the audience a warm and lyrical performance of the second movement of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, with their expressive playing bringing out the suite’s nostalgic charm beautifully. The Senior Choir’s unified tone and poised delivery perfectly captured the ethereal quality of the Sanctus and In Paradisum from Fauré’s Requiem, creating one of the most moving moments of the evening.
The Wind Ensemble then presented two well-loved favourites: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen) and Close Every Door (Lloyd Webber). Both were performed with sensitivity and confident melodic shaping. Our newest ensemble, the Serenade Strings, performed Frank Gillett’s Dark Rumba, handling the piece’s subtle syncopations and dark, sultry textures with impressive control and even some rhythmic stamping! The Clarinet Ensemble brought a gentle warmth to Hushabye Mountain (Sherman Bros.) before shifting to the nostalgic jazz tones of Hoagy Carmichael’s Georgia, demonstrating both versatility and expressive phrasing.
The Saxophone Ensemble then took to the stage, presenting the premiere performance of Tom – The Ginger Pimpernel written by our peripatetic Saxophone teacher, Chris Frost. Their rhythmic precision and bright tone colours made the piece sparkle with character. The Lower School String Quartet gave a thoughtful and disciplined interpretation of Corelli’s La Folia. Their ability to maintain ensemble cohesion through the variations was particularly commendable. The Tre Voci Ensemble followed with Debussy’s Andante Espressivo, delivering a beautifully blended, deeply expressive performance full of subtle colour and phrasing.
Finally, the Concert Band closed the evening with selections from Mary Poppins. Their spirited, full-bodied sound made for a joyful finale, sending the audience away smiling.
Overall, this year’s Autumn Serenade was a wonderful celebration of the school’s musical life—rich, varied, and performed with genuine heart. Each ensemble shone in its own way, making the concert a true highlight of the term.
