The concert began with an elegant performance of the theme from Downton Abbey by the Concert Band which was followed by the beautiful tones of the Guitar Ensemble who treated us to El Pueblo Alegre, a piece composed by our guitar teacher, Mr Malafronte. The tempo picked up with a toe-tapping rendition of I’m a believer  given by the 4th Form Choir followed by Blue Suede Shoes from the Recorder Ensemble. Next we were treated to a student-led string quartet performing Brahms’ Hungarian Dance no5. The Brass Ensemble took us into the world of movies with the theme from James Bond and West Side Story. A premiere performance followed as Mia and Ella dazzled us with a Marimba duet based on Philip Glass’ Etude no6 and the first half of the serenade concluded with an atmospheric performance of Adele’s Skyfall. 

After the interval where delicious refreshments were enjoyed, the Rock Band delivered a punchy performance of Time is running out by Muse. The Wind Ensemble entertained us with The Pink Panther and the theme from Jesus Christ Superstar. The Saxophone Ensemble entertained with their rendition of Sweet Caroline and the upbeat mood continued with the Double Reed Ensemble’s performance of The Sun has got his hat on. The rich sonority of the Senior Choir shone through their rendition of Tonight from West Side Story. The Clarinet Ensemble gave mature and ebullient performances of both Caprice by Clare Grundman  and I’ve got rhythm by Gershwin followed by a joyful presentation of You’ve got to pick a pocket or two from the musical, Oliver, performed by the Flute Ensemble. The Harp Ensemble glittered with performances of Raindrops in Pembury and Snakes Alive! The evening’s entertainment concluded with an exhilarating performance of Tico Tico by the 60-strong Symphony Orchestra. Our thanks go to Lauren and Kate for comparing the evening with such ease, the appreciative audience, all of our ensemble leaders but most importantly, to all the students who wowed us all with their musicality and professionalism. Over a quarter of the entire Senior School student population took part in the concert and are to be congratulated on a truly memorable occasion.