It is always such a delight to support the wide variety of pupils in the Emerging Talent Concert. As more than one member of the audience suggested, after the concert, the title ‘Emerging’ may have been a little erroneous, as there were plenty of strong, talented musicians on display. The event was generously supported by family, friends and members of Common Room.
The programme was a delightful mix of classical, jazz, ‘Songs from the shows’ and pop. The concert opened with a characterful and brave performance of ‘Quiet’ by India G, followed by technically solid and ebullient performances by Tali S (flute) and Roger X (piano) who later delighted us with a lyrical clarinet performance. Clarendon H T continued the programme with a nuanced and expressive vocal display, quite contrasting to her later vibrantly rhythmic interpretation of Coldplay.
A delightful mixture of styles and moods followed with a charmingly whimsical piece from Sophia C, Sophie M displaying some idiomatic blues and Ludo M with a pure rendition of Panis Angelicus. Antony L entertained us with a fun-filled ‘Hound Dog’ at the piano and Teia G with her dramatic interpretation of ‘I dreamed a dream’.
The second half continued with some polished and assured items. Emilia B produced a poignant rendition of ‘Someone like you’ and Annabel S a controlled and poised Vaughan Williams setting. Iris H showed great promise at the keyboard and Elora L demonstrated some powerful story-telling in ‘Once you lose your heart’.
Bringing the concert to a close, Edie L produced some fluid and flexible musicianship on the flute, Lara S a smooth-toned song from ‘Beauty and the Beast’, before Jack L brought the curtain down with an accurately, soulful performance of an Aretha Franklin classic.
We will all look forward to hear how these talents flourish in the following years.
Clare Toomer
Deputy Head of Music
