There are always mixed emotions surrounding the final ensembles concert of the year. For most it is a celebration of working together as a group and producing performances of remarkable quality throughout the year, but for others it will be their last orchestral concert here at Marlborough College. We have a rich crop of musicians in the Upper Sixth year, and we will miss them enormously. Bedecked with red carnations, they all played with conviction and passion on the night, including an emotional and technically assured performance of Kol Nidrei by Paddy C on the viola, conducted by his teacher and our Artistic Director, Philip Dukes. He has been an absolute stalwart of both the choir and orchestra during his time here and the standing ovation was well-deserved. I hope he will soon be seen leading the viola section of the Oxford University orchestra!
The concert opened with Brasser, led by Jemima G, playing the atmospheric and haunting Lux Aurumque by Eric Whitacre. Originally a choral piece, it works well for this mix of wind and brass. The Toccata by Frank Erikson contrasted greatly. The characteristic Toccata style allows a little virtuosity, contrasting with the beauty of the long legato phrases which soar over a rich chordal texture. Brasser ended with their oft-heard rendition of Highland Cathedral performed by two excellent bagpipers, Patrick F and Olive K, with instrumental support. Whether you come from North of the border or not, this always stirs a powerful emotion in the listener.
Chamber orchestra, led by Otto R, provided us with a classic from the string orchestra repertoire: Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. Together they produced some fine, rich and atmospheric sounds. Alongside this, a relatively unknown piece, the melancholic and mysterious Vocalise by Kilar, which was originally written for the film The Ninth gate, had been arranged by tonight’s conductor, Sarah Stagg. It allowed the Upper Sixth leavers to be showcased in short solo vignettes – a lovely gesture.
The evening closed with one of the greatest works from the Symphonic repertoire – Stravinsky’s Firebird (Berceuse and Finale) This was an opportunity for the orchestra, led by Flo M, to dig deep and fill the Memorial Hall with sound and was a fitting, celebratory end to Alex Arkwright’s long tenure as a fulltime member of staff. He will not be leaving, however, as he becomes a trumpet visiting music teacher from September. No doubt we will still hear his dulcet tones in the corridors of the Hony Centre for some years to come!
Clare Toomer
Head of Keyboard
