Music news round-up

Last week saw the Music Department host two high-quality masterclasses for our pupils. On Thursday, over 30 pupils took part in the English Touring Opera’s ‘Opera in a Day’ workshop, building up a set of opera scenes from scratch ready for performance in the Hall. On Friday, the immensely talented tubist Oren Marshall gave a dazzling recital showcasing the virtuosic capabilities of the tuba, before leading our brass-playing pupils in a masterclass. Similar upcoming events include a recital and workshop with the internationally renowned Doric Quartet on Monday 16 November and a recital given by our own Head of Percussion, Ric Elsworth, on Monday 23 November.

From this week, the Music Department prepares for several high-profile performances in the run-up to Christmas. They include:

• A Chamber Concert at Emmanuel URC on Tuesday 10 November.
• A performance by the Acappelicans and the Chamber Choir for the Christmas light switch-on at the Grand Arcade on Sunday 15 November.
• The brass final of the Perse Musician of the Year Competition on Wednesday 18 November.
• Our 400th Anniversary Concert in King’s College Chapel on Thursday 26 November.

Congratulations go to Patrick Bevan in the Lower Sixth who has been made co-principal 2nd violin of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in his third year with the ensemble, as well as leader of the Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra. Well done to him.

And finally our very own Deputy Head and former Director of Music, Mr Gavin Richards, will be performing the solo part of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 with the King John Orchestra in the Perse School Hall on Sunday 15 November at 7pm, as part of a varied programme which includes works by Haydn and Brahms. Best of luck, Mr Richards!