Sensational song and sunshine as Perse Proms return
A summer festival atmosphere surrounded the school as Proms at The Perse returned after a three-year hiatus.
Almost 300 young musicians performed in groups, ensembles and choirs across three ‘stages’ – the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre auditorium and foyer and the Lecture Theatre – in an evening of uplifting entertainment.
From classical to Coldplay, there was something to suit all tastes among the 500-strong audience attending the event.
Perse Director of Music Ben Wingfield was thrilled with the turnout for the event, which had not taken place since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.
He said: “It was great to be able to do this again and it was bigger and better than ever before.
“It was nice that we were able to trial a festival format, the idea being that people didn’t have to sit through a whole concert but could wander around, listen to some music and grab a drink and a bite to eat.
“The weather was really kind to us and there was more of a party atmosphere to the music, something a bit more up tempo, such as jazz and pop, which this format lends itself to.”
For the finale, the Perse Mighty Orchestra, featuring performers and keen audience members, came together to play Sousa’s Liberty Bell March, better known as the Monty Python’s Flying Circus theme tune, in Ellison Court.
Mr Wingfield said: “Mr Halton (woodwind teacher) wrote an arrangement that was suitable for everyone from beginners to Grade 8 musicians so anyone could take part.
“The idea we could get that many people together in the last of the evening sun to enjoy making great music together and feed off that sense of scale and grandeur was wonderful.”
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