Proms at The Perse delivers record-breaking night of music

Last week, The Perse’s annual Proms event brought together more than 350 performers and over 600 audience members for the biggest single musical event in the School’s history.

It was a delightful evening of music spanning centuries and genres. Wind bands, jazz bands, string orchestras, percussion ensembles and choirs, from Year 7 Voices through to Concert Voices, filled our four venues, from the Theatre, PAC foyer, Lecture Theatre and Old Sports Hall.

For the first time, the Proms programme also featured world premiere performances of pupil compositions. New works by Virginia (Year 8), Alice (Lower Sixth), Olivia and Amy (Year 10) were given their first public airing, with Amy stepping up to conduct the piece she co-wrote with Olivia, to rapturous applause.

As is now tradition, the evening was brought to a close by the Perse Mighty Orchestra, with the massed ensemble performing a special arrangement of Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl, this year courtesy of music teacher Mr Halton.

Director of Music Ben Wingfield said: “We are so proud of our pupils for the tremendous display of musical might put on at this year’s Proms. With 350 performers and over 600 audience members, this was the biggest single musical event the school has ever put on, a testament to the range and sheer amount of music taking place at The Perse.”

“This year was also the first featuring pupil compositions given an airing at the Proms. Congratulations to Virginia, Alice, Olivia and Amy on their world premieres, and well done to all for playing their part in Perse music at its very best.”