The music tossed to and fro like fluttering ribbons in the wind; beneath the audience stirred with anticipation. The lights rose with a flash and the Spring Concert Classical Evening had finally begun on Wednesday, 18th March 2026.

A few minutes earlier the Old Pool Building had been buzzing with musicians, singers and staff racing to prepare for the night. Students and staff alike had placed months of preparation, hard work and enthusiasm into one evening, with the hopes that their efforts would come to fruition. As soon as the very first note began to play, it was evident that our dreams were about to be exceeded.

First on was the school’s prestigious Orchestra, who began with a beautiful take on John William’s Flying Theme from E.T to start the evening. A wonderful, freeing piece, the group raised the standard incredibly high with both excellent talent and enthusiasm. To top this, they continued swiftly onwards with the enthralling Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland, then a conclusion with the upbeat Trumpeter’s Lullaby by Leroy Anderson.

Next came the Senior String Orchestra, who quickly transported us to islands far away at sea with a striking medley of pieces from the movie Moana, then a lavish ballroom with the well-known Waltz No.2 by Dimitri Shostakovich. Shortly after, a flute soloist led the strings on cinematic epic Stowaway by Herman Beeftink, to lots of cheers and applause from the audience.

Crescendo Strings, taking on a more contemporary atmosphere, launched into Turquoise Bay by Peter Martin with expertly played strings and enthusiastic talent, before leading into the slow, blues-like Jazzin’ About Suite by Pam Wedgewood. Their violins, violas, cellos and double bass ultimately created an enthralling scene, captivating the audience with the music’s sheer elegance.

Soon after, four chamber groups were introduced one by one, each showing their group expertise with combinations of different instruments.

First to play were the Piano Quartet, who offered a spectacular take on traditional Scottish tune The Waters are Wide (based upon another Scottish folk song called Waly Waly). Next, the Senior Flute Trio launched us into Argentinian tango-like Oblivion from Astor Piazzola, and Trio (Movt. 2) by Belfast-born Geraldine Green. Following on their tail, the China Piano Trio played a deeply thoughtful, touching Chinese folk song with piano, cello and violin all in one. To finish the chamber groups, the Van Gogh Trio slowed right down into the beautiful, deeply melancholic Van Gogh, a piece written by acclaimed composer Virginio Aiello.

Finally, the Semper Fidelis Singers took to the stage in what would be the final performance of the night, offering three strikingly different, equally wonderful pieces to share. The choir, made up of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, started off with a passionate rendition of Eric Whitacre’s flowing, luxurious Kala Kalla (from a collection of Five Hebrew Love Songs). Next to come was a piece whose music had been written by the choir master herself – the striking An Echo of the Spheres, with lyrics adapted from the Romantic-era poet Lord Byron.

To finish the night, we launched into our most passionate, vibrant song yet – I’m Gonna Sing till the Spirit Moves in My Heart by Moses Hogan, a composer who truly enthused the thrill of traditional gospel music into his song. We passionately followed suit – grooving, moving and bopping to the beat, the choir sang, prayed and shouted to the audience with lots of enthusiasm, finishing on a truly spectacular finale that absolutely shook the room.

Finishing to raucous applause, the headmaster appeared on stage to offer insightful thanks and gratitude towards all performers, wishing all audience members a safe trip home.

Just like that, the Spring Concert’s Classical Evening was over offering beautiful takes, inspiring twists and genre-bending music which truly captivated us all.

-Daniella