Spring Concert

The Spring Concert at Abingdon School showcased an impressive range of musical talent, offering something for everyone.

The concert opened with our percussion ensemble with an energetic performance of ‘Technology’, a piece characterised by its infectious rhythms and driving pulse. Chamber Orchestra followed with stirring performances of Finzi and a movement from Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings: a piece that we hope to take on tour in the summer. The newly formed Jazz Band performed Adele’s hit ‘Skyfall’ and Jazz standard ‘My Favorite Things’ before the first half was brought to a close with the Concert Band performing a medley from the film Apollo 13 coupled with the uplifting music from Lion King!

The second half focused on the two main school orchestras. Sinfonia opened with performances of Bizet’s Farandole from the L’Arlesienne Suite, Moldau from Smetana’s epic tone poem Vltava before ending, with a nod to Cabaret earlier this term, with New York New York. The Symphony orchestra had the pleasure of showcasing a student composition. The orchestra has thoroughly enjoyed learning and performing Head of School, Adam’s A Level coursework piece. Featuring intricate writing for all instruments, this expressive set of variations will be conducted by the composer himself. This was followed by a brief trip to South America with Marquez’s Conga del Fuego before ending with Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ from the Planet Suite: a wonderfully joyous way to close the concert.

This year the school has been blessed with an incredibly strong cohort of Upper Sixth musicians: there are close to thirty of them across the various ensembles and bands including our two Heads of School. This being their last major concert before they embark on their study leave we took the time to thank these musicians for their years of service to the Music department. They’re not quite off the hook yet though! We hope to put on a bumper Upper Sixth Leavers’ Concert for them on 2 May. Hope to see you there!