Page 30 - Herioter 2020

Castle triumph

in ‘captivating’

House Music

competition

In the Heriot’s musical calendar, House
Music is certainly the crème de la crème
of all the events. The exceptional talent
at the school that is seen at every
musical performance is on full show, but
the competitive nature of House Music
always adds a touch of flair and finesse
into every performance on the night. The
undertones of friendly rivalry inspire each Castle - 2019 House Music Champions
house to go the extra mile when choosing
their own soloists, selecting ensemble other than Greyfriars own Malachy Buttercup by The Foundations was
pieces and running what seemed like Harris. Malachy showed us his talent does Lauriston’s choral piece which again
never ending rehearsals. not end with arranging the music for his impressed the audience by only having
With the rogue step from the Music house’s ensemble – he also shone with one male voice yet still ranking closely
Department to move House Music a his solo singing rendition of A Simple with all the other houses. Michelle Blaikie
whole month earlier than usual, this Song by Leonard Bernstein. Jasper Harris was Lauriston’s solo vocalist, performing
year’s pupil organisers had the joy of played the beautiful Gnossienne No.2 a challenging song, not only for its range
coordinating their choirs and ensembles by Erik Satie on the piano which set the of pitch and variety of tone but also
under excruciating time pressure. The bar high for the rest of the competition. due to the fact that the lyrics were in
deadline proved as no difficulty, however, Finally, Greyfriars’ Rory Tait held the German! Michelle was word perfect with
with no parties requesting an extension audience on edge with his exceptionally brilliant diction in her recital of In dem
to perfect their pieces. Even though no complex performance of First Concertino Schatten meiner locken by Hugo Wolf.
house would admit to being ‘prepared’ by Georges Guilhaud which covered For Lauriston’s instrumental soloists,
for the final night, each house managed some of the most technically challenging Nadia Blaikie gave a soaring rendition
to come up with original, slick, and techniques on alto saxophone that Rory of Nocturne in G minor Op 37, No.1 by
captivating performances, and all came executed without fail. Chopin on piano. This was followed by
across as flawlessly rehearsed. Lauriston was up next. Nadia Blaikie Lauriston’s ultimate performer, Robin
The night kicked off with Greyfriars and Robin Bruce-Gardyne took it upon Bruce-Gardyne, who gave a dazzling and
taking the stage. House representatives, themselves to lead the impressive characterful performance of Presto from
Malachy Harris, Katy Martin, Elizabeth Lauriston line-up. Lauriston’s ensemble Summer by Vivaldi on the violin.
Powell and Rory Tait, compiled a broad may have been small, but they definitely Castle followed suit and also came up
selection of pieces, from their choir showed that size doesn’t matter as with spectacular performances of their
singing Oasis’ Half the World Away to they pulled together a brilliant rendition own. This year, Castle was represented
the ensemble performing Autumn Leaves of Elton John and Kiki Dee’s Don’t by Rachel Fairley, Pete Gill, Josh Nicol
by Joseph Kosma and arranged by none Go Breaking My Heart. Build Me Up and Rhona Smith. With no influence

Elizabeth Powell (Greyfriars) Andrew Wilson (Raeburn) Robin Bruce-Gardyne (Lauriston)

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