Page 27 - The Malvernian - December 2023

THE MALVERNIAN
Christmas Celebration
Finally, the music programme was rounded off on the final evening of term with the Christmas Celebration in the Chapel. Whilst a new event last year and similar to the Christmas Unplugged, it already seems to have secured it’s place in the performance calendar. It is completely designed and run by senior pupils and as before, there was much to enjoy, with many performances given by pupils and the HouseMs, as well as the whole College taking part in singing some Christmas songs all together. Again, Kipp Norbury compered the event and was hugely enjoyable and well done to all involved. We must also thank Dr Hartog for her technical expertise and input in making the event go so smoothly.
Christmas Concert
We then entered Christmas season to end the term...always a very busy time for Musicians. The College and Chamber Choirs were, of course, most in the spotlight, singing beautifully in the 2 carol services and also in the Christmas Concert. The latter is one of two concerts that feature the work produced by the College’s Music ensembles, with the Percussion and Brass Ensembles, Concert Band, Enigma Sinfonia and Jazz Band in addition to the Choirs and also House No.6 reprising their prize-winning performance from House Singing. We had a packed audience for this concert which was rounded off with a jaunty performance of White Christmas sung by everyone.
Tribute to Mr Stephen McDade
Before signing off, I want to pay tribute to Mr Stephen McDade (our Assistant Director of Music) who is leaving the College after more than 20 years fantastic service to Malvern College. Whilst he is an exceptional musician, he is also someone who cares deeply about Music and Music education, and he has been the most superb colleague to us in the Music department, as well as always having the pupils’ best interests at heart, whilst insisting that the pupils have the highest expectations of themselves. We have hugely valued his opinions, sage advice and support as well as his warm friendship. He leaves us with our very best wishes – and we will miss him very much.
So, a huge thank you and very well done to all our musicians this term and to those many of you who have come along and supported the performers – audiences this term have been bigger than I can ever remember and we all are very grateful to you.
I wish you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year. See you in 2024 for another bumper year of Music-making!
Jonathan Brown | Director of Music
THE MALVERNIAN
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