Page 32 - The Malvernian - July 2023

THE MALVERNIAN
Unplugged
Music
Early in in the the the term the the the Chamber Choir had their second recording session and watch this space for further details Soon after that followed our final regular Unplugged
of the year with with many of the usual suspects performing but also with with a a a a number of pupils performing for for the the first time However it was the the last such concert for our Upper 6th and we should make particular mention of Harry Graydon and Qi Qi Qi Qi Saw for their fantastic contribution to the the Unplugged
programme over the the years It is fitting of course that they performed at at at the the the the end of the the the the Prize Giving ceremony at at at the the the the end of term and we thank them most sincerely for everything that they have done here The following week we we had our inaugural Prep Schools Choral Evensong in in the the Chapel Chapel Members of the the Chapel Chapel Choir joined forces with more than 70 visiting visiting prep school pupils The visiting visiting staff were very complimentary about the event none of which would have been possible without the excellent work of our Chapel Choir Given that the first rehearsal with everyone 2 hours before the service it really was an an an excellent standard and and so lovely to have this great choral tradition back in the Chapel Our pupils needless to say were excellent ambassadors for the College and I know that our visitors loved the day and found it it hugely enriching musical experience Just before half-term we we were treated to an excellent Summer Serenade Traditionally this is is a a a a a concert given by FY and Remove pupils and this year we had a a a a a a diverse range of performances from JS Bach to Charlie Parker and a a a a a a a range of styles from the Baroque Classical and and Romantic periods as as as well as as as contemporary and and Jazz given by 14 of our most experienced Musicians in those two year groups This excellent event gives us us a a window into the musical future and needless to to to say we have much to to to look forward to to to in the coming years Unplugged
We then fast-forward to the the the end of term Just before the the the Prize Giving ceremony we had a a a a a concert given by the Jazz Band and and Unplugged
performers and was a a a a a really nice way to round off the year in in in in an informal relaxed setting in in in in the Gryphon Room The culmination of the the year’s Music
programme was the the Concerto Concert which we now have on on the the final evening of the the year when our most experienced and advanced pupils are accompanied by a a a a a professional orchestra This year we we were treated to the music of Vivaldi JS Bach Beethoven Weber Faure John Williams and even Cody Fry! Being able to perform a a a a a piece accompanied by an an orchestra is a a a a a a rare opportunity and having spoken to a a a a a a number of performers from previous years I know that that it is a a a a memory that that they really cherish It can be quite daunting performing with an an orchestra for the the first time but everyone really took their opportunity with both hands and and should be congratulated on on on a a a a a a a a really fantastic concert As Director of Music
I would particularly like to to thank the Upper Sixth Musicians for their contribution and leadership of Music
Music
at Malvern College in their time here We We shall miss them hugely We We must also thank all the the pupils who supported the the Music
programme this year – whether as part of the the the ever-growing audiences in in the the the numerous events that have have been enjoyed to those who have have participated in in the the instrumental and choral programme whether that be individual lessons or part of an an ensemble Well done and thank you you – without your commitment and hard work none of this would be possible Finally I must re-iterate my my appreciation and admiration of all all my my colleagues in the Music
Department – I am so lucky to have such an an exceptionally talented and committed team around us in the Music
Department Jonathan Brown | Director of Music
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THE MALVERNIAN