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Concordia Winter 2022

Platinum Jubilee Concert

T he culmination of Music Week came on the Tuesday of the last week of the summer term, with a special concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following the Head Master’s reading of an extract from Edmund Spenser’s ‘The Faerie Queen’, the Choir and Orchestra provided a suitably regal opening to musical proceedings, performing Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’, one of four anthems composed for the coronation of George II in 1727. This was followed by William Walton’s brilliant Orb and Sceptre, dedicated to the Queen on the occasion of her coronation in 1953. Then came the first of recollections from OMTs concerning the events of this time, with moving memories of the passing of King George VI and the accession of his young daughter to the throne. A rousing arrangement of marches from Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance was played by Winfonia, before the Thomas White Singers provided a lighter moment, singing Neil Diamond’s classic ‘Sweet Caroline’ to the enjoyment of the audience. The first half concluded with OMT memories of the 1952 Coronation, followed by Hubert Parry’s grand setting of ‘I was glad’, featuring some hearty singing from the tenors and basses in ‘Vivat Regina’ section and some impressive high notes from the trebles at the end! The glorious weather allowed for refreshments in the Inner Quad during the interval, where the ambience was enhanced by some spirited playing from CCF Band, before the audience returned to their seats ready for the second half. Taylors' Brass began with a bright and joyful rendition of Jeremiah Clarke’s Prince of Denmark March before the Chamber Orchestra played two pieces fromWalton’s Henry V, including the exquisite ‘Touch her soft lips and part’. Then followed the legend of the mugs produced by the school to commemorate the Queen’s Coronation – a mystery remains as to their exact appearance as none can be found in existence. However, from the descriptions of OMTs who received them, it would appear that many did not make it much further than halfway down the Long Drive! For centuries, royal occasions have featured brand new compositions, and it was therefore a particular delight to hear the premiere of Jacob Collins’ setting of Psalm 100 for choir and orchestra, written specially for the concert, followed by Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ fromThe Planets. A final reflection from the Taylorian of 1952-3 was followed by a rousing rendition by choir, orchestra and audience of Parry’s ‘Jerusalem’ and the National Anthem, complete with Gordon Jacob’s arresting fanfare. As the sun set, the performers and audience headed out into the Inner Quad to watch the fireworks light up the clock tower, creating a fantastic finale to a wonderful evening.

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