Taylorian

Music and Concerts

Preparatory Schools’ Orchestral Afternoon 17th March 2023

We welcomed around 120 boys from a range of prep schools to participate in orchestral workshops and performances, and the music included arrangements of popular operatic and film scores. The afternoon ended with a short concert, attended by the parents of those playing, during which the string players were particularly impressive. Joint Schools’ Choral Concert 20th March 2023 Involving around 200 children from Merchant Taylors’, St Helen’s, St John’s, and Merchant Taylors’ Prep, the visual spectacle alone was impressive. Hubert Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’ opened the concert; lyrical and dignified, it was a particularly suitable piece to have performed ahead of the coronation – Parry is a favourite composer of His Majesty The King. This was followed by Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’, an impressive work which encouraged a great display of skill from all involved. We were also delighted to welcome four professional soloists: Hannah McKay, Samuel Mitchell, Benjamin Durrant, and Daniel Tate, all of whom sang splendidly, but the soprano soloist, for the sheer number and difficulty of her solos, deserves especial mention.

Merchant Taylors’ Hall Concert 27th February 2023 Boys from Merchant Taylors’, Merchant Taylors’ Prep and St John’s School took part in the annual concert at Merchant Taylors’ Hall. The concert showcased the schools’ wide range of ensembles, and included music from Bach to Wallace and Gromit. Marc Yee and Qinuo Wang’s performance was notable; their rendition of the Vivace from Bach’s Double Violin Concerto was a splendid way to begin the concert, and to mark their last in the Hall. Performers from the prep schools joined forces for some numbers; it was a joy to see so many young musicians involved. Serenaders’ Quiz Night 4th March 2023 Families and friends with links to the Music Department came together to raise money for the Serenaders’ Music Support Group, which in recent years has purchased a vibraphone, a Clavinova, and recording equipment for the School. The evening was an opportunity not only to enjoy good company, a quiz and curry, but also to

hear the Dixieland Band. It was lovely to welcome back Mrs Taylor, former Music Administrator, who acted as quizmaster. Informal Concert 8th March 2023 The repertoire for the concert ranged from Carnatic vocal to Cesar Cui, and from Dowland to The Doors. A harpsichord, played by Max Charles to accompany Dominic Detre in a movement from Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto, adorned the Recital Hall. Elliot Gregg drew the audience in with his rendition of ‘Riders on the Storm’ by The Doors, an emotionally charged performance which showcased both his crisp piano playing and his mellow vocals. Music Scholars’ Trip to The Lion King 16th March 2023 Our GCSE pupils study musicals as part of their course, so there was no better way to inspire them than by visiting a long-running West End show with innovative puppeteering to accompany the terrific music.

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Taylorian 2023