The first formal concert of the year is always special and this year’s GCSE music group did not disappoint. Amy P opened the concert with a serenely beautiful performance of two movements from Bach’s first Partita for unaccompanied cello. Mei-Xing Le-C followed with one of Mendelsspohn’s ‘Song without Words’ - the Venetian Gondola’s Song. Mei-Xing really captured the lyrical nature of this piece on the piano. Serenity continued with the soothing sound of Beethoven’s Sonatina for double bass, superbly captured by Eve C. Hana D then upped the tempo with a sparkling rendition of Seitz’s Concerto for Viola. Mabel H then gave a musical performance of Guabert’s playful flute piece - ‘Madrigal’.

Megan K gave us shades of Japan with her beautifully poised performance on the piano of Lavender Field by Karen Tanaka. Then from Japan to Russia for Lottie S’s lively and stylistic playing on the violin of the traditional Russian folk song, ‘Black eyes’. Whilst the weather outside was distinctly summery, Ava M reminded us that it was October with her musical interpretation of Rebikov’s ‘Autumn Leaves’ delicately played on the piano. Tanvee S’s violin playing sparkled with her exciting rendition of Perlman’s ‘Israeli Concerto’. Richard Rodney Bennett’s gorgeous piano piece ‘Rosemary’s Waltz’ displayed Maika P-Y’s excellent pianistic skills in this stylish performance. Anouska O’N’s performance of the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ by John Willliams was an arresting and polished performance on the trumpet.

Kezia C’s communication of Milhaud’s ‘Modéré’ from Scaramouche was sublime, the silky tone of her saxophone playing was simply stunning. Elizabeth S also stunned with her Mazurka from 3 Characteristic Pieces by Elgar. This playful piece was played with extraordinary virtuosity on the violin. Maya H-B was our final soloist, singing ‘On my own' from Schönberg’s ‘Les Miserables’. This was a really stylistic performance and full of pathos. The evening rounded off with the whole group singing ‘Breaking Free’ from High School Musical ably accompanied on the piano by Elizabeth S. This was a rousing and exciting finale to a wonderful showcase of this talented group of musicians. Do listen HERE