The first formal concert of the year is always special and this year’s GCSE music group did not disappoint. Sophie D began a trio of Bach pieces with a superbly executed ‘Fantasia in C minor’. She was followed by Annabel B with her exciting ‘Sinfonia in B Minor’, and Maddie S completed the trio of pieces with the famous ‘Prelude in C’ played with real delicacy. Elsie I’s gorgeous performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Largo’ really impressed, and then so did Natalia B’s stunning interpretation of Beethovem’s ‘Romance’. There was a sparkling ‘Prelude’ on the clarinet from Emily A followed by a stylistic and exciting rendition of Mussorgsky’s ‘Gopak’ from Simran T. Maya impressed with her atmospheric playing of Debussy’s Page d’Album’ and then Zoe Q’s electric performance of Rachmaninoff’s famous Prelude in C# Minor was impressive. Ayushi K gave a heartfelt and moving performance of the theme from ‘Schindler’s List’.

Scarlett D was the first of our vocalists and sang ‘On my on’ with real feeling. Galya H followed this with a jaunty performance of Villoldo’s ‘El Choclo’ on the violin. Two performers opted to sing David Bowie numbers and Eliza C’s performance of ‘Time’ was superb and she accompanied herself superbly on the piano. Georgie G’s performance of ‘Poor unfortunate souls’ was delightful and Hannah D really impressed with the beautiful song ‘Breathe’ by Lin Manuel Miranda. Evie M then gave us our second Bowie song, ‘Life on Mars’: this was a really powerful interpretation and sung with real confidence. As tradition dictates, the whole group then performed, a capella, a mash-up of two Sam Smith songs - wow, what a finale! The audience was hugely appreciative and supportive, but if you were unable to be there, then do watch the video of the performance HERE.