SHENSTON IAN 88 - Old Silhillians Association

Angus Grundy and Timothy Clark who got through to the semi-finals of the
Chamber Music Competition, with some fine complementary playing.
Lower down the school it was good to see emerging a very promising string trio
comprising Charles Crabtree, Charles Allgrove and Richard Williamson. Unfortunately
Charles Allgrove has now gone to the City of London School but we hope
to be able to form a Quartet next year with our younger players.
The Second Orchestra started the year in their usual fashion, having to learn to
work as a team, but later in the year at the Commemoration Concert they gave a
splendid performance, one of the best for several years. We hope that next year's
intake will be able to reach the same standard.
J.S.
Music for Wind
This year the Wind Ensemble performed an arrangement of Peter Warlock's
Capriol Suite, the Gavotte and Variations from Stravinsky's Pulcinella, and a littleknown
Divertimento in E flat by Mozart. In the summer term a separate flute
group emerged, and played a Concerto for four flutes and continuo by Molter in
the Commemoration Concert. Among members or sometime members leaving are
oboist Tracey Riddlesdin and clarinettists David Hare, Zoe Hatton, David Burton
and Stephen Penton. Richard Pomfret (horn) has done long and faithful service;
but of all instruments, a good bassoonist is a godsend to this type of music, and
Timothy Fowler's reliable support over several years will be greatly missed. The
music of Giovanni Gabrieli is the mainstay of any brass group , and this year we
performed two of his canzonas, one for two four-part choirs and one for three; and
a quintet played some pieces by Johann Pezel in the February Chamber Concert.
Apart from Stephen Glaze, who joined us for the final concert, we are sorry to lose
our other horn player, John Langstone. However, two leavers have been leading
lights of the group for several years: Alan James (trombone) and our first trumpet,
Paul Newman.
Any school orchestra which can boast seven violas must be in a healthy state,
and ours gave performances this year of two works of the classical repertoire,
Nicolai's Overture to "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and Britten's ‘"Matinees
Musicales", based on Rossini. Apart from those mentioned above, many of the
following leavers have played a big part in the orchestra's success: Judith Carey,
Damian Kelly, Michael Wardman, Richard Aitchison, Martin Mence, Richard
Price, Colin Cameron, Rachel Smith and Jacob Low-Beer. However, particular
mention must be made of Iain Moppett, principal cello, and Matthew Pay, an
outstanding leader. The orchestra has relied on their strength for several years, and
will be the poorer without them.
JG
Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir has continued to impress this year with some inspired and
exciting singing in and outside the School Chapel. The highlights of the year, apart
from the two carol services, were the visits to Birmingham and Norwich cathedrals
to sing evensong, and to Gloucester to sing the weekend services. The choir made
such an impact on these occasions that it was immediately asked to return in the
near future. Such regard for the choir's high standards is always greatly appreciated
and make its efforts seem worthwhile especially as the singers are always having to
work under considerable pressure.
The carol services were once again an enormous success, the choir singing
being enhanced by John Cotterill's colourful and sympathetic accompaniment. We
were privileged to have with us on this occasion an ex-chorister, Peter Scurlock (at
present choral scholar at Trinity College, Cambridge) who gave a memorable
performance of Cornelius' exquisite carol, 'The Three Kings'.
The Open Day service of Choral Evensong, which has now become a
permanent end-of-year feature, was the last for four members of the choir — Alan
James, Stephen Penton, Timothy Fowler and Martin Mence. Their services have
been greatly appreciated and we wish them well for the future.
PJI
TWELFTH NIGHT
Shakespeare, aided by Mark Lucas, managed to wring some laughs from even
the most reluctant culture-vulture in the Dramatic Society's production of 'Twelfth
Night', in December. The presentation was lively, humorous and quick-moving and