Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
A big feature of the concert was First Orchestra’s performance
of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G Minor, conducted by Mr
Dow. The audience was blown away by the highly virtuosic
playing of violin soloist Samuel Holmes, whose part
comprised of continuous cadenzas and fast scalic flourishes,
all of which was blissfully complemented by the beautiful
themes, powerfully conveyed by the rest of the orchestra.
Also directed by Mr Dow was Chamber Choir, the
department’s smaller vocal ensemble. They began by
performing All Creatures Now, one of John Bennet’s famous
madrigals. Two pieces followed, each taken from John
Rutter’s collection, Feel the Spirit. Lower Sixth Altos Naomi
Clarke and Amy Wood both sang solo beautifully on Steal
Away and Deep River respectively, as Mrs Taylor accompanied
on the piano. Their fourth piece was an ‘a capella’ madrigal,
Hark all ye lovely saints by Thomas Weelkes. The Chamber
Choir set was brought to an end by a performance of Our Love
is Here to Stay, which was arranged by Mr Griffiths. For this
piece, the choir was joined by the String Orchestra, along with
a professional guest drummer, to provide a fitting
accompaniment for the Gershwin classic.
As the choir left the stage, String Orchestra remained to play
a few pieces on their own, beginning with another work by
Sibelius, Andante Festivo, followed by the first two movements
of Walton’s Henry V Suite.
The grand finale of the evening came from our larger choir,
Chorus, with a performance of Bob Chilcott’s, A Little Jazz
Mass. The 15-minute long work is a setting of the Latin mass
text in five movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and
Agnus Dei, all written in a Jazz style. The choir had an
accompaniment of a Jazz Trio (piano, double bass and drums)
to ensure the music was performed as truly intended by the
composer. As the performance came to an end the audience
was silent as they absorbed the powerful harmony of the final
bars. Finally, applause filled the building as many spectators
were on their feet to show well-deserved appreciation.
The experience of performing in the Royal Northern College
was enjoyed by all involved and taught us many things about
showmanship, performance and professionalism. It is
certainly something we hope to do again in the future.
Oliver Mills (L7)
LEAVERS’ CONCERT
For me, the Leavers’ Concert marked the end of an era of
music at Stockport Grammar School and of course the
beginning of the next!
Most of the larger instrumental groups performed during the
evening but the highlights of the concert for me were the Brass
Ensemble, Concert Band and the Leavers’ Ensemble. The
thirteen of us who made up the Leavers’ Ensemble played a
conglomeration of music all re-mastered for the correct
instruments by Ollie Mills. These ‘snippets’ were all taken
from music that we had either performed at the school or
music that meant something to us, for instance some music
from Wicked, a clip from Mozart’s Requiem, Michael Jackson’s
Man in the Mirror. For me this final concert showed just how
strong the music department of the school is and was a credit
to all the hard work put in by the music staff.
Sam Holmes (U5)
Music, Drama and Art 65