The Orchestra opened the night with the first movement from Dvorak’s 9th Symphony - there were some excellent solo passages from Lucia Pretor-Pinney and Ella Corlett as well as some brilliant trumpet playing from George Little and Emma Walker.

The Military Band were in fine form. I particularly enjoyed the Toccata in D minor, it was a great performance all round. The Chapel Choir then gave a performance of Mendelssohn’s I waited for the Lord - the soloists Ella Corlett and Sophie Finch were superb. The String Quartet played Vivaldi’s Concerto in G major really well with plenty of attention to bowing and articulation as well as some nice dynamic contrasts. The Temperance 7 performed a New Orleans styled composition by Tobias Wegel; he really captured the style very well indeed. The Big Band finished the evening with Alex Hutton’s first performance with the band; he has an excellent voice and managed to adapt his voice to fit the swing style. My congratulations to all involved.

On Sunday the Choir sung the Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall along with a number of other schools and choirs. The performance, with a professional orchestra and soloists, was excellent. The Hall was completely packed and although it was a long, tiring day the students had a fantastic time.