The Spring Concert was filled with a variety of performances that showcased the talents of different ensembles and musicians at King’s. The concert featured a mix of classical, contemporary, and popular music, offering something for every listener.
The evening began with the Orchestra’s performance of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony: Movement I. The piece was played with great attention to detail, capturing the emotional depth and sweeping orchestration of Schubert’s work. The orchestra’s rendition was a thoughtful introduction to the evening’s programme.
Following this, the Military Band performed Movie Blockbusters, arranged by Brown. This lively medley of film scores brought familiar themes from movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones to life. The arrangement was energetic, and the brass and percussion sections added excitement to the performance, which was a fun nod to popular film music. Next, the Military Band continued with A Disney Spectacular, arranged by Moss. This section of the programme featured beloved Disney songs, and the band’s playful interpretation of tracks like Be Our Guest and Under the Sea was light-hearted and enjoyable.
The School Choir then took the stage for Red Is The Colour from Freedom! The Power of Song, composed by Forbes L'Estrange & L'Estrange. The choir’s performance was well-balanced, with clear harmonies and expressive delivery, making it a standout moment in the concert. A change of pace came with the Piano Trio’s performance of Beethoven’s Minuet in G. The trio played with precision, allowing the elegant simplicity of the piece to shine through.
The Saxophone Group then performed Silver Chalice by N. Wood. The rich, smooth sounds of the saxophones created a soothing atmosphere, and the group’s performance was both technically strong and musically engaging. The Chamber Choir’s rendition of Oculi Omnium by L’Estrange offered a moment of quiet reflection. The choir’s voices blended beautifully, creating a serene and contemplative mood. The Flute Ensemble performed Memory from Cats, arranged by Wastall. The soft, lyrical melody was performed with sensitivity, allowing the flutes to capture the wistful tone of the song. It was a gentle and memorable performance.
The Trombone Ensemble presented two pieces: Sinfonia from L'Orfeo by Monteverdi and Jazz Intermezzo by Hankin. The Sinfonia showcased the ensemble’s ability to handle play with clarity, while Jazz Intermezzo was a fun piece that highlighted the versatility of the trombones. The Chapel Choir’s performance of The King’s College Service: Magnificat by Forbes L'Estrange was a strong finish to the evening’s classical portion. The choir’s harmonies were rich, and their performance conveyed the beauty of the piece effectively. The concert wrapped up with the Big Band, which performed Any Way You Want It and Welcome to the Jungle, both arranged by Murtha. These lively, upbeat pieces brought an exciting end to the evening, with the Big Band’s infectious energy leaving the audience in high spirits.
The concert was a well-rounded mix of styles and genres, and each performance was thoughtfully executed. The musicianship across all ensembles was impressive, and the variety of pieces kept the audience engaged from start to finish. It was an enjoyable evening that highlighted the range of talent at King’s. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.
Ashley Marshfield - Director of Music