This week, the Trinity Music Department hosted its Spring Senior Gala Concert, with a variety of engaging performances from the school’s more advanced musicians.
Mr Swinson, Trinity’s Director of Music, reflects on the evening’s entertainment:
“This concert marked the final appearance of the Upper Sixth cohort of musicians and it was an opportunity for the music staff to thank them for their commitment over many years. Among the eighteen leavers were some who have undertaken one or two musical activities each week while others have been involved in many more; all participation is greatly appreciated, though, as it enables us to run such an extensive and exciting programme. The following leavers were thanked for their commitment and received warmly by the audience: Alex Chan, George Edwards, Daniel Ekundayo, Eliza Farrar, Sam Fradin, Aarav Ganguli, Alex Gilbert, Ekaterina Ivanova, William Lewis, Freddie Jemison, Rohan Lall, Lucas Rebato, Tommy Sargaison, Dionysios Sevastakis, Anish Shah, Ed Warner, Senaya Wimalasuriya and Jenson Wong.
“It is always a challenge to pick highlights but Freddie Jemison’s playing of the trumpet solo in Höhne’s Slavische Fantasie with the Symphonic Wind Orchestra was much enjoyed. Freddie’s musical contribution since he joined the school as a JBug has been exceptional. He was acclaimed internationally for his singing as a treble with solos on film soundtracks and in prestigious concerts and his excellent trumpet playing was recognised last term by offers from numerous music colleges. Freddie may well not take up one of these offers, though, as he also has an offer from Cambridge University to read Natural Sciences! There was another fine contribution from a leaver as Rohan Lall began the Brass Ensemble’s rendition of Gibbons’s In Nomine with a beautifully evocative off stage trombone solo.
“The most significant item in the programme, not least due its length, was the Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s famous Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. The piece’s many challenges were overcome with aplomb thanks to fine playing from all members and it is worth noting that this was rehearsed during a short term with senior players missing some rehearsals due to mock examinations; kudos to Mrs Regan and Mr Persinaru for the excellent coaching and to the students for their determination, resilience and talent.
“The evening ended in style with an unexpected and unanticipated play-off between Big Band 1 and 2. Big Band 2 was established a number of years ago in recognition of the large number of students capable of playing swing music at an advanced level and they laid down the gauntlet with a stunning performance of Goodwin’s highly demanding The Jazz Police. Big Band 1 responded by concluding the concert with a daringly choreographed, ever popular In the Mood. It is safe to say that the audience left smiling.”
Well done to all students involved for putting on an evening to remember.
Photographs were taken during the concert rehearsals.
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