Concerts celebrate singing and strings
Celebration of Singing
Headington’s Music Department continued its programme of fabulous Celebration concerts by marking talents in singing and strings.
On Thursday 9th May, it was time for the annual Celebration of Singing evening in Britten. Organised by Headington’s own singing staff, this was a wonderful event which showcased the vocal talents of girls from every year group in the Senior School. The audience was treated to an a cappella gospel number from the Chamber Choir at the start, followed by a series of solos, ranging from unaccompanied folk songs to items from musical theatre. Towards the end of the concert, some of the senior singers performed operatic arias in Italian, followed by the Close Harmony group with ‘For Good’ from the musical ‘Wicked!’
Tuesday 14th May was the start of three consecutive evenings of music-making for the department this week and it began in style with our Celebration of Strings in the Main Hall. Hosted by our Head of Strings, Esther Hopkinson, who was appointed in January, this was a real display of collaboration from musicians in all years. It not only featured string players but also seven school harpists. The String Orchestra (led by Libbeth) began with a stylish Handel’s ‘Concerto Grosso’, followed by two beautiful arrangements for harp ensemble, composed by Mr Dunstone.
Four violinists then combined with the harpists for a special performance of ‘Pachelbellies’ – a very effective arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon. Imogen, Leilani and Tiffany all performed polished solos on viola, violin and cello and the U4 Lark Trio played a haunting arrangement of Fauré’s ‘Pavane’. The second half featured three more arrangements for harp ensemble, including a waltz, the American-inspired ‘Prairie Dogs’ and a display of how harps can create the sound of fairy dust! This was followed by some lovely performances from by more of Headington’s chamber groups: the ‘Alamaro and Montonniere Trios’, as well as ‘Quartet Sol’. Jenny and Kate treated us to some Bach and Monti on the violin and Stringendo (led by Daisy) ended the evening with arrangements of ‘Schindler’s List’ theme and the famous ‘James Bond’ theme.
Director of Music Mrs Aimee Jamison said: “A huge thank you to all our students for performing so bravely and confidently and for supporting each other.
“Thank you to all our string and vocal teachers and especially to Miss Hopkinson and Mr Dunstone for organising a varied and exciting string concert and to to Mrs Emberson and Miss Higgins for organising the vocal programme, and also to Mrs Cooper and Mr Woodcock for accompanying. We’re looking forward to the next one already.”
