The Music Department is just recovering from it’s first major concert of the year on Wednesday evening this week, which featured the Music Scholars and the senior musicians in the school.  As expected, the standard was really high and there were some memorable performances, particularly amongst the Sixth Formers: Iona on the violin, Inga on the viola and Amalia on the ‘cello, the Sixth Form choir and the beautiful Mozart duet sung by Bea Gironi and Mika Bianchi.  But the overall feel was one of joy – such lovely music-making together in the atmospheric backdrop of St Mary’s Church (the heating was on and it was beautifully warm!)

Thanks to everyone who took part, and for all your hard, and, most importantly, for the positive spirit and enthusiasm you all brought to the concert, the inimitable feeling of team work (not forgetting of course the wonderful Staff Choir!)

Miss Vickery (and the Music Department)

On Wednesday evening, some of FHS’s most senior and advanced musicians gathered in St Mary’s Church, Bourne Street for our annual FHS Autumn Chamber Concert. Involving only some of the ensembles at the school, notably the Chamber Choirs, Orchestra and other instrumental Chamber groups, it was wonderful to see so many students taking an active part in such a high-standard of music-making. Performers packed the church, along with many parents and staff who filled the glorious space.

There were too many highlights to mention, with a phenomenal variety of music on display. As well as beautiful Chamber Ensembles, our instrumental playing was showcased brilliantly, with Orchestra and Senior Strings on fine form. The Sixth Form students shone, with stunning instrumental solos and characterful vocal duets, as well as ethereal performances by the Sixth Form Choir. Our Staff Choir also performed two beautiful pieces with poise and exuberance, and it was lovely to see many younger students from the Lower School perform expertly in instrumental groups and Lower Chamber Choir.

It was a magical evening featuring an eclectic mix of styles and music, with so much talent on display. Many commented on the maturity of the performers, noting how impressive it is to witness a concert of such a high standard from pupils from Year 7 all the way up to Year 13. There is a wonderful collective and supportive atmosphere among the musicians at FHS, and that teamwork was on full display. A huge thank you to all the performers for their tireless hard work in rehearsals and practice over the last months to enable a lovely evening, as well as to Miss Vickery and her Music Department for organising and masterminding the evening.

As Mrs Haydon said at the end of the concert, echoing words sung by the Lower Chamber Choir, ‘there is music in my heart all day’. Music is so important at FHS and we look forward to welcoming all to the next concert.

Mr Mercer, Head of Co-Curricular Music