Four days ago, hundreds of FHS girls new and old flooded back into the School after six weeks of absence. It certainly felt strange to be back in school, but the excitement for a new school year was brimming in the air tangibly. It was very heartwarming watching the girls embrace their friends with such great love and we had many girls come round to the music department simply to say hello and have a catch up, which was lovely to see. Then, amongst such great joy and exuberance of this first week, we have been struck with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. I’m sure many of the girls and staff will agree with me when I say that it was a very surreal feeling singing ‘God Save the King’ for the first time in most of our lives. Mrs Elphinstone said something very acute in this morning’s memorial assembly – “like children we all thought that she [Queen Elizabeth] would live forever”.

Her Majesty was the matriarch of this country and a mother to us all. I don’t believe there is another figure in history, who served their country with such grace, honour and resilience until the very end as she did. There are many pieces of music that could be used to tribute the Queen, and indeed, often where words fail, music speaks. Yet, I cannot find a piece of music that I believe matches the grief of losing our Queen. I encourage you to find your own music or any other creative outlet that might move you to reflect on the Queen’s life and years of service she gave us. Remember to look after yourselves and take time to come together with friends and family and lean on each other for support as we process this momentous time in British history.

Maki Gajic Murata, Composer in Residence