Student-led recitals
Sevenoaks students are encouraged to perform independently, and this term both Ben Hancox-Lachman and Mika Curson prepared, produced and performed, in Ben’s case a lunchtime recital of aria, song and lieder, and with Mika, an evening recital of recorder and song solo and ensemble work.
Ben (tenor) was accompanied on piano by his father, William Hancox, while Mika (recorder) was joined by friends Jess Downton (alto and recorder), Amelia Ross (cello), Eleanor Petry (soprano) and Grace Hall (soprano).
Woodwind Platform
This largely solo platform concert on 24 January was book-ended by some lovely ensemble performances. We were introduced to Nellie the Elephant, played by the Flute Choir and the platform ended with the Concerto No 1, Op 19 for four recorders by Johann Christian Schickhardt.
Brass Platform
On Tuesday 29 January students prepared and performed a recital of all things brass. The programme ranged from an 18th century trumpet concerto to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen played by the enthusiastic horn ensemble.
String Platform
At this platform concert in January students played a variety of stringed instruments, from the humble ukulele (Freddie Chang playing an arrangement of ‘Greensleeves’) to the electric guitar to the cello (Sonata in A major by Beethoven). Their performances were both grand and confident throughout a great programme of modern and classical music set in the fabulous Recital Room.
Music Award Holders Platform
On Friday 1 February we were treated to a recital from the Music Award Holders. Pupils from all years performed their favourite pieces with such confidence and musicality to an enthusiastic audience. Music ranged from the 17th century right through to the 20th, including composers such as Handel, Debussy, Chopin and Aaron Copland.
William Sevenoke Memorial Society Masterclass and Performance
On 12 February the Sacconi Quartet, together with Robert Plane (clarinet) and Alec Frank-Gemmill (French horn) came to The Space to give a chamber music masterclass and then to perform the rarely heard John Ireland Sextet.
The students gained great knowledge on the technique of playing in small groups and how listening and body language are so important to make the group play as one.
Chamber Music Platform Series
Chamber music at Sevenoaks School has become increasingly popular and the creation of small groups is avidly encouraged. We celebrate this genre with these three chamber platforms, and the performance standard is very high and choice of music extremely broad. There was a huge variety of groups ranging from a trio of violin, recorder and harpsichord to saxophone quartets, string quintets and flute groups playing a whole range of musical styles.
ABRSM
Congratulations to all who recently passed ABRSM exams, and particular congratulations to James King, Eva Azazoglu, Keven Du, Eliza Ruffle, Alex Shin and Anna Tarasheva on their Grade 7s, Grade 8s and distinctions.
Looking forward
Amid all these concerts we also found time for a Year 10 Open Concert, a Piano Platform and the very popular Lip Sync charity concert, and are busy preparing for several more musical performances before the end of term, including the St John Passion and the William Sevenoke Memorial Concert.
