A Wildly Impressive Cathedral Concert
On Tuesday evening, pupils from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools performed in Worcester Cathedral for the annual Spring Concert, Carnival of the Animals, with over 300 performers taking part.
The concert centred on Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, performed by the RGS Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Hasling. Across the fourteen movements, the orchestra showcased a wide range of musical styles, with performances from Sihan Fu and Ozzy Beswick in Wild Asses (Swift Animals) and Isabelle Jones in The Aviary on flute. Highlights also included Aquarium and Fossils, featuring Will Hughes on xylophone, while Isabella Gabriel performed The Elephant on bassoon. Finlay Hilton performed the cello solo in The Swan, accompanied by Rachel Crookall on harp and Harry Edwards on piano.
Choral contributions featured throughout the evening, with choirs from across the Family of Schools. RGS Dodderhill’s Chamber Choir performed Agnus Dei from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, with Isabella Gough on trumpet. RGS The Grange’s Chamber Choir presented The Prayer, following their recent success as finalists in the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition, accompanied by Nicole Penlington on violin. The RGS Junior Choir performed Everybody Wants to Be a Cat, while the RGS Senior Choir gave a performance of Africa by Toto.
The second half included further performances from the Chamber Choir, featuring works by Eric Whitacre, including Animal Crackers, The Firefly and The Seal Lullaby. This performance also featured the Dance Ensemble, with pupils from RGS Worcester and RGS Dodderhill performing choreography prepared by Mrs Ashley Allen.
The concert concluded with a medley from The Lion King, performed by a combined chorus of over 250 pupils, supported by a House Band of pupils and staff.
Director of Music, Mr Jamie Conway, said, “I am immensely proud of this evening’s performance, featuring three of our Family of Schools. The pupils have enjoyed working on the overarching animals concept, interspersing singing with instrumental music and it was wonderful to see them performing together in Worcester Cathedral. Not only their musical ability, but their maturity of expression and poise are extremely impressive. Well done and thank you to all involved.”
Well done to all pupils involved in what was a fantastic evening of performance, and thank you to all who came along to support.
Mr J Conway, Director of Music
