Savoy Theatre, 16 May 2011

For the first time in a long time, all three string orchestras at Monmouth School (Grange Orchestra, Bach Orchestra and Senior Stings – Joint with HMSG) came together to perform in the same evening as a celebration of the wealth of string talent being nurtured at Monmouth School and HMSG.  The concert took place in the period splendour of the Savoy Theatre Monmouth, the first time the orchestras had played there.

Grange Orchestra, as the juniors present, opened the billing with lively performances of the Overture from the Water Music, Two American Melodies and Celtic Dance, under the expert baton of their director Miss Beak.  Next came Form I Strings, not technically an orchestra but a group all in the same year coached every fortnight by Mrs. Greenwood as part of their class music tuition.  They performed The Flop-eared Mule under their own direction with a verve and aplomb which belied their tender years.

Senior Strings, directed by Mrs. Friend from HMSG, used this as an opportunity to perform again some of the works already aired earlier in the year, including a Mozart Divertimento and two movements of the Telemann Concerto for Viola with stylish soloist Sam, who was obviously enjoying every note (and playing beautifully into the bargain).  Perhaps a highlight of the evening was the Bach Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Hunt, performing Pirates of the Caribbean (always appreciated) and Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with soloist Will who, despite being only fourteen, showed nerves of steel in his cool and musical performance of this famous work.

Read the programme here