Monmouth School performed an ambitious programme of music in St Mary’s Church which transported the capacity audience beyond their normal daily routine to something truly special.

Under the baton of Patricia Dollins, the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Symphonic Winds played firstly a rousing Pastime with Good Company, composed by Henry VIII, followed by a controlled and highly-accomplished First Suite in E Flat for Military Band, by Holst. 

The soloist in this year’s concert was Adam, who gave a virtuoso performance of Danish composer Grondahl’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.  With his composure and natural ability, it was hard to remember that Adam is just 18.

The main choral work was The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins.  Superbly directed by David Lawson, this piece proved the perfect vehicle for bringing together professional musicians and soloists, with the School’s Choral Society, talented past pupils and the entire First Form.

Many in the audience were visibly moved by this extraordinary Mass for Peace, as it captured the human cost of war.

Read the programme here