Philomusica, the school’s second orchestra, started the night with music by Handel and Mendelssohn. Though mostly made up of those in younger years Philomusica did not let the music daunt them and rose to the occasion with boundless enthusiasm and real rhythmic drive.
Not to be outdone the Percussion Ensemble, directed by Mr J Ormston, performed Pop looks Bach, better known as the theme from Ski Sunday, which showed the breadth of ability amongst the Habs percussionists. Wind Sinfonia, conducted by Ms C Cousens, was next on the programme playing the theme to the James Bond film Skyfall. Again populated by our younger musicians this was a full-blooded performance and surely stands as testament that the future of music here is secure.
Near the end of each academic year the Music Department holds “Habs Young Musician of the Year”, a competition to find the best of the talent here at Habs. The winner of the 2015 competition was Tamilore Awosile who gave commanding performances of two jazz standards, Georgia on My Mind and Summertime. With a voice beyond his years Tamilore has real potential to be a top class singer.
The first half of the concert concluded with the Big Band who gave us two tunes, Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’ and Every Summer Night, and these were real showstoppers with many wonderful solos, particularly George Handley McMath on the drums.
The finale came in the form of the Symphony Orchestra, the largest, most senior ensemble. Playing the Radio 4 Theme Tune, a medley of popular, patriotic tunes, the orchestra, conducted by the Director of Music, Mr Muhley, gave a real show of technical ability and flair. This was followed by Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture which had a real sense of occasion and ended the concert to rapturous applause.