The Summer Concert was once again an affair both nostalgic and hopeful, lamenting the departure of our leavers but also sending them on their way with confidence and best wishes for what are sure to be very bright futures.

Kicking off proceedings was Philomusica, whose stately account of ‘The Ash Grove’ was matched by a suave waltz in ‘Misty Blue’ and the vivacious and wholly appropriately-named ‘Festive Spirit’. Thereafter, Miss Cousens’s Aske Singers gave a moving rendition of Stanford’s ‘The Blue Bird’ for unaccompanied chorus, before Miss Cousens appeared once more to bring us expertly back to 1964’s Beatles with the Wind Sinfonia. Three pieces from Miss Galuszka’s Concerto Guitars showed off this instrument’s musicality excellently, with Hugo Murphy’s solo standing out particularly.

Mr. Simm’s Big Band was, as ever, a highlight. Three pieces went through a gamut of moods, showcasing the incredible virtuosity of the band perfectly, with outrageous solos from Zach Breskal and Oli Wheeler in particular, as well as Hugo Murphy, and Trystan Lever, not to mention stratospheric trumpet playing from Alex Maynard.

During the interval the Jazz Band performed in the Bourne foyer, entertaining our guests splendidly with three varied pieces. Completing the band trifecta after the interval was the Concert Band, directed by the tireless Mr. Simm, who, as well as conducting two ensembles, played tuba for the Wind Sinfonia and Symphony Orchestra! Following the thrilling theme to Superman, Raman Sharma provided a moving rendition of Schindler’s List.

Mr. Ormston’s Senior Percussion Ensemble provided a fantastic interlude with Philip Faiani’s ‘Afro Amero’, before the Symphony Orchestra and Mr. Muhley appeared to commemorate the First World War with Tunes from the Trenches, complete with blackout, air raid siren, pyrotechnics, and fire alarm effect. Shostakovich’s Festive Overture sent everybody home in high spirits, lamenting the loss of so many talented musicians but wishing them all the best for their lives to come. With the sort of talent we both receive and nurture at Habs, they are sure to find the success they so richly deserve.