Highlight of the Week

Senior Michaelmas Term Concert

On Tuesday 30 November we were privileged to stage our Michaelmas Term Choral & Orchestral Concert, in Llandaff Cathedral; the first large-scale Senior concert for almost two years, this was indeed a moment of great celebration, giving thanks for the rebuilding of substantial, high-quality co-curricular music at CSL, for which the school is well-known.

Since returning to a more ‘normal’ school environment in September, enormous efforts have been invested in reconstructing the pre-Pandemic structure of large-scale ensembles and choirs; reengaging the enthusiasm and commitment of previous contributors whilst recruiting new singers and musicians, especially those in Year 7 and/or pupils who joined the school this term.

Nearly 140 pupils contributed, including a Senior Orchestra of 55 pupils and a Senior Chamber Choir of 90, including a third of our entire Year 7 cohort. Over the weeks, musicians have adapted well to the new rehearsal schedule, often adjusting other commitments in order to be able to attend. Music has now returned as an essential and pervading aspect of the CSL lifestyle, with every orchestral musician and budding singer able to participate in one or more groups, according to experience and ability.

The concert was enjoyed live by an audience of over 300 (at the cathedral and via live-stream). Participating groups included: Senior Orchestra, Flute Choir, Brass Ensemble, Sinfonia, Cathedral Strings, Chapel Choir and Senior Chamber Choir.

Senior Orchestra begin the concert with three pieces: Sheep may Safely Graze - Cantata No. 208 (J.S. Bach); Ancient Airs & Dances: Suite No. 1 – Balletto (Respighi); and Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Brahms). The sound was fabulously sumptuous, including a substantial string section and full representation from the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. Our pupils were able to enjoy an authentic, yet accessible, orchestral experience.

After a fairly huge, stage re-set Senior Flute Choir (13 pupils) gave an impressive performance of ‘You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two’ (Lionel Bart), followed by Brass Ensemble, playing ‘Gentle Waltz’ (Ian McKenzie) and a vibrant arrangement of ‘Thank you for the Music’ (ABBA).

Sinfonia, our Year 7-9 orchestra has an established reputation for fun. It is perfect for younger players to enhance their enjoyment of playing an instrument, whilst also a great opportunity for more experienced players to provide leadership. Over the weeks, Sinfonia has established a really strong sense of identity. Following Brass Ensemble, Sinfonia performed a beautiful arrangement of ‘Down by the Sally Gardens’ including extensive contrasts of instrumental texture and exchange of melodic lines. The recently-ubiquitous ‘Wellerman’ was enjoyed by all – such fun to play and full of vigour and youthful energy!

Ending the 1^st Half, Cathedral Strings (32 pupils) offered an exquisite arrangement of ‘Silent Night’ (arr. E Morales), with all manner of harmonic and textural delights. In a nod to the current global excitement regarding ABBA, Cathedral Strings concluded with a rather brilliant ABBA medley, including ‘Mamma Mia, I Have a Dream and Dancing Queen! Beyond the obvious delights of the music, the distinction of Cathedral Strings itself was quite apparent.

Following the interval, Chapel Choir (13 pupils) gave excellent renderings of two pieces: Crossing the Bar (Rani Arbo), and Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite (G. F. Handel), accompanied by String Trio and Chamber Organ. Chapel Choir is the next-step for retiring Girl and Boy Choristers, eager to maintain their love of church music within a friendly team of more experienced and like-minded singers. Chapel Choir is a wonderful opportunity to extend technique, explore the challenges of harmony singing, and to make new friends, meeting twice-per-week to rehearse.

In culmination, Senior Chamber Choir (over 90 pupils) gave its first performance in two years, singing three, contemporary songs with the intention of rekindling the essential pleasure of choral singing and to ease those with lower voices into the art of singing harmonies. Meeting after-school on Wednesdays, the choir has become a much-valued activity, a great way to relax before going home. Music sung in the concert included: Someone You Loved (performed by Lewis Capaldi), A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman), and Seasons of Love (from Rent).

Huge thanks to all those involved in the concert, and of course to the considerable support offered by parents and families. Together, we have reaffirmed the life-enhancing joy and inherent value of co-curricular music-making, and the strong identity of Music as fundamental to the CSL ethos. Performance standards throughout the concert were universally excellent, and the number of pupils involved truly impressive.