More than 300 singers and musicians from all stages of the Academy took part. The concert was attended by parents, pupils and members of the wider school community and the performances from the choirs and orchestra was admired by all.
The Orchestra opened the concert with Troika from Lieutenant Kijé by Prokofiev to get everyone in the festive mood. Next came five movements from Handel’s Messiah, including solo excerpts from sopranos Gabby Greenwood and Lara Gary and two choral movements, Glory to God and Hallelujah.
The Prep Choir were next, performing their beautiful rendition of Love Came Down by R Gray. The String Orchestra continued the concert with Starlight Prelude: Quem Pastores arranged by P Wilby followed by the Junior School Choir with All and Some by Alan Spedding.
In this, the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth, the Senior Mixed Voice Choir sang the 1st Movement of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. The choir were joined by organist Mr David Goodenough and harpist Ms Zuzanna Olbrys and also featured four pupil soloists, Virginia Carmen, Lily Wilton, Tom McFadyean and Auryn Lynch and percussionists Dominic McGinley, George Croudace and Angus Montford.
The Chamber Choir performed The First Noel and Ding-a-Ding-a-Ding arranged by D Chase and G Gilpin respectively and were then joined by the full choirs and the String Orchestra for John Rutter’s beautiful Candlelight Carol. This included solo performances from Aoife Fitzpatrick on flute and Aidan Humphrey on oboe.
Throughout the evening the audience were given the opportunity to participate in some well loved carols; Hark Herald Angels Sing, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen and a final, rousing rendition of O Come all ye Faithful.
The concert ended with the Dollar Academy Jazz Orchestra (DAJO) performing You’re Welcome (From Disney’s Moana) by L-M Miranda and Jingle Bell Boogie by B Kidd.
The Music Department did exceptionally well to create such a spectacular programme of performances. Special thanks should go to Mr A Morley, Mr S Burbury, Mrs L Timney, Mr D Christie and all the staff and prefects who made such a spectacular event possible.
