Last Friday’s concert was a momentous way to celebrate the return to Roedean of the Brighton Fringe Festival event, which has always been a highlight of the year.

The standard of the solo performances was phenomenal, both in their technical and musical mastery. Anamika and Bronwen (Yr13) opened the concert with a lively first movement for Piccolo Trumpets by Vivaldi. The interplay between the strings and soloists was playful and uplifting, and both soloists performed with astounding accuracy and character. Eva (Yr13) then stepped from leading the orchestra on the Violin to performing a solo on the Viola. She played Élégie by Glazunov, performed with the Strings. Eva captured the ever-changing moods throughout, with a rich and deep tone on the instrument – this was an incredibly musical and sensitive performance.

Next to the stage was Alyssa (Yr13) and her accordion, and this was a dynamic performance of Piazzolla’s Libertango, packed with energy and spirit. It made the audience want to jump up and dance. To finish the first half, the orchestra accompanied Rachel (Yr9) in the first movement of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. This was a virtuosic performance on the Violin, filled with spectacular moments from rich Iberian romance, Spanish rhythms, and climactic runs. Rachel played with passion and superb technique.

Thank you to the Catering Team for a superb interval, with Pimm’s and chocolate-covered strawberries!

After the interval, the Orchestra was joined by the Choir and guest singers to perform Carmina Burana. This mighty work is a challenge for any group, and our Choir and Orchestra rose to the occasion and performed with aplomb. Our guest bass-baritone, Christopher Foster, gave us dramatic and impassioned renditions of the solo movements, and there were outstanding vocal solos from our students: Alissandra, Niamh, Galina, Ella, and Alma all demonstrated incredible range, beauty, and poise.

Congratulations also to the small group of ‘Ragazzi’ from Year 7, who held their nerve to sing their completely unaccompanied interjections.

We hope that those of you who joined us enjoyed it as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you at our next few recitals. Thank you so much for your support. Ms Bartlette