This weekend saw the return of the Michaelmas Concert, which had a live audience for the first time in three years! The concert opened with the 75 strong Symphony Orchestra performing ‘Finlandia’ by Sibelius and ‘Appalachian Morning’ by Sheldon. Once Removed and Treblemakers then joined forces to perform ‘Count on Me’ by Bruno Mars, followed by In Harmony performing ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from Encanto. Thalia Li then took centre stage to perform the beautiful violin solo ‘Méditation’ from the opera Thaïs by Massenet, skilfully accompanied by Chamber Orchestra.

After the interval, the audience was summoned back to their seats by the roar of Brazilian drumming from Samba Band! Jazz Band kept the energy levels high by playing ‘Chameleon’ by Herbie Hancock. The String Virtuosos, a newly formed group consisting of the string players from Chamber Orchestra, then played the traditional reel ‘The Humours of Westport’. Their collective sense of fun and playfulness during the performance brought much joy to the audience! It was then left for Prima Voce to close the concert. They began by singing ‘Main Theme’ from the television series Home Fires, followed by an arrangement of ‘In Flanders Fields’ (complete with falling poppies), during which our visiting trumpet teacher, Mr Smets, provided a poignant trumpet solo consisting of elements of The Last Post from the balcony. Both of these songs were accompanied by Chamber Orchestra. For their final song, ‘Carry the Music’ by Sarah Quartel, Prima Voce were aptly joined by three former Heads of Music (Katie Hackman, Alex Hamilton and Antonia McClintock) who are perfect examples of how partaking in the ensembles on display during this concert has shaped their musical life beyond Downe House. The concert was a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by performers and audience members alike!