Audiences enjoy a musical journey at the Autumn Concert
Parents, Grandparents, Old Stopfordians, Governors and guests were treated to an exceptional evening of music at the Stockport Grammar School Autumn Concert on Wednesday 23rd November.
The fabulous celebration of music saw performances from pupils from First Year to Sixth Form display their talent. For some pupils it was their first live performance at SGS.
Ahead of the show, Upper Sixth Form pupil Robert Preston said: “Performing in ensembles is great fun, I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Concert Band, conducted by Mrs Matthews, kicked off proceedings with ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ by Quincy Jones, a tune made famous by the Austin Powers series. This was followed by Bob Harris and Paul Francis Webster’s’ ‘Spider-Pig’, Jacques Offenbach’s ‘Can-Can’ and finished with a rousing version of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon.
Junior Jazz Band, led by Mr Hamilton, performed a modernised version of ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn, followed by ‘Careless Whisper’ by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.
Second Orchestra, conducted by Mr Newlove, gave a delightful performance of ‘When I Was A Lad’ from HMS Pinafore by Arthur Sullivan and William Schwenck Gilbert, followed by an extraordinary delivery of Richard Ling’s ‘Ghost Ride’, complete with some unconventional sound-effects! Completing their set, Second Orchestra played a beautiful rendition of Georges Bizet’s ‘Carrillion’ from ‘L’Arlesienne Suit No. 1’.
Oboe Trio performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Oboe Trio in C, Op.87 ii) Adagio’.
The first half ended with an exceptional delivery of Edward Elgar’s ‘Cello Concerto in E Minor’ by First Orchestra, with Upper Sixth Form pupil Liv Dow as soloist. The piece was conducted by a very proud Mr Dow, Director of Music.
Discussing the performance, Liv said: “This was the first time I’ve ever done something like this. It was nerve-wracking, but a great experience and it’s really helped me gain confidence.”
Following the interval, First Orchestra played the well-loved ‘Theme from ET’ by John Williams, conducted by Mr Dow.
Senior Jazz Band saw the audience joining in, kicking off with Cole Porter’s ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’ led by Mr Harrison, followed by ‘Cold Duck Time’ by Eddie Harris.
Cello Choir delivered Joseph Haydn’s ‘St Anthony Chorale’ and Hasley’s arrangement of the ‘Theme from Game of Thrones’.
Next up was Wind Orchestra playing the hit ‘Final Countdown’ by Joey Tempest, arranged by John Moss. The set was completed with the heart-warming ‘Tribute to Irving Berlin’ arranged by Warren Barker to prepare us for the Christmas season.
The Chorus, conducted by Mr Dow, brought the show to a close with ‘Choral Suite from West Side Story’ by Leonard Bernstein and arranged by Mac Huff, which included solos from Adina Vidler, Mason Peters, Abigail Sullivan, Rosie Moore, Lucy Smith, Hannah Cope, Evelina Gwynne and Maddie O’Hare.
