Liverpool trip delights singers
Sixty-five First and Second Year singers embraced the opportunity to perform at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Britain’s largest cathedral.
The day began with a tour of the venue led by expert guides who explained many of the features of the vast building. This provided pupils with an insight into such details as the carvings of the high altar, the stained-glass windows of the Lady Chapel and the unique design of the baptismal font.
In the nave, which faced the magnificent Benedicite stained-glass window and art by Tracey Emin, the pupils performed a recital to an audience of family, friends and the general public.
Directed by Mrs Matthews and accompanied by Mr Dow, Junior Chamber Choir’s set included ‘Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho’ arr. Printz, ‘Benedictus’ by Lewis, ‘Ah, Poor Bird’ arr. Schram, ‘Over The Sea To Skye’ arr. Emerson, ‘The Lake Isle Of Innisfree’ arr. Penny Rodriguez and ‘A Light Of Hope, A Song Of Peace’ by Burrows.
Next to perform was First Year pupil Emily Knight who entranced the audience with her beautiful performance of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ by Malotte. It was then the turn of the 60 pupils of Vox to perform a range of uplifting pieces, including ‘Feel Good’ by Tyson and Scott, ‘Carry The Light’ by Beck, ‘Be The Change’ by Farnell, ‘Gonna Make A Wish’ by Beale and Major and ‘Refuge’ by Goodall.
The choirs performed beautifully and were very well received by the appreciative audience.
In the afternoon, the pupils visited the British Music Experience, which is the UK’s only museum dedicated to celebrating British popular music. They had a tour around the museum where they learnt about the rise of British pop from 1945 to the present day.
They were excited to see exhibits including a drum kit belonging to Roger Taylor of Queen and original outfits worn by David Bowie and the Spice Girls. As Liverpool was the host city for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the pupils had an interesting workshop session on the history of Eurovision. They were then able to get hands-on with a wide range of instruments and let off some steam in the ‘Dance The Decades’ booth.
Speaking about the day out, Second Year pupil Arya Abraham reflected: “I really enjoyed the Liverpool trip. I found the cathedral tour very interesting and learnt lots of new facts – such as a cathedral can only be called a cathedral if it has a bishop’s chair.”
Fellow Second Year Martha Frew commented: “The cathedral was so extravagant and beautiful and it was a surreal honour to perform there. The British Music Experience was fabulous and it was so cool to see all of the instruments played by so many legendary people.”
Marco Burns, another Second Year pupil, concluded: “I loved the British Music Experience as you got to play all of the different types of instruments – it was great to have a go at guitar and I also had loads of fun in the dance booth.”
