Orchestral Concert 2024
16 February 2024 - All
The biggest music event of the year for Wycombe Abbey, the annual Orchestral Concert, was held at St Mary’s Church, Marylebone, on Thursday 8 February. It was a resounding success, with some excellent music-making that left both performers and audience members enraptured. As one of the Clarence Soloists, I was privileged to be given the opportunity to open the concert, performing the first movement of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with Chamber Orchestra. The experience was nothing short of exhilarating.
The evening continued with Selina (UVI) performing Haydn’s D Major Cello Concerto, whose cadenza memorably showcased her musical sensitivity and technical ease. Then, Chamber Orchestra performed a movement each from the Serenade for Strings by two different composers: Tchaikovsky and Victor Herbert. The beautiful, mournful ‘Elegie’ is contrasted with the playful ‘Canzonetta’, a perfect conclusion for Chamber Orchestra’s repertoire.
As Sinfonia took the stage, their rendition of Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, movement I, captivated the audience with its lyrical melodies. After the interval, all the orchestras combined together – with a staggering number of players that completely filled the stage – for a performance of Mascagni’s ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana. The simple yet moving melody was played beautifully and poignantly.
Yau Yau (UVI) and Chloe’s (UVI) rendition of Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos with Symphony Orchestra which followed was the highlight of the evening. With a triumphant opening and an introspective contrasting section, the performance was made particularly mesmerising by the musical dialogue and synergy of the two soloists. Aanya (UVI) then sang Puccini’s timeless aria O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi, giving a refreshing interpretation of a familiar piece of music with her gorgeous voice. Finally, the concert concluded with the iconic first and second movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, a final display of Symphony Orchestra’s dynamic energy and expressive depth.
Overall, the concert was a testament to the dedication and hard work of all who were involved. It was also lovely to see some Wycombe Abbey Seniors in the audience. Thank you so much to the incredible Music Department for making the event possible and for providing such a unique opportunity for Clarence Soloists to work on and perform some of our favourite pieces with the orchestras.
Audrey
UVI
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