Starting the Year on a High Note!

The first concert of the new academic year was a first for Leighton Park in more ways than one on Wednesday 4^th October. The new ‘Concerto Concert’ was introduced by Director of Music and Media, Rosemary Scales, supplementing the already extensive concert programme, with an opportunity for some very talented musicians to perform longer pieces. Taylor (Year 10) who performed on the saxophone explained, “The difference between a concerto and other musical pieces is that a concerto is usually a longer piece and accompanying with an orchestra and it’s usually with three movements.”

Following the concert, Rose commented, “We were privileged to hear some remarkable playing and real maturity in all of the performances tonight. The students have worked incredibly hard for many months to prepare for this evening, and we weren’t disappointed. A really exciting and enjoyable evening of wonderful music-making.”

The concert began with Alice (Year 10) playing Mozart’s Concerto in B Flat, K191 for Bassoon. Alice is wonderfully talented bassoonist playing at Diploma level and has performed with the National Children’s Orchestra since she was in Year 8. She is now a member of the National Youth Orchestra and enjoying the challenges that the top youth orchestra in the country can offer her. The Concerto was composed when Mozart was just 18 and his prodigious abilities offer a contrast of lively spirited themes with lyrical expression and rhythmic energy. Alice commented, “It was really good to be able to perform a concerto all the way through, but I was very nervous! The first concert of the year is always fun and being backstage beforehand is always great. Playing a whole concerto requires a lot of concentration and stamina but it’s very satisfying reaching the end. I love that there’s opportunities like this at Leighton Park as well as other opportunities for people who don’t “do classical music.”

Eliza (Lower Sixth) followed Alice with a piece by Joaquin Rodrigo originally composed for guitar and orchestra in 1939 but transcribed for the harp in 1974. ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ is an iconic work in the world of classical music, with the second movement, often referred to as “Adagio,” captivating the audience with the poignant beauty of a timeless and evocative piece of music.

Leonie and Eva (both Year 10) delivered a wonderful Baroque violin performance supported by the exceptional talents of the String Ensemble, Vivaldi’s first movement from Concerto No 8 in A Minor. Vivaldi ranks amongst the greatest Baroque composers and his influence during his lifetime was widespread across Europe as he pioneered many developments in orchestration, violin technique and programmatic music.  Leonie was pleased with the performance, saying: “I felt quite excited actually to stand on stage…I think playing a concerto is different to playing other pieces because it’s more of a journey, not just because of its length, but if you play multiple movements, you play at many different tempos and dynamics. I think that the music at LP is really good because of how happy everyone is to get involved in it.”

The concert concluded with Binge’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone by Taylor (Year 10) who reflected, “Standing on the stage once again at the first concert of the school year made me feel a bit nervous but at the same time excited for what I can gain over the concert. Music in LP is good because of the large amount of resources and equipment and the amazing support from staff and peers.”

This concerto comprises three parts. The first part, ‘Allegro Spirituoso,’ is dynamic and brisk, featuring a lively interplay between the soloist and the piano. The second part, known as ‘Romance,’ is more lyrical and passionate. Finally, the third part, ‘Rondo Allegro Giocoso,’ follows a rondo structure, allowing the soloist to showcase virtuosity in a lively dialogue with the piano.

It was pleasure to listen to all of our musicians and we are looking forward to the Large Ensembles Concert next Wednesday, 11th October.

For those keen to explore Music and Music Tech as A Level options there is a Music and Music Tech A Level Taster Afternoon on Thursday 19th October from 2.30pm. You can book online at www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park.