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A magnificently diverse term of musical endeavours at Wellington reached a breathtaking climax during December’s annual Orchestral Gala Concert. Over 130 Wellington musicians took part in an evening that featured three of the College’s main orchestral groups: Camerata, the strings ensemble; the Concert Band; and Wellington’s own Symphony Orchestra.
The strings players, led by Sarah K and conducted by Susie Henwood, opened the concert with pieces by Liszt, Lloyd Webber, and Gardel that allowed for a whole range of tonal expression, expertise and precision. Jonathan Heeley and Anthony Bailey’s Concert Band took to the Annenberg stage next, their programme featuring crowd-pleasers from movies and hit parades alike, before bringing the first half to a suitably festive close with an invigorating performance of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, the Percussion section, in particular, working overtime to create a sense of careering through a wintery wonderland.
The second half of the programme opened with a spectacular performance of Mendelsshon’s First Piano Concerto, with Sixth Former Suri L not only treating us to a virtuoso display of technical brilliance but also showing an almost telepathic sensitivity, such was the playful interplay between soloist and whole orchestra. Led by Hannah T, and conducted by the ebullient Natalia Luis-Bassa, the players of the WCSO then took Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in their stride, before closing with a joyful and varied interpretation of Eric Coates’ London Suite.
As Director of Arts and Music, Simon Williamson, said in his programme notes, this Michaelmas Term has been a term to remember and a term which has showcased the variety and talent of our Wellington musicians. It is easy to forget how much time and energy goes into providing such entertainment, but this Gala Concert was conclusive proof of what such dedication can achieve, such was the joy, professionalism and dedication that was on show. It was an evening of sheer brilliance, so congratulations and thanks to all involved.
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