Our Spring Concert on Friday 13 March at the Wiltshire Music Centre was a remarkable celebration of music across the school. With over a third of the entire school involved, it was a clear reflection of just how many keen, committed and talented musicians we have. I could not be more proud of the breadth and depth of participation.
The evening opened with Chamber Choir performing Ellis Island – a thoughtful and resonant tribute to the countries that have offered refuge and welcome to migrants throughout history. Given the current global climate, its message felt particularly poignant.
This was followed by the first two of our outgoing UVI Music Scholars: Bianca’s energetic and characterful Csárdás and Allison’s beautifully shaped and atmospheric performance of Debussy’s Clair de Lune. Both demonstrated the maturity and artistry they have developed during their years in the department.
We then welcomed a large combined choral moment, featuring Junior Consort, our newly established non-auditioned senior ensemble Lily Voices, the St Margaret’s Chamber Choir and our wonderful Major Minors Children’s Choir featuring pupils in Years 2 to 6 from schools across Calne and surrounding areas. Their two pieces were a genuine highlight of the programme and a meaningful step in our developing partnership with St Margaret’s Calne. One parent later remarked, ‘Congratulations on a wonderful showcase last night… nice to see the St Margaret’s choir getting involved, a great experience for them.’
Sinfonietta performed next, in its debut appearance. This newly formed ensemble – designed to nurture younger orchestral players – presented Celtic Sounds, arranged by Ms Wilby, with great confidence. Sinfonietta represents the roots of our orchestral pathway and the performance made clear just how strong that foundation is.
Junior Consort returned to the stage twice more during the evening, first with The Masterplan and later with the Welsh folk song All Through the Night. Both items were quite moving and performed with assured musicality from our younger students.
Our final UVI Scholar soloist, Ellie, then took to the stage with the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor. Her performance was met with a very well-deserved standing ovation – deeply assured and technically impressive, and a moment the whole hall felt privileged to witness.
Chamber Choir later reappeared with a performance of Only in Sleep, a challenging six-part Scandinavian work which gave a moment of still before the final two items.
Symphony Orchestra followed with Firedance from ‘Riverdance’ – an enormously challenging work that the students approached with great enthusiasm and energy. The drive and coordination throughout were admirable, with special mention to Emi (UV) and Lapo (LV) for their excellent percussion playing, which underpinned the whole piece.
The evening concluded with our traditional UVI Finale. This year’s choice, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey, was arranged, rehearsed and conducted entirely by the UVI musicians. Guinevere, Mia, Halia, Allison, Bianca and Ellie led confidently, bringing together two choirs and all instrumentalists for a vibrant, celebratory close to the concert. As one parent kindly said afterwards, ‘…you pulled it off again, a truly special evening… two proud dads…’
The response from across the school has been deeply appreciated. Our colleagues at our prep, St Margaret’s, commented that ‘the programme [was] absolutely gorgeous, the standard of musicianship and singing exceptional… the team you have is really special.’
As we say farewell to our UVI musicians – Bianca, Allison and Ellie – I feel exceptionally fortunate to have worked with them over the past five years. They have each contributed so much to the life and character of the department, and they will be greatly missed, as will all of our outgoing UVI musicians.
Finally, my sincere thanks go to my wonderful colleagues in the Music Department. Their expertise, dedication and support are behind every success, and I am truly grateful to each of them.
Mrs Marie-Claire Bray-Arthur
Director of Music
