Hurst Projects its Vocal Range

Singers from across the Senior School have performed with both confidence and class in the 2012 Summer Term Vocal Recital.

The College's Music school has undergone some much welcomed refurbishment over the Easter Holidays and this is the first concert to take place this term.  So it was with great anticipation that many parents and fellow pupils took their seats, ready to hear the 14 individual singers waiting patiently to take their place centre stage. 

The evening presented an eclectic blend of songs from classic stage and film musicals to more modern musical theatre.  It began with O What a Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma, delivered with assurance by James Hadfield (Shell). Throughout, each of the vocalists expressed their unique tonality in songs such as Poco Poppa Pizza and Starlight Express, performed by Jasmine Thomas (Shell) and James’ older brother, Richard Hadfield (UVI), respectively.

It was not only the singers but also the song choices that ensured a most memorable evening. I could have danced all night from Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady and Empty chairs and empty tables from Les Misérables by Boublil & Schoenberg captivated the audience to the end.

Speaking after the recitals, Oliver White, vocal coach and celebrated tenor said, “I think the performance tonight shows brilliantly how the musical life of Hurst has been fostered and has continued to grow over the last few years. We’ve got an amazing vocal talent and the school seems to love singing now”. He concluded, “Tonight was a great way of showing off the real range and wealth of talent that’s in the school”.

One-to-one tuition gave each pupil the opportunity to work towards his or her fullest potential so that on the night, each could perform to the very best of their ability. It was evident that every performer was eager to display the fruits of all their hard work. Particular mention should go to the two performers who were determined to produce extremely skilful displays of vocal range, whilst bravely overcoming the untimely and unwelcome symptoms of a sore throat.  

The efforts made by every singer were surpassed only by their apparent confidence and ease in front of an audience, making for a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable event. For some, the recital was an opportunity to build on their existing experience gained from both within and outside the College, whilst for others, the evening was a far newer experience.  It was nevertheless one that everyone handled with consummate style and composure. Congratulations go to everybody that took part.