Quartet Shine in Final Orchestral Occasion

Four of Hurst’s Upper Sixth formers performed for the final time at a major school recital, appearing in the Lent Term Concerto Concert; an event that will justifiably, live long in the memory.

Ellie Hargreaves, Miranda Holliday, Cameron Forster and Corey Wickens captivated everyone with their beautiful musicianship and were rewarded with heartfelt cheers and applause as they took their encores.

For the performers it was an emotional night with parents and grandparents travelling from far and wide to catch these most special swan song moments.  With every piece impeccably executed, the impact of the evening was felt by everyone present.

After outstanding performances of Wagner’s Overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg by The College Orchestra and Handel’s Concerto Grosso in B-flat Major Op. 3 No.2 from The Baroque Ensemble, the four individuals awaited their curtain call.

One by one, they took to the stage exuding confidence and charm. Ellie Hargreaves graced the piano keys with Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major K. 488 (1st Movement). Thereafter, Miranda Holliday showed skill and composure to perform Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Minor (Overture).

Next was Telemann Suite in A Minor (Overture); a delicate piece captured by the consummate skill of Cameron Forster on the recorder.  To close the evening, Corey Wickens demonstrated her mastery of the violin in an impeccable rendition of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor (Second Movement).

Accompanied by an orchestra built from peers and teachers, the Music School was taken on a classical journey. With each performance the accompaniment transformed subtly to suit the next artist’s final academic piece. It was evidently clear that as a group they had worked hard and as individuals they blossomed.

Director of Music, Neil Matthews, conducted the recital and afterwards said, “Tonight we saw the extraordinary standards achieved by many of our music students. Whilst I’m saddened by the departure of our starring Upper VI soloists, they have helped to create a legacy within the department that I know will stand us in good stead for many years to come”.

The evening captured a level of gift and talent that has become synonymous with Hurst’s music department under the stewardship of Neil Matthews. Many thanks must go to all of the performing pupils and staff, and in particular, to those four who have exceptionally bright musical futures ahead.