Exeter School Choral Society made a triumphant return to Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday. With over 125 singers, made up of pupils, parents, staff and guests, Symphony Orchestra and a professional orchestra of 22 players, it was a huge event to manage, however under the skilful direction of Mr. Titchin and Mr. Tamblyn, with a little help from Mr. Davies and Mrs Daldorph, everything went to plan.
The programme featured some of the best-known choral classics and was popular with both singers and the audience – Zadok the Priest, I Was Glad and Fauré’s Requiem. Vocal pupil soloists Adam L, Oscar A and Sebastian H met the challenge of standing in front of more than 500 audience and performers, delivering with confidence and musicality.
Two movements from Bach’s Oboe and Violin Concerto featured the professional orchestra with the solo parts being played by Caspar C an Austin W in the Adagio, and Ingrid L and Joshua H in the Allegro. They all played with skill and poise and should be very proud of their performances.
Our other instrumental soloist was soprano saxophonist Rebecca M, whose hauntingly beautiful line over the top of Gibbons’ Drop, Drop Slow Tears in Forshaw’s arrangement introduced a reflective and contemplative mood to proceedings, playing out of sight enabling the saxophone line to simply appear.
The chorus rose to the occasion, having had just 6 weeks to rehearse, and the evening was a testament to the strength and collaboration within the whole Exeter School Community.
Listen to part one of the audio recording
Listen to part two of the audio recording
