‘Best of the West End Concert’ Concludes a Successful Year of Music

This year’s final Chamber Choir rehearsal encompassed everything from Elizabethan Madrigals to a captivating jazz standard, culminating in an ABBA Medley that drew inspiration from the memorable closing performance of the ‘Best of the West End’ concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall, which we attended as part of a recent departmental excursion.

The Friday night concert proved to be an unforgettable experience for students ranging from Year Seven to the Lower Sixth. It featured a dazzling compilation of showstoppers from beloved musicals, both timeless classics and contemporary hits, all flawlessly executed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, under the masterful baton of Michael England. Singing with the orchestra were the exceptional vocalists Sophie Evans, Louise Dearman, David Thaxton, and Scott Davies, with the skilled BSL Interpreter, Paul Whittaker, adding another layer of artistic expression to the performance.

The pupils derived immense pleasure from the renditions of musical numbers we have previously staged at our School, including iconic productions such as West Side Story, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera. Equally enjoyable were the songs they had diligently learned during their individual singing lessons, with special mentions going to the enchanting melodies from Wicked and Dear Evan Hansen. The opportunity to sing along with the ABBA medley provided an exuberant climax that resonated with everyone present.

With great anticipation, we eagerly await the forthcoming academic year, which promises to be replete with captivating excursions that will inspire and invigorate our students.

 Miss Claire Spencer, Teacher of Music