Summer Music

The summer term ended on high note, with more outstanding performances from our musicians.

More than 150 pupils performed at last week’s spectacular Summer Concert, with several ensembles led by the pupils themselves. The audience enjoyed an evening of rock ballads, ABBA medleys and jazz in Waterlow Hall, courtesy of numerous bands and choirs. Later the same week, at a more intimate Chamber Concert in the recital room, our visiting music staff orchestrated a wonderful repertoire by some of our most talented musicians, including singers, string players, pianists and flautists.

Throughout the term, our Music Scholars have given wonderful lunchtime recitals, enjoyed by staff and peers alike, whilst dozens of pupils have taken their ABRSM examinations. During the final week of term, a number of choirs took to the stage at South Hampstead Wrapped and several bands and soloists played in the atrium to welcome our guests – another impressive showcase of the school’s musical talent.

On the penultimate day of term, the music department accompanied 60 pupils in the Chamber Orchestra, Senior Choir and Wind Band on a tour of Austria’s lake district; musicians from Year 7 to the Sixth Form explored Salzburg and the Salzkammergut, performing at various churches and outdoor venues along the way.

Concerts and trips notwithstanding, there was one very special highlight to end the year: one of our Sixth Form Music Scholars made the finals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year! After qualifying at the live auditions in Wales just before her A Levels, violinist Kaelyn was selected as one of just 12 performers in the UK to compete in the quarter finals in July – a truly outstanding achievement. Kaelyn plans to study Chemistry at university next year and has been awarded two scholarship awards by Imperial College London; read more here.