Winter Music

The Music Department has hosted a wealth of concerts, gigs and performances this half term, whilst our Chamber Choir have been awarded a spot in the grand final of a national competition.

More than 60 rock stars – from the Junior School to the Sixth Form and even a staff band – played to a packed Waterlow Hall at our annual Rock & Pop concert, with numerous tracks penned by the girls themselves. The following week, every Senior School pupil got involved with our annual House Music competition – a joyous afternoon with some spectacular solo, ensemble and whole House performances; Dr Collisson declared the contest to be the best he recalls in his twelve years as Director of Music at South Hampstead. Congratulations to Benton on the win and for their entertaining rendition of the periodic table song.

Our first Senior School winter concert showcased an impressive repertoire, involving Sinfonia, Ukulele Orchestra, Chorale, Senior Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Just two evenings later, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra, Year 7 Choir, Lower School Chamber Choir and Symphony Orchestra took to the stage in Waterlow Hall for another wonderful evening of music. The following week, our musicians in Years 3 to 6 took the stage for a joyful Junior School Concert. Recordings will be available shortly on Firefly.

Amid a busy half term organising dozens of ABRSM and Trinity exams and numerous Friday lunchtime scholars’ recitals, the Music Department also hosted the finals of the Kiverstein Singing Competition, a Towards 150 Concert with internationally renowned pianist Stephen Kovacevich, and a wonderful, festive Carol Service at Hampstead Parish Church.

In the final week of term, our Chamber Choir were awarded a place in the grand final of the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition – out of over 70 entries from across the UK, just 16 choirs have made the finals which will take place at Birmingham Symphony Hall in March! We look forward to hearing how they get on, and to much more music-making, in the new year.