Praise for Battle Abbey concert

ON TUESDAY March 20, together with several other members of Battle Choral Society, I joined scores of parents at Battle Abbey School’s Centenary Spring Concert, in the Memorial Hall.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Mar 2012, 08:00 BST

We were treated to a delightful programme of 24 pieces, wide ranging in character, from classical solos for piano, violin, cello, clarinet and flute and a trio for recorders at grade VIII standard, two piano duets, a performance by a strings ensemble of arrangements of two of Mussorgsky’s ‘Picture at an Exhibition’, a pupil’s arrangement of ‘Viva la Vida’ by a cello ensemble, and choral works ranging from three items by their Chamber Choir, including Grieg’s ‘Ave Maris Stella’ and Gershwin’s ‘I’ve got Rhythm’, a light rendition by the Ladies Choir of Berlin’s ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’, four items by the School Choir of nearly 60 voices, including Elgar’s ‘Ave Verum’, extracts from Mozart’s ‘Requiem’, and a medley from Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’, not to forget two positively charming contributions of songs with actions, and impressive assurance, by the Prep School Choir.

The concert was a memorable example of excellence achievable by the collaboration of teacher and pupil, and a fine advertisement for Battle Abbey School, which the people of Battle should feel proud to have in their midst.

May we not have to wait too long for another!

Tony Perkins

Caldbec Hill, Battle