Pupils show off budding musical talents

All the proceeds from this concert, held on Saturday, March 23 go towards the work of the charity ‘Action for Children’.

The audience was treated to a lively opening number comprising excerpts from ‘The Merry Widow’ by Franz Lehar which involved the voices of Farlingtonic Choir which is made up of parents, teachers, ex pupils and friends of the school. Their lively singing was enhanced by dancing in the aisles by girls from the school and by the singing of the popular solo ‘Vilia’ by gifted ex-Farlington pupil Claudia Parkes.

Later in the programme she gave a wonderful rendition of the uplifting” Hallelujah” from Mozart’s ‘Exsultate Jubilate’.

The two choirs of girls, Skatz and the smaller Aristoskatz, performed a wide variety of music ranging from songs from the musicals West Side Story and Jesus Christ Superstar to a particularly lovely version of ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ by Schubert.

The excellent standard that these choirs have reached is a testament to the hard work put in by the girls and their director and accompanist Jane Thomas.

Smaller groups of musicians provided contrasting and very enjoyable contributions to the programme. The Telemann Strings played a delightful Rondo by Hoffmeister. The Strood Consort Recorder Group played a Chaconne by Lully and a contemporary piece in the baroque style entitled ‘The Jester’ by C. Ball.

A vocal quartet on their first outing gave us a confident ‘Laudamus Te’ by Vivaldi and a wind group played the well loved ‘Sheep may safely graze’ by Bach. Two soloists, Dawn Richards on the violin and Janet Yeung on the piano, delighted the audience with their unusual and lively pieces by Korngold and C.P.E. Bach.

Farlingtonic Choir sang with musicality and vigour, contributing several contrasting songs to the concert, the highlight for many in the audience being their interpretation (after Flanders and Swann) of Mozart’s Horn Concerto entitled ‘Ill Wind’

The concert ended with the combined choirs singing an antiphonal rendition of ‘Floret Silva’ from “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff. Here the message heralding the arrival of Spring proved an uplifting finale, even if it was somewhat belied by the weather outside!

The standard throughout was excellent and the enthusiasm and enjoyment with which they performed was conveyed to their audience whose appreciation was evident from the warm applause.

Once again the concert was ably directed and accompanied by Jane Thomas who seems to lift her musicians to greater heights each year. Thanks also go to Anne Stearns Farlington’s Director of Music for her help and input.

As a result of their efforts a sum approaching £700 was raised for ‘Action for Children’ and the charity’s fund raising committee would once again like to record their thanks to all who took part for another very enjoyable and successful evening.