"This term has been full of exciting performances ranging from student recitals to the choir’s beautiful Northern Lights – Songs from Northern Lands concert which featured a guest Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player, to Balinese Gamelan and Hindustani vocals. We were delighted to host baritone Jamie W. Hall (a member of the BBC Singers) who gave a world-class recital of works by Vaughan Williams and Finzi, at the first Music and Madeira of term. Hopefully, there has been something for everyone. More relaxed offerings included a Mamma Mia singalong movie night and hosting an Intercollegiate band night for the Centre for Music Performance.
We were so proud of PhD candidate Akihito Okuda who played Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto at West Road with the Cambridge University Orchestra, conducted by Jac van Steen as part of the concerto competition prize-winners concert.
Jessi Rogers (director) and Lily Blundell (music director) put on The Drowsy Chaperone at the ADC to huge success.
Our new Brian Moore accompanist scholar Tom Williamson has led the choir in song and tamed the St Mark’s Church organ for our packed Advent carol service. Our first ever Ian Cross Instrumental Scholar is pianist Sam Foo, who performed at one of our lunchtime concerts and the Benefactors’ evening.
I close the year overseeing the move of the harpsichord and Steinway piano from the Lee Hall stage to their new temporary homes. It was quite nerve-wracking watching the grand piano being carried by five piano movers up the stairs of the porters’ lodge to the dining hall but fortunately, Cambridge Pianoforte are experts.
Lent and Easter term concerts will be held either in the dining hall or at St Mark’s church. Check the website for further details in the new year."