Vitality, fun and talent on show at the Lower School Recital

The Lower School Recital is always a source of particular pride for our department and for many of our younger pupils, as they have the opportunity to explore their burgeoning musical identities in a public forum and showcase their remarkable talents. 

Celebrating the return of a gameshow that was popular before many of our performers were even born, the Lower School Orchestra initiated proceedings with a tribute to “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. The first of the inspirational pieces was an ensemble performance with the latest cohort of young trombonists; full of vitality and fun. Having played a difficult solo in the Lower School Orchestra, Ollie Hewitt was joined by fellow ”LSO” member Andrew Moore to perform the Theme form “Cagney and Lacey” with drive and flair. 

Continuing the theme of mid-20th-century police television, a group of Third Formers smashed out the famous theme to “Hawaii Five-O” with brassy punch. Max Clarke was particularly taken with a song called “Shy” and he sang a beautiful rendition. Zedan Goonetillake and Daigo Tanoue, both incredibly able musicians, combined their efforts in an elegant duet. Will Kar should be incredibly proud of his beautiful performance of “The Swan. Tom Sprackling demonstrated his musicianship in a rendition of Fauré’s song “Après un Rêve” with incredibly mature technique on the violin. Our two fabulous drummers, Iestyn Bates and Harry McCaughey, played with excitement and energy that inspired all. Ollie Alexander was brilliant in his powerful rendition of the James Bond classic ‘Goldfinger’ on trombone. 

A newly formed musical trio in Tom Sprackling, Tobi Kadrnka and Luca Spadano led and performed their folkish piece brilliantly. Hari Bowry demonstrated his lovely voice to all in a performance of “Viva La Vida” in which he accompanied himself on the guitar. The First Form boy band consisting of Henry Dalton, Rhyan Krombass, Hani Sargazi and Max Shepherd did a brilliant job on their chosen song “These Days”. Will Palmer sung the ever-popular ballad “All of Me” with his extraordinary pop voice that stirred everyone in the audience. Toby Matthews performed a very enjoyable and jolly version of “Jamaican Rumba” on his tenor saxophone. Ollie Hewitt performed “Lucky to be Me” by Bernstein with a distinctive and beautiful “New York” tone; full of style. 

Will Everitt, a stalwart trumpeter, debuted as a piano soloist with “Sarah” beautifully played with passion and poise. Rohan Gill sang brilliantly, accompanied by Tom Trenga’s skilful picking on the guitar. Once again Luca Spadano demonstrated remarkable virtuosity, dazzling all with his pianistic showmanship. 
The Close chorus concluded proceedings with an inimitable performance of ‘It Must Be Love’ with ineffable bravura, guided by Roger Willey’s unbridled enthusiasm as a director.

Simeon Smith, Music Department