Looking out over a packed auditorium at G Live, the excitement was intense at the prospect of once again hearing the tremendous, massed forces of both the RGS and GHS in their biannual Joint Concert. With combined choirs from both schools, a joint orchestra, and the additional vocal talents of the Parents and Staff Choir, the evening featured over 350 singers and musicians, filling the stage to capacity and creating an unforgettable musical experience.
The concert opened with Vaughan Williams’ Overture to The Wasps, conducted by Sam Orchard. A challenging piece to perform, it was brought to life with precision, capturing the buzzing energy of the wasps through crisp articulation and dynamic control. This exhilarating start set the tone for an evening of outstanding performances. Later, under the baton of Grayson Jones, Director of Music at GHS, the orchestra delivered a vibrant and expressive performance of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 and 7, demonstrating impressive ensemble cohesion and expertly handling the intricate tempo shifts.
The evening was dominated by an ambitious selection of sacred choral works spanning centuries. Under the direction of Grayson Jones, the choir began with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah and Haydn’s The Heavens Are Telling from The Creation, both performed with energy and confidence. Moments of reflection followed with Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus and Elgar’s The Spirit of the Lord, where the choir and orchestra captured a sense of stillness through expressive dynamics and phrasing. The first half concluded with Vaughan Williams’ Antiphon from Five Mystical Songs and Parry’s Jerusalem, with the audience joining in for the final verse, creating a rousing and memorable climax.
The second half of the evening saw Sam Orchard return to the podium, leading the ensemble through a selection of choral masterpieces. Handel’s See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! from Judas Maccabeus, Haydn’s Insanae et Vanae Curae, and Mendelssohn’s Daughters of Zion from Christus demonstrated the choir’s expressive range and ability to convey the emotional depth of the texts. A moment of calm followed with Brahms’ How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place from A German Requiem, before the evening concluded in grand style with Parry’s I Was Glad.
This concert was a true celebration of musical excellence, showcasing not only the remarkable talent within both schools but also the strength of their collaboration. The enthusiasm and enjoyment of the performers were evident throughout, fostering a strong sense of community that extended beyond the schools to include members of the wider musical network. The energy and passion displayed on stage were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, reaffirming the reputation of the Joint Concert as a highlight of the school calendar.
An event of this scale requires significant dedication and meticulous organisation. The seamless coordination of staff, students, and community members ensured a performance of the highest calibre. The Joint Concert remains a testament to the enduring partnership between RGS and GHS, and this latest instalment once again proved to be an unforgettable celebration of music.