A group of 14 pupils from the top two years (violinists, cellists and singers) had the opportunity to attend a wonderful concert in Gloucester Cathedral.

The very accomplished ESO Chamber Orchestra played a fabulous concert of music by Handel, Mozart, Dvorak, Fridolfsson, Warlock and Vivaldi under their Concert Master, Michael Bochmann.

The concert started with the ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ by Handel and was followed by an exquisite performance of the Rondo in C for violin and orchestra by Mozart, which was played by Concert Master Michael Bochmann.

Dvorak’s Waltz in A made our toes tap whilst the jolly Capriol Suite by Peter Warlock made us all smile. Between these two pieces, cellist Corinne Frost played an arrangement of the exquisite ‘Forvantan’ by Sven Fridolfsson. This piece enfolded us with calm and stillness and was also accompanied by the setting sun coming through the famous stained glass of the cathedral, making a stunning effect on the stonework.

After the interval (and being told about Harry Potter and a recent filming of Dr Who in the Cathedral Close) we returned to our seats for the second half. The recently appointed Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, Adrian Partington, directed the orchestra. Symphony No. 29 by Mozart was written when Mozart was just 17 and is full of youthful vigour and the ESO played with great energy and vitality. The concert ended with a most memorable performance of the ‘Gloria’ by Vivaldi. The Choir and orchestra, under the vibrant and wonderfully judged baton of Mr Partington created beautiful melodic lines, rich harmonies and most pleasing effects. Of particular note were the soloists, all of whom were drawn from the choir.