Music

With the much-anticipated return of our full choral and orchestral provision and rich tapestry of concerts, competitions and Carol Services, it has been an exciting adventure in the Music department this year! It has been a year of ‘firsts’ with our first live studio broadcast of the Michaelmas Concert, our first Carol Service in London, our first performance at Birmingham Town Hall and, whilst we have sung as a choir at the Royal Albert Hall many times, it was the first time we have joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra singing at this world-class venue.

The year also saw the return of our much-loved activities, including the regular visits of our Musician in Residence, Bob Chilcott, supporting all things musical at Downe. Prima Voce were finalists in the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year Competition for the fourth time. We also saw the return of our much loved ‘Bring the House Downe’ music ensemble competition with 26 student-led ensembles competing for the highly coveted winner’s trophy. Congratulations to Trio Sempre Giocando (Anson Leung, Katie Lam and Cheuk Wah (Sara) Lee (LVI)) who were the overall winners this year!

It is wonderful to see girls continuing to be represented on the county and national platform, including in the National Children’s Orchestra, English Symphony Youth Orchestra, Berkshire Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.

Exceptional musical achievement continues to thrive at Downe House Music: Sophie Loftus (UVI) was crowned Berkshire Young Musician of the Year 2022, Antonia McClintock (UVI) was awarded a Choral Scholarship to Merton College, Oxford and Jiayi Zheng (UVI) was awarded an Organ Scholarship to Magdalen College, Cambridge. Our warmest congratulations to these very talented musicians.

I wish to thank Antonia McClintock (Head of Music 2021-22), Sophie Loftus (Deputy Head of Music 2021-22), Jiayi Zheng (Head of Instrumental Music 2021-22), Eleanor Gibbs (Head of Choral 2021-2), Alice Pernthaller and Marina Pownall (Deputy Heads of Choral 2021-22) for their outstanding commitment, contribution and infectious joy of music! And together with all our talented Music Award Holders, they have inspired the whole School community, lived the music and had a lot of fun along the way!

With now over 3,700 followers, our Twitter channel continues to capture all our exciting news, live updates and inspiring moments from the Music department. Please do follow us @DowneHouseMusic.

Music continues to enrich our School and wider community as well as equip girls with lifelong musical skills, encouraging all musicians to explore, discover and be inspired!

Dr Charlotte Exon, Director of Music

Pro Corda

During the Lent term, Trio Sempre Giocando embarked on its second venture into the Pro Corda chamber competition, after being crowned ‘Chamber Champions’ of 2020. This time, under rather contrasting circumstances, we were entered into the U19 group and had to record our entry online due to the all too familiar Covid restrictions. This did not stop us though, for spirits were high, getting the trio through to the semi-finals in a hotly contested national competition. We have learnt so much, with a particular emphasis on really learning to understand each other both personally and musically. As ever, our greatest thanks go to Dr Alexander for being an unwavering source of guidance and support every year, and none other than the Music department for always having our backs in whatever we do!

Cheuk Wah (Sara) Lee (LVI)

Berkshire Young Musicians Of The Year 2022

Lots of pupils submitted entries for this year’s ‘Berkshire Young Musicians of the year competition’. We are very proud of all the hard work and dedication demonstrated with each entry, and particular congratulations go to Sophie Loftus (UVI) and Sayuri Shukawa (LVI) for progressing all the way to the final, with Sophie being crowned the overall winner!

Downe House Young Musicians Of The Year

Our Young Musician of the Year competition took place again this year with great success. Musicians submitted a video entry that was judged by our Downe House staff panel, then the top scoring entries were invited to compete in the live final on Sunday 20 March which was judged by Alun Jones (former Principal of Chetham’s School of Music). There were three categories in the final: Music Maker (Grades 1-3), Maestro (Grades 4-6) and Virtuoso (Grades 7+). All three finals were live streamed, so that they could be enjoyed by a live audience and people at home. The Music Maker final was won by Isabella Hudson (LV) bass clarinet, the Maestro final was won by Alice Barber (LV) voice, and the Virtuoso final was won jointly by Olivia McClintock (UV) piano and Natalie Hui (LIV) violin. We received over 100 entries to the competition, so a massive congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Norman, our incredible Principal Accompanist, for rehearsing and recording so many of the entries and live performances.

“It was a great opportunity for musicians of all levels to

BARNARDO’S CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Prima Voce took part in the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition again this year. Previously, victories included the Senior Choir of the Year category in 2018 and 2019 and making it to the finalists in 2020. This year, the competition was run slightly differently in that all groups had to submit a sound recording for the first round. Prima Voce were one of six choirs to be selected for the final. That was the fourth time the choir had made the final, which is an amazing achievement! The final was due to take place at the Barbican in London, but due extenuating circumstances the live final was replaced with video entries. The choir took the news in their stride and used this opportunity to create two fantastic recordings (with the help of the brilliant AV team), that everyone is very proud of and will be able to look back on for years to come. They received some excellent feedback from the adjudicator, who said they had ‘a beautiful and unanimous choral tone from the outset’ and gave ‘a delightful performance’. The choir sang by Kim André Arnesen and – a spiritual arranged by Rollo Dilworth. Both songs were performed beautifully, and of the adjudicator said, ‘the singers rose magnificently to its challenges; tight rhythms, well balanced parts, true intonation’. Although Prima Voce were not crowned the winners this year, the choir has been on such a journey and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition.

Miss Helen Butcher, Graduate Music Assistant

BARNARDO’S KIDSMAS LIVE

During the Michaelmas term, Prima Voce took part in the Barnardo’s ‘Kidsmas Live’ Concert at the Town Hall in Birmingham. The concert featured school choirs from across the country and was hosted by Heart DJ Dev Griffin. All the proceeds from the concert went towards Barnardo’s Kidsmas Appeal to raise money for vulnerable children at Christmas. Prima Voce performed two songs, one of which featured a beautiful solo from Antonia McClintock (UVI). All the performing choirs joined together to finish the concert with a joyful rendition of . A good time was had by all and everyone left in a Christmassy mood, ready to start the festive season.

BARNARDO’S YOUNG SUPPORTERS CONCERT

On 9 November 2021, Prima Voce was invited to Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert and performed at the Royal Albert Hall! This concert was held to raise funds for vulnerable children and young people. Featuring the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, young people from across the UK came together and sang some of Britain’s most adored film music. As a member of Prima Voce, it was truly a great honour to be able to live the music along with the other talented young people and the amazing orchestra. Singing in the Royal Albert Hall is an unforgettable experience as the large space provides awesome acoustics along with the glamours music.

Yizhuo Liu (UV)

Carol Service

This year, for the first time, all our choirs performed together in two carol services; the first at St Nicolas’ in Newbury and the second at St Mary Abbots in Kensington. Amongst the much-loved congregational carols, exhilarating brass fanfares and descant lines, was a wonderful and varied selection of choral gems masterminded by Dr Exon. In Harmony sang , a sensitive setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem; Once Removed and Treblemakers gave an exuberant rendition of , beautifully paced and very catchy; and Prima Voce performed a stunning modern arrangement of , and one of their favourites, . We also heard two beautiful compositions by Downe’s own Musician in Residence, the internationally acclaimed composer and conductor, Bob Chilcott: Prima Voce sang (composed especially for them), and the massed choirs gave us , a movement from

. Earlier in the services too, all the choirs joined forces to sing an extended Ave Maria setting, including an instrumental interlude over which the second reading was delivered; hearing so many talented young singers performing together as one created a spellbinding and magical atmosphere for the congregation. Amidst all this wonderful choral music, we heard solos from Eleanor Gibbs (UVI), Honor Mathews (UVI), Sophie Loftus (UVI), Alice Pernthaller (UVI), Alice Barber (LV), Lydia Isadora Dyer (LV), Harriet Boucher (UVI), Heloise Friedlander (UVI), Airlie Fleming (UVI), Xinyue (Audrey) Xu (UVI), Maria Kheyman (UVI), Serena Browne (LV), Antonia McClintock (UVI), and Maria Taraban (UIV).

The joy of singing to celebrate both Christmas and our Downe House community was evident in every girl’s face, and the sound of their voices together in one service was a delight to behold.

Dr Christian Alexander, Teacher of Music, Head of Composition

Michaelmas Concert

The Michaelmas concert 2021 took a step away from the conventional template and in response to government guidance on gatherings the Music department (with considerable help from Downe House magnificent AV department), constructed a studio-based event that was broadcast live. So, on a late-autumn evening in November, a small number of parents and family members gathered in the Farr Centre as our studio audience, they looked out over an array of cables, screens, cameras and discreet studio sets. At the far end of the hall, beyond the tech, sat the whole of Symphony Orchestra ready to play. The concert, which had been planned meticulously by Dr Exon, was a seamless and varied mix of musical performances, chats and interviews broadcast live and viewed across the globe by the extended Downe House community.

Showcasing our formidable orchestral tradition, Symphony Orchestra gave impressive performances of music from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite and Bernotas’ , and Chamber Orchestra gave an enchanting rendition of Bartok’s . As well as Jazz Band, who gave a very funky and tight performance of by Gordon Goodwin, a perfect joining of their rhythm and horn sections, much to the delight of everyone in the studio and online. Choral music is represented every year at Downe House and interspersed the instrumental performances. It was truly inspiring to see all our choirs in tip-top form again after the long break due to the pandemic. Once Removed sang from Matilda, Treblemakers sang from The Greatest Showman, and we had (famously sung by The Chordettes) from In Harmony. The Upper Sixth members of Prima Voce performed a set of three songs, each song in its own way intimate and beautifully fragile, and all sung with breathtaking expression and sensitivity to the words: Rutter’s , from Les Misérables, and John McCrae’s well-known poem set to music by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson. Linking all these stunning musical performances were conversations involving our Heads of Music and Lower School musicians, and a typically illuminating interview with Downe’s Musician in Residence, composer and conductor Bob Chilcott. Rounding off the concert, Mr Chilcott conducted Prima Voce in a performance of his own , written especially for this choir, and Dr Exon directed them in Kim André Arnesen’s This inspiring, event was a new adventure for the musicians of Downe, brim-full of energy, enthusiasm, and great musicianship – for both our small in-studio audience and our viewers around the world, a wonderful treat, and a source of much pride.

Dr Christian Alexander, Head of Composition

Lower School Concert

Throughout the Lent term Sinfonia, Once Removed and Treblemakers practised for the Lower School concert. On Wednesday 23 March, they all came together and performed the pieces they had been working on. Sinfonia opened the concert with by Verdi, which they had been working on since Michaelmas term, they also played Bach’s Sinfonia. This was followed by Once Removed, who sung , and then the LIV choir, Treblemakers, sang, , from Anastasia. As well as the performers, the audience consisted of Housestaff and music teachers alike. On the whole, it was a very successful concert.

MUSIC AWARD HOLDERS’ SPOTLIGHT RECITALS

It was great to be able to host the first Music Award Holders’ Spotlight Recital on Friday 22 October 2021. This recital showcased the talents of our performers and was the perfect start to the Long Exeat. After a short walk to the Chapel, we were treated to a performance of a Bach Trio Sonata movement by Jiayi Zheng (UVI), setting the standard for the afternoon’s concert. Returning to the Concert Room, Ziyue Yu (UV) gave a very accomplished performance of the first movement from Haydn’s Violin Concerto. Sticking with the string theme, Antonia McClintock (UVI) introduced us to Beethoven’s 7 Variations on the theme from the Opera, by Mozart for the cello, displaying some very technical and virtuosic playing! It was lovely to hear Camilla Hale (UV) sing by Vaughan Williams, transporting us to a pastoral English setting. Katie Lam’s (LVI) performance of the third movement from Rebecca Clarke’s viola sonata showcased the instrument’s diverse range and character. It was great to hear Olivia McClintock (UV) perform an intricate Mozart Rondo with tremendous skill and control. The concert finished with two works by Saint-Saëns: Cheuk Wah (Sara) Lee’s (LVI) rendition of his was exciting and invigorating, whereas Sophie Loftus’ (UVI) performance of the first movement from his clarinet sonata created a calm and still ending.

The second Music Award Holders’ Spotlight Recital of the year took place on Saturday 30 April 2022 in the Concert Room. Performers from across the School were involved and delighted the audience to kick off the Short Exeat. Serena Browne’s (LV) trumpet solo of brought a taste of Spanish dance to proceedings and had the whole audience tapping their feet! Margaret Tam’s (LIV) first solo performance at Downe House was an accomplished rendition of Poulenc’s first movement from his flute sonata, displaying both her lyrical and virtuosic playing ability. Following on in the dance theme, Maria Taraban (UIV) treated us to a Hungarian Dance by August Nolck, showing us the full range of the violin. Emily Mulford (Remove) should be commended for her first solo performance at a Music Award Holders’ Recital. She performed the opening oboe solo from the second movement of Brahms’ violin concerto with great poise and control. Continuing with the woodwind theme, Isabella de Arcangelis (UIV) performed the second movement from York Bowen’s flute sonata, ably navigating the extreme changes in character and contrast with a beautiful tone across the whole range. To conclude proceedings, we returned to Spain once more with Chenxi (Thalia) Li’s (LVI) rendition of by Manuel de Falla – a fiery and exciting piece to invigorate the audience before the bank holiday weekend! Well done to all performers for an excellent concert.

Mrs Susan Norman, Principal Accompanist

ST JOHN’S MUSIC SHOWCASE

In March 2022 we were able to hold our Lent term concert in St John’s Church in Newbury, for the first time in three years. The concert opened with a powerful rendition of by Mykola Lysenko, and other highlights included Symphony Orchestra’s selections from Peer Gynt and a medley from , Chamber Orchestra’s by Debussy and Prima Voce’s electric performance of . The concert also featured a performance from Jiayi Zheng (UVI), who played Bach’s on the Organ. This was the final concert for the UVI, and the UVI from Prima Voce sang by Stephen Paulus for a moving finish. Overall, it was a memorable evening, with the retiring collection for Christian Aid raising over £2,000.

Antonia McClintock, Head of Music (UVI)

Tamerlano At The Grange Festival

On Monday 6 June 2022, the LV musicians were kindly invited to see a final stage rehearsal at The Grange Festival, Alresford. OAE baroque specialist Robert Howarth, one of our visiting music teachers, was musically directing their summer production of Handel’s Tamerlano, with a cast including Raffaele Pe and Sophie Bevan.

During the interval, we were invited down to the enormous stage by Mr Howarth and we were given a personal tour of the backstage areas, green room and orchestra pit. This included a detailed explanation of how the orchestra pit was laid out for a baroque orchestra, as well as how Mr Howarth conducts from the harpsichord. It was an incredibly memorable afternoon and a fantastic experience!

Ms Katherine Chalmers, Head of Lower School Music

The Minority Instrument Scheme

Having played the viola for five years, with prior experience on the violin, I was delighted to be able to launch the Minority Instrument Scheme alongside some other girls to the Lower School in the Lent term. The instruments offered were viola, bassoon, double bass, trombone and tuba, all unique yet endangered instruments with crucial roles in orchestras. There was an assembly where we introduced our instruments and played a small section of music for pupils and staff to hear. The girls who signed up were allocated a buddy, where we check in with them from time to time, see their progress, encourage them and answer any questions they may have. This scheme is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new and I look forward to more violas joining me in orchestra!

We are fortunate indeed to have Bob Chilcott as Downe House’s Musician in Residence, bringing to our school the deeply impressive breadth and depth of his experiences working as a successful composer and conductor. Bob’s huge generosity of spirit, keenness to share a lifelong love of music, impressive ability to communicate clearly to young people and his practical-minded approach to music combine to make him a powerful advocate for all things musical in our school.

composers (pupils from Remove to LVI), developing a ‘relay composition’ – each composer would pass on the musical ‘baton’ to the next, and by the end of the day an all but finished piece of music had been carefully nurtured and brought to life. The piece was then completed by our Head of Music, Antonia McClintock (UVI); it was subsequently orchestrated and given a play-through by Music Award Holders and musicians from Chamber Orchestra – the finished result (inspired by Bob’s care and guidance), was outstandingly beautiful and an unambiguous testament to the positive impact he has had upon musical life at Downe throughout the year.

Mr Bob Chilcott, Downe House Musician in Residence

Throughout the year Bob has fulfilled many different roles as a musician, from mentoring Downe House alumnae and our present impressive cohort of Music Award Holders, to working in rehearsals with our choirs (and even conducting them in concert). Often when he works with a Downe House choir, they are learning one of his own compositions – many of you will have heard in December’s carol services Prima Voce’s beautiful rendition of , and all the School choirs performing together to sing . The impact of having the composer in our midst to encourage and give insight cannot be underestimated. Bob has also worked with our academic music pupils, chairing the UIV Year of Composing final workshop performances and delivering stand-alone composition lessons, modelling composing techniques with our GCSE and A Level pupils. In the early weeks of the Summer term, he spent an entire day working individually with sixteen

Dr Christian Alexander, Head of Composition

it even more amazing as everyone in little groups

Isabella Hudson (LV)