MUSIC
JUST ONE CONCERTO Inspired by the culture, cuisine, climate of Italy – and also influenced, perhaps, by pizza, pasta and gelato – the 70-strong combined forces of the Joint RGS and Guildford High School Chamber Choir and Orchestra ventured to the picturesque Tuscan hills for an immensely enjoyable six-day tour. The trip also marked the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Joint Chamber Choir; the combining of musicians from the two schools continues to produce music of quite exquisite quality. The itinerary was as busy as ever, with five concerts across the region with some in spectacular venues including performances in Florence, Lucca and San Gimignano. The soaring temperatures did not
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diminish the outstanding levels of musicianship on display from choir and orchestra alike and the large audiences at each concert were hugely appreciative. Particular highlights included stunning performances of Harris’s Faire is the Heaven and Charles Wood’s Hail Gladdening Light sung by the choir and rousing renditions of Rossini’s evergreen overture to The Barber of Seville by the orchestra. Particular mention should also be made of the soloists from both schools in Mozart’s Coronation Mass who sang with astonishing confidence and style.
