Leavers’ Concert 2026: A memorable musical send-off
On the first day of May the school community gathered to celebrate the talents and achievements of our departing pupils at the much anticipated Leavers’ Concert.
The evening was filled with energy, emotion, and a wide variety of music, marking a fitting farewell.
The concert opened with Brass Ensemble, who set a bright and confident tone with ‘Prismatic Light’ by Alan Fernie. Their performance of ‘The Ashokan Farewell’ by Jay Ungar, arranged by Alan Fernie, brought a more reflective mood, performed with warmth and sensitivity.
Next, Percussion Ensemble took to the stage with a vibrant arrangement of ‘Riverdance’ by Bill Whelan. Their precise rhythms and driving energy captured the spirit of the piece, earning enthusiastic applause.
First Orchestra followed, delivering two dramatic works arranged by Gareth Glyn and Andrew J Smith. The bold and familiar ‘Toreador’s Song’ by Georges Bizet was performed with flair, while ‘Mambo’ by Leonard Bernstein brought infectious rhythm and excitement to the Dining Hall.
After an interval, during which refreshments were served in Edmond’s Café, Wind Orchestra began the second half with ‘Lord of the Lake’ by Thierry Deleruyelle. Across three movements – ‘Ring of Witches’, ‘The Monk and the Lord’, and ‘Torn Darkness’ – the ensemble created a powerful and atmospheric performance. This was followed by Paul Murtha’s lively arrangement of ‘Billy Joel in Concert’.
Chorus then took centre stage with highlights from ‘The Lion King’ by Tim Rice, arranged by Mark Brymer. The performance featured standout solos from Sophie Bates and Amelia Gauld, whose voices added depth and emotion.
To close the evening, the Leavers’ Ensemble delivered a truly special performance of a piece they had composed themselves. It was a fitting and personal finale, showcasing not only their musical ability but also their creativity and teamwork.
As the final notes faded, the audience responded with warm applause, celebrating an evening that honoured both musical achievement and the journey of the leavers. It was a heartfelt and memorable send off, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
A selection of videos from the concert can be found on the school’s YouTube channel.
