Channing at St Joseph’s – 16 March 2023

Channing concerts at St Joseph’s are always a special occasion, with last week’s performance being no exception. A solemn trumpet call signalled the beginning of the programme as the Symphony Orchestra directed by Mr Peter Boxall played Wagner’s Overture to ‘Rienzi’ with sensitivity and conviction. The Senior Strings then continued with a dramatic performance of Beethoven’s First movement from ‘Pathetique’ Sonata No. 8 Op.13, directed by Miss Alice Purton. The instrumental introduction to the concert was followed by a stunning vocal feature consisting of the Conabor Choir, Cantemus Chorus, Chamber Choir, and the Channing Community Choir who performed seven selected movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria in D RV 589. The choirs were accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra and featured flawless vocal solos by Charlie P, Georgia M, Sophia S, Eloise N, Maya K and Natalia B on the violin. 

Two selections from Copland’s ballet Rodeo introduced the modern segment of the evening with the Symphony Orchestra performing a spirited version of Corral Nocturne and Hoe Down. The latter featured additional percussion by Lulu C and Mr Chris Thorpe. Miss Jenny Bacon then directed the Channing Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra in a delightful rendition of J Rutter’s I will sing with the Spirit (arranged by Miss Leisha Zanardo), followed by Dance La La, conducted and arranged by Miss Leisha Zanardo. The evening culminated in a fitting performance of Handel’s coronation anthem Zadok the Priest by the Channing Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mr Peter Boxall. Congratulations to all of the students and staff involved in delivering a truly spectacular exhibition of the musical talent at Channing. Mr Maliphant-Gray has created a video of the performance that you can watch here: