Music Talents on Display in the Year Nine Teatime Concert

On Tuesday 27 February, it was the Year Nine pupils’ turn to perform in their annual Teatime Concert. With spoken introductions by the pupils, the Concert began with Ridhima Canchi singing ‘Broadway Baby’ from the Sondheim musical ‘Follies’, before Barney Dunnett played, from memory, ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ on the piano with a jazzy easy. Further piano playing was offered by Jemima Noble, accompanying Audrey Hargreaves as she sang Bruno Mars’s ‘When I Was Your Man’, and Verity Bond Evans, who played a flashy showpiece by Nielsen after accompanying herself singing ‘Make You Feel My Love’.

Abigail Round sang ‘Writing on the Wall’ with passionate confidence and Archie Davey almost stole the show with his hilarious rendition of ‘The Oompa Loompa Song’ from the new Wonka film. Freddie Parry’s ‘Rakes of Mallow’ on the acoustic guitar was tranquil and gentle, contrasting Sal Fisher’s grand and brooding improvisation on the organ. Flute pieces were played by Ridhima Canchi, Amelie Baynham and Emily Pipe (who duetted with Erin Docherty on the oboe in ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’).

The programme was rounded off with two violin solos: Denis Goodwillie-Green played ‘Toreador’s Song’ from Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ and Arthur Hasling ended the concert with flashy ‘Czardas’ by Monti.

The Teatime Concert was a true celebration of such a wide variety of musical styles and abilities, with the usual supportive, encouraging and positive RGS atmosphere. At the end of the Concert, the Headmaster congratulated all of the performers and took the opportunity to thank all of the Music teachers for their encouragement and support of the pupils.