Abingdon School

This term has been full of some wonderful music making and I must start by thanking all those involved, teachers, parents and boys for their hard work. Highlights included the New Year Concert, Strings Masterclass, Singers’ Platform, Choral Concert for Moldova, two Chamber Concerts (and National Festival) and Organists’ Recital and a Scholars’ Concert! Special congratulations must go to the two chamber ensembles that won through to the National Finals Concert in Birmingham on Sunday 14 March. It was wonderful to be able to make a donation to the Haiti Disaster Relief fund of £1370 as a result of the retiring collection from the New Year Concert.

Out latest exciting news is that we have received a positive reaction from a school in Washington DC for an exchange USA programme of orchestra and big band which will start with a USA tour there in April 2011 if all comes to fruition. Meanwhile we have planned a full range of events next term, which we hope you will be able to support. After our big end of term concert at Oxford’s Sheldonian (with Adrian Lo playing Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, an event not to be missed), we finish the term with a Big Band recording, which we hope will be available in time for Christmas. Please refer to the Music Calendar for further details of music next term.

1. Thames Vale Youth Orchestra Wed 5 May, 7.30 pm, Sheldonian Theatre (tickets at door)
   Brahms Symphony No 3, Arutunian Trumpet Concerto (soloist Jack Tinker), John Williams Star Wars.
2. Annual School Bands Concert Friday 7 May, 7.30 pm, Amey Theatre
   First and Second Wind Bands, Brass, Big Band
3. Summer Orchestral Concert Wednesday 12 May, 7.30 pm, Amey Theatre
   Elgar Cello Concerto, Suk Serenade, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Rossini William Tell Overture.
4. Junior Scholars’ Concert Monday 7 June, 7.30 pm, Amey Theatre
   An opportunity to hear our talented younger musicians (years 1-4) in solo performance.
5. Big Colours and Abingdon Big Band Friday 18 June, 7.30 pm, Amey Theatre
   A unique concert, which features the professional local Big Band and players from both the Manor and Abingdon Preparatory Schools.
6. Sheldonian Theatre Concert Friday 25 June, 7.30 pm, Oxford
   This will provide a platform for our top ensembles and an opportunity for us to serenade our headmaster, Mark Turner, at his last big concert – a fitting farewell. Adrian Lo will be joined by other soloists, Joe Mason, Jack Tinker, George Rossiter, Anthony Lloyd, Caspian Mitchard, together with Big Band, First Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra et al.
7. Lower School Gala Concert Monday 5 July, 7.30 pm, Amey Theatre
   First Year Choir, Drum Circle, Lower School Orchestra, Junior String and much more.