The Summer Concert at West Road Concert Hall proved to be a joyful celebration of musical excellence and pupil creativity, drawing together an eclectic mix of genres, eras and ensembles. The repertoire included a spirited Form 6 solo trumpet performance of Neruda’s Concerto for Trumpet and Strings, brought to life with compelling clarity and flair. Another of many wonderful highlights was one of our our Form 6's elegant interpretation of the Adagio un poco mosso from Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, the piano solo casting a moment of tranquil beauty across the hall.
Such a fabulous experience for our son to perform in a proper concert hall, to be part of a large group like that and to see in the older children where he could be in the future.
SJCS Big Band delivered a dynamic set, beginning with Sam Smith’s Writing’s on the Wall, featuring vocals from one of our Form 6s, and moving into a funk-infused rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Both pieces showcased the ensemble’s versatility and stage presence, energising the audience with bold musical storytelling.
I cannot believe there is any other School who could put on concerto performances by 13 year olds that would not be out of place at a specialist music school whilst also giving children the opportunity to perform in bands that would not be out of place at the Brit School and to play “real music” in a proper orchestra from the age of around 7.
The Byron House and Senior House Chamber Choirs lent a choral richness to the evening, concluding their set with The Pelican Chorus—a lyrical and imaginative depiction of royal pelicans on the Nile. Meanwhile, the Guitar and Percussion Ensemble made a confident debut with their punchy version of Wipe Out, adding surf-rock rhythm and vibrancy to the programme.
The opportunities you give to every child at St John’s, whether or not they want to take it, is unique. I know you think it is a team effort but it takes leadership and courage to deliver not just last night (which is gargantuan) but all of the concerts and opportunities throughout the year.
Rednotes Jazz Ensemble brought the first half to a rousing close, blending contemporary flair and groove with their performance of Dua Lipa’s Houdini, followed by a spirited medley of Ain’t Nobody and Street Life. As pupils and families moved into the interval, the energy of the concert lingered—a reflection of a community united by music, imagination and joy.
A huge thank you to the team for putting on such a wonderful concert full of happy talented children (and teachers and helpers). Love that former pupils want to help.
The second half of the concert offered a rich tapestry of contrast and grandeur. Stradivarius Strings delivered a poised and expressive performance of two movements from Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso in D minor, their interpretation moving gracefully between the contemplative Adagio and the dynamic brilliance of the Allegro.
The evening’s finale showcased the Symphony Orchestra in full force—nearly 100 pupils uniting in a striking display of scale and sound. Their rendition of the opening of Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, immortalised in 2001: A Space Odyssey, was bold and atmospheric, stirring a sense of cosmic anticipation. They concluded with the third movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, a sweeping and emotionally resonant performance that brought the concert to a triumphant close, echoing with pride and possibility.
The skill level, the joy, the sheer administrative size of the whole thing was as impressive as always and I found it once again very moving.
