After an impressive "Songs from the Shows" concert earlier this term the Lent Orchestral Concert promised to be just as much of a success. The 100 participating musicians comprised the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, String Orchestra and Chamber Choir, in the sublime setting of Brentwood Cathedral for what was a splendid musical evening.

A varied and adventurous programme was performed, opening with the Concert Band's version of Henry Mancini's ‘Three Melodies.' The Chamber Choir sang a stunning ‘Ave Verum Corpus' by Elgar that was conducted by singing teacher Julia Wilson-James, and Upper Sixth Form pupils Florian Cooper and Charlotte Lewis performed concerti by Haydn, for Cello and Horn respectively. Theatre fans were delighted by the closing selection of melodies from the musical Cats, performed by the 75-piece Symphony Orchestra.

Director of Music, Mr Pickthall commented: "This, our seventh of eleven major concerts this school year, was unique in featuring two complete concerti, to celebrate Haydn's bicentenary. The large audience responded enthusiastically, and we all look forward to next term's Chamber, Choral, Spring and Prom Concerts. Musical highlights between now and July include the Handel Harp Concerto (soloist: Caroline Hall) and Grieg Piano Concerto (soloist: Nathan Steele)."