Stunning strings concert

May 4, 2018

Musicians from Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools came together for a special strings concert at the Bridges Centre.

Children from Monmouth School for Boys, Monmouth School for Girls, and Monmouth School Boys’ Prep shone in the annual Haberdashers’ Strings Concert on Wednesday 2nd May.

It was the final performance of the year for Senior Strings who, under the baton of Mrs Ruth Friend, impressed with Overture and Dances from Alcina by Handel; Holst’s St Paul’s Suite; and Sandpaper Ballet (Anderson arr. W Zinn).

St Catherine’s Strings, a string orchestra for senior girls of all abilities, was conducted by Monmouth School for Girls’ Director of Music, Mrs Amy Clouter. They shone with Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart arr. Long); and Hungarian Dance No.5 (Brahms arr. Sobieska).

Under the direction of Mrs Sara Greenwood, the Bach Orchestra, the boys’ training orchestra for junior string players, opened the evening and showed maturity with Handel’s La RejouissanceTheme from Peter and the Wolf (Prokofiev arr. Foxley); and Hewitt’s Elephant Dance.

Monmouth School Boys’ Prep’s PIV String Group, coached by Mrs Greenwood and Mrs Rachel Underwood, highlighted their excellent progression. They played two pieces from Butterworth: Intrada and What shall we do with the drunken sailor.

It was a very enjoyable evening of music-making and showcased the talented musicians in the strings section across Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.