Our annual celebration of the Patroness of Musicians
The Feast Day of St Cecilia falls on 22nd November and is celebrated every year here at St Augustine’s Priory. Form III Alpha began last week with their assembly dedicated to St Cecilia, which comprised of many wonderful musical performances including a violin duet, a singing solo and a hymn for which the rest of the Senior school joined in the chorus.
Our St Cecilia concert, which took place last Thursday 23rd November, is the largest school concert of the year, with performances from the Junior and Senior Choirs, Orchestras and Strings, the Wind Ensemble and the Flute Ensemble – some of which include members of staff. This year we welcomed professional musicians to accompany the orchestra and the Chamber Choir made their debut! Guests enjoyed numbers that ranged from a song from Tim Minchin’s musical Matilda to J. Brahm’s Symphony No. 4.
Dr Higgins, Director of Music, explains here why these school performances are so important for the girls, “The school concerts are one of the only times in the year that everyone who is involved in music clubs or lessons comes together to perform. It is a great way to develop the girls’ performing skills, particularly in front of such a large crowd – about 200 people attended our St Cecilia Concert! As well as improving the girls’ abilities, they benefit from the concerts because they’re fun and a great way to relax. Everyone gave a fantastic performance at the concert, particularly as we’ve only been working on it for about ten weeks.”
Dr Higgins would like to give special thanks to the self-named ‘Scholar Squad’ for their amazing organisation and smooth running of the concert, in particular our Music Scholars Yara and Mari who took charge, and whose help he says is “integral to the running of musical events”.
