Lower Fifth Recital

On Wednesday 24 February the Lower Fifth demonstrated their musical talents in a small recital in the chapel. They demonstrated that they are an extremely talented group of performers and that there is huge potential coming through the ranks. It was a chance for many newcomers without much, or any, experience to perform.

The evening began with Tom Widdicombe playing a moving rendition of Bach’s cello concerto transposed for the viola. Demonstrating that he is multi talented, Tom went on to sing Lloyd Webber’s ‘Music of the Night’ from Phantom of the Opera.

The very talented Alice Auer never seemed to be off stage. She began by singing a beautiful version of Eva Cassidy’s ‘Songbird’. She then provided backing vocals for newcomer Gabby Wilson who showed that she is one to watch with her performance of ‘Heaven’.

Alice also collaborated with Steven Johnson for a heartfelt rendition of Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven’. Steven is a very talented musician and one to look out for in the future. In the concert he also sung and accompanied himself on the piano in a version of The Fray’s ‘Look After You’.

Sophie Rudge then demonstrated why she came out with top marks in her grade 8 cornet by playing a technically challenging study by Arben. She is an all round talented musician and played with style and maturity.

Next it was the turn of two newcomers to performing. Hannah Message and Georgia Jones sung a beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. Georgia then sung Lloyd Webber’s ‘Wishing you were somehow here again’ from Phantom of the Opera.

Vikki Cuxon is one to look out for as she dazzled with her strong performance of ‘Girl with One Eye’ by Florence and the Machine. She is certainly a talent for the future. Seasoned performer Olivia Hancock demonstrated her vocal strength with another Florence and the Machine song singing ‘You got the Love’.

Zak Kahn played a sensitive and moving rendition of Massenet’s ‘Meditation’. Zak is an all round musician and is one of the most dedicated musicians in the department.

Then it was on to Olivia Martin and Georgia Ellis for a flute duet. They played ‘Romance from the Pearl Fishers’ by Bizet. This was a first performance for Olivia but there were no nerves in sight.

Finally, the evening ended with the Lower Fifth band. James Beach, James Sutton, James Emmings and Dan Gotlieb gave us two superb performances of Black Eyed Peas ‘I gotta feeling’ and ‘Damned if I do ya (Damned if I don’t)’ by All Time Low. This was a wonderful finale to a successful evening.