Winter Sounds 2024
On 10th and 11th December, Wandsworth Music presented two ‘Winter Sounds’ concerts at Fairfield Halls. Across the two nights, over 1,100 children performed to sold out concert halls.
The concerts featured over 20 primary and secondary schools from Wandsworth, three Wandsworth Music Academy ensembles, and the brand new ensemble Wandsworth Beyond. There was a real mix of ensembles with a wide variety of musical genres on display and the talent which Wandsworth pupils have to offer was strongly showcased.
Concert 1 – 10 December
Wandsworth Concert Orchestra, conducted by Jim Alexander, started the first concert. Their programme included the “Suite from Hamilton” and “White Christmas”. The first piece they played was the Kabalevsky Suite. The different movements allowed the Orchestra to exhibit their ability to play in many different styles and with a variety of dynamics. The next piece was an absolute festive classic, ‘White Christmas’. The full sound of the Orchestra shone through this performance. Their third and final piece, a Suite from Hamilton was a favourite amongst the Orchestra and rhythmically challenging for all. The Orchestra mastered the rhythms brilliantly.
We were delighted to feature our new inclusive ensemble, “Wandsworth Beyond”, with their debut performance. The ensemble featured pupils from Oak Lodge, Garratt Park, Nightingale Academy, and St. John Bosco, directed by the fabulous Paul Griffiths. The piece performed was an original composition written by the pupils, called ‘Beyond’. The three movements were called ‘Beyond – the theme’, ‘New Pirates’ and ‘Sunny Song in 5’. The ensemble played brilliantly together and there were some amazing solos and audience interaction! We are looking forward to hearing Beyond perform again at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2025.
Graveney School Orchestra, directed by John Hargreaves, were next to take the stage. They performed ‘Danse Macabre’ by Saint-Saëns. Violin soloist, Erin Healey, played beautifully and the Orchestra supported very well. The second piece, conducted by Chris Pott, was Leroy Anderson’s classic, ‘Sleigh Ride’. This Christmas gem really got the audience into the festive spirit! Graveney Chamber Choir, also conducted by John Hargreaves, brought the first half to a close. They sung ‘A Ceremony Of Carols’ by Benjamin Britten. The sonorous sound of the choir really captivated the audience. This was a technically demanding piece with complicated harmonies which they sang with ease.
The second half featured the combined forces of 13 primary schools and more than 400 voices, accompanied by Wandsworth Music’s House Band. The first pieces were “Drunken Sailor” followed by “Walking On Sunshine”, which the choir sang with joyous energy. What a great way to start the second half!
The mood was changed with a lovely performance of “When You Believe”. This really threw a spotlight on the pure singing voices of the choir. Up next was “This is me” from the Greatest Showman, and boy were the primary choir putting on a show this evening! The penultimate piece “When I Grow Up”, was a clear favourite for the choir. Led by their superbly musical and energetic WM vocal leaders, they brought the show to an end in style with a Christmas medley called ‘Memories of Christmas’. The medley included such Christmas masterpieces as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Somewhere In My Memory”. The audience quite rightly gave the primary choirs a standing ovation! They were absolutely incredible.
Concert 2 – 11 December 2024
The second concert started with the Wandsworth Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO), conducted by Dan White, playing Sibelius’ Karelia Suite. Every section of the Orchestra was featured from deep, warm string sounds to dexterous woodwind, and triumphant brass and percussion. A special mention to Rosie Bracken for her breathtaking Cor Anglais solo. WPO then played “Trepak” from the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. The Orchestra really captured the style of the piece, and all the intricate details of the music shone through.
The second group to perform were the St Cecilia’s Concert Band, directed by James Robinson. They played a Lion King Medley. The 11 strong trumpet section started off the piece standing up, it was quite the opening statement! The ensemble made an impressive sound and there were some lovely flute and trumpet solos.
St Cecilia’s Jazz Band performed next. They were playing “Splanky” by Neil Hefti. They were directed by ex St Cecilia’s and WMA pupil, turned tutor, Ethan Sweeting. Ethan is now studying Jazz drums at Trinity Laban, and has been working with the band in conjunction with Trinity Laban. The band were really on top of their game, with great jazz phrasing on show. There were some inspired improvised solos from members of the band.
The last group to perform in the second half were the Wandsworth Performance Troupe, directed by James Hall and Antonio Oliveira. They performed Selections from Elf the musical. The mixture of singing, dancing and acting was spellbinding and the children looked like they were having so much fun. A special mention to the WMA tutors who worked so hard to rehearse the group. Craig Williams, who danced in the West End production of The Lion King, has been their dance coach since the Summer and boy does it show!
The second half featured the combined forces of 7 new primary schools, accompanied by the Wandsworth Philharmonic Orchestra. WPO also played “Sleigh Ride” to sprinkle a bit of Christmas magic on proceedings! The massed primary choir performed with high energy and brought so much joy to their friends and families who were watching on.
Both of these incredible concerts merit a huge congratulations to all the children involved.
Thus concludes another successful year of music making with Wandsworth Music, one where as always, Making Music Matters!
2025 promises to be an exciting year for Wandsworth Music. Not only are Wandsworth the London Borough of Culture for 2025, but Wandsworth Music will make their second appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2025. See you there!
