Bedales musicians perform in Chelsea

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 6, 2012 - Musicians from Bedales School performed what has become an annual lunch-time London concert of instrumental and vocal music at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea on 1 February.

100 pupils and staff from six visiting junior schools in London and the South East joined Bedales parents, former students and other friends of the school to be entertained in the impressive setting of St Luke’s by many of the school’s finest classical musicians under the direction of Nicholas Gleed and William Lithgow.

Headmaster Keith Budge said:

“Congratulations to our students and the Bedales music department for putting on such a showcase of talent. I was delighted to welcome so many friends of Bedales to hear our students perform an eclectic mix of music in such an acoustically rich environment as St Luke’s. My thanks go to the Rector and church staff, and all those who braved the elements to create this memorable experience for our students.”

The Bedales Chamber orchestra started the concert playing Handel’s Concerto Grosso op. 6 No. 4. Block 5 (year 11) music scholar soprano Olivia Brett sang ‘Sheep may safely Graze’ accompanied on recorders, organ and cello. A consort of recorders played a Fantasia by Gibbons followed by another brilliant Block 5 music scholar Callum Anderson playing Bach’s G-major Fugue. After the spectacular sound of the St Luke’s organ, the mood was made intensely intimate when sixth form guitarist Nick Crane performed Segovia’s ‘Asturias’. The popular Bedales Barbershop Boys sang ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ under the direction of student assistant and former pupil James Thomas. The concert concluded with the beautiful choral music performed with professional precision by the Chamber Choir: Agnus dei from Missa Brevis (Kodaly); Geistliches Lied (Brahms); and Psalm 42 (Mendelssohn).

Bedales will again be performing at St Luke’s, Chelsea for the school’s Spring Concert on Saturday 24 March at 6.30pm. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Bedales Box Office (tel: 01730 711511; email: tickets@bedales.org.uk) or visit www.bedales.org.uk.

# # #

Bedales School is one of the UK's top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students' views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11791259/1