Music programme 2017/18 boasts over 50 concerts and events
The Royal Hospital School released its 2017/18 programme of concerts, which boasts more than 50 exciting events over the coming year. From the toe-tapping hits of Ella Fitzgerald, to rock and pop workshops, organ recitals and a joint concert with Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, there promises to be something for everyone.
The school’s unrivalled facilities, which include a cathedral-proportioned chapel, purpose-built state of the art recital auditorium and an impressive 800-seat assemble hall, will host a multitude of events, both big and small.
Visitors will be treated to an eclectic mix of music, including an organ recital by Peter Wright, the school’s own production of the perennial favourite Guys and Dolls, and a big band spectacular in February, which sees three first rate big bands collide, for one evening only, to present a concert celebrating 75 years of swing and big band jazz. The festive season also gets the RHS treatment with a Christmas Extravaganza featuring TV’s Frazer Hines, and features a programme based on the music of the school’s music patron, John Rutter.
Other calendar stalwarts include the ever-popular Gala Charity Concert, which involves all of the school’s musicians and helps to raise thousands of pounds for local causes, closely followed by the School Band and Big Band Concert, which mixes a traditional naval sunset ceremony with all the pomp and ceremony of the last night of the proms.
Looking further ahead, next June’s summer spectacular will be a celebration of all things Baroque, including the highly virtuosic Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and offerings from Handel.
There is a multitude of educational events too, such as the Sing Up! and Blast Off! days which involve hundreds of local primary school children, and a Come and Sing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang afternoon with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain’s flamboyant and inspirational director, Ben Parry. The school orchestra will perform a joint concert with the Community Light Orchestra in November, and the pupils will also get to work with the former bassist of One Direction, Sandy Beales, at a rock and pop workshop.
If you would like a copy of the new brochure, please contact the RHS Music Department by email at music@royalhospitalschool.org