On Saturday 23rd March, ESMS presented a concert of choral and orchestral music in the Usher Hall, with over 400 ESMS pupils took part in the event with ages ranging from P7 to S6. The Pipe Band began the evening and, in the middle of competition season, they were on top form presenting a selection of their repertoire which included Highland Cathedral and Scotland the Brave. The ESMS Orchestra gave a rousing account of Elgar’s Imperial March which the strings then followed with movements from Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite.
A combined choir of boys and girls from P7, S1 and S2 performed a suite of folksongs from all four nations of the UK, singing with real energy and commitment. The first half of the programme was rounded off in great style by the ESMS Concert Band with a programme including River of the Ancients, evoking the atmosphere of ancient Egypt and the river Nile.
The second half of the programme was a performance of Mozart’s Requiem, one of the great masterpieces of the choral repertoire. MES and SMC Upper School Choirs were joined by the Community Choir, Community Orchestra and soloists and their combined forces treated the audience to a thrilling performance, with a suitably apocalyptic Dies Irae contrasted with a tender and introverted Lacrymosa.
It was a huge privilege for all involved to be able to make great music in such a great venue.
Sandy Chenery
Director of Music at ESMS
