Scotch College

A feast for the ears ...
...Foundation Day Concert

The 1998 concert was a spectacular celebration of our 147th anniversary of the Foundation of Scotch College. A wonderful array of talent was displayed throughout the evening, that confirmed the College's outstanding musical reputation.

The evening commenced with Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.1 in F# Minor Op.1. The question and answer form allowed the virtuoso, John Strainge, to perform with a dextrous flare and the Symphony Orchestra - conducted by John Ferguson - to show us each section's ability to both solo and accompany.

Continuing the theme of Russian music, the final movement of Shostakovich's Symphony No.5 in D Minor Op.47 was performed magnificently. Much to their credit, the boys sustained the atmosphere of dramatic and rhythmic tension demanded by the twentieth century Russian composers.

This performance delightfully contrasted with the String Orchestra's performance of the Arensky Variations. Conducted by Angie Robertson, the orchestra performed with the right amount of colouring to highlight each variation.

Choral music became the next centre of attention, under the admirable conducting of Andrew Bainbridge. The Senior Choir and the Chamber Orchestra gave a lively rendition of Handel's coronation anthem 'Zadok the Priest'. Always a favourite with the audience, the Junior Choir produced angelic tones for an interesting repertoire. They maintained excellent control over their phrasing and diction.

The Symphonic Wind, under Andrew Mott's baton, was eager to show its brilliance. They started with 'Fantasy for Euphonium and Band' by Philip Sparke. Thomas Cade's euphonium performance was noted for its ability to highlight the nuances of the piece. The ensemble then launched into a medley of 'Star Wars' music, finishing the first half on a high note.

The Pipe and Military Bands heralded the second half. Resplendent in all their regalia, they played with precision and expert showmanship, especially in the combined performance of 'The Black Bear'. They gave a stirring performance, which set a high standard for the rest of the evening.

The combination of all boys from Years 10-12 sang their first piece for the evening: an African folk song 'Siyahamba' arranged by John Ferguson. The boys were able to display their mettle by singing in three parts, accompanied by a soaring improvisation on saxophone by David Valmorbida and Don Pople on the gjembe (an African drum).

This choral 'jazz' performance placed everybody in the right mood for the Show Band. Conducted by Roger Schmidli, the band swung. Matthew Gurry, our 'Frank Sinatra in residence', gave an entertaining version of Cab Calloway's 'Minnie the Moocher'. The Years 10-12 boys provided expert backing for Matthew's scat. The band concluded by playing 'Two O'Clock Jump' by Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Harry James. The rhythm section was tight, allowing the soloists to create interesting snippets of improvisation by Simon Stitz (trumpet), Edward Skinner (tenor saxophone), and Nicholas Buc (piano).

Juxtaposed against the brassy swagger of the Show Band, the Symphony Orchestra returned with the highlight of the classical repertoire for the evening: Weber's Clarinet Concerto No.1 (First Movement). An exchange student from Germany, Steffen Mussler created excellent tone and phrasing, accompanied by a confident and sympathetic orchestra. Steffen performed the concerto with great sensitivity, as if he had written the piece himself.

The ending of the evening, with the massed singing, brought us back to the tradition of Scotch College and a night at the Proms. A theatrical Gilbert and Sullivan medley ensued, featuring Ed Ellis' fine performance as Sir Joseph Porter. The usual feast of songs followed, conducted by John Ferguson and Daniel Bird (as John Ferguson). Congratulations are due to all the staff and boys involved, especially to Mr John Ferguson: a wonderful evening.

Mr Thomas Lane

Great Scot
December 1998

Cover: Dr Rob Moodie Photo: John Ingham

Edition Index

---

Current online

Scotch College: ABN 86 852 826 445 ACN 005 650 395 CRIOCS 00624A (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)

Updated: Tuesday 12 August 2008 © Scotch College 2008