Bank holiday Monday saw a performance of epic proportions given by the combined Taunton School Chorus and Community Choir, accompanied by a professional orchestra. Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man featured a stirring Kyrie soprano solo from Emily V, and a moving rendition of Now the guns have stopped from alto soloist Thomasin MF. They were ably supported by Freya S, Kaya M, Tom R and Dr Reading.

Imam Recep Cankal added a powerful message with his dignified Call to Prayer, which mesmerised a full audience in the chapel. The massed choir brought huge commitment to this wide-ranging large-scale piece, with the orchestra featuring many visiting music teachers, all brought together by conductor Rhiannon Harris. Eliza H’s beautifully composed trumpet rendition of the Last Post within the piece emphasised the reflective mood. Over £800 was raised for The British Red Cross, thanks to generous audience donations.

Year 13 pupil Dan F opened the concert with a rousing call at the start of his Strauss horn concerto movement, and Edward H followed with a highly assured and lyrical performance of the beautiful slow movement of Shostakovich’s piano concerto no. 2. The School orchestra also premiered a brand new Lyric Piece, composed especially for the occasion by Dr Reading. The School is very lucky to have a composer working in the Music department who is currently a London Philharmonic Orchestra Young Composer and the recent winner of the William Mathias Prize at the Bangor Music Festival. 

The concert was a great celebration of music at Taunton School, featuring pupils from every house and from Year 9 to 13 alongside staff, parents and friends, joining together with a united purpose.