Taylorian 2020

121 topped the bill with a clear and controlled performance of Stanford’s ‘Magnificat in B flat’. Two weeks later, just before the final Joint Concert rehearsals, all further concerts were cancelled as we were sent home from school. Since then pupils have been continuing music lessons by remote tuition, choirs have been meeting online to sing, the band Cold Snare Funk has recorded its first cover, and sixth formers have formed the Quarantine Choir, producing beautiful a cappella performances to share with the school on YouTube. We very much hope that we will be able to return to more familiar ways of making and sharing music during the next academic year. The Music Department us by Mr Hobson. The Vocal Group, conducted by Duncan Saunderson, then changed the mood with two a cappella pieces, Sullivan’s poignant ‘The Long Day Closes’ and Byrd’s ‘Ave Verum’, both sung with precision and using dynamic contrast to great effect. After this, the Clarinet Quartet, coached by Damon Robb, managed perfectly to evoke the Jazz Age with Irving Berlin’s ‘Blue Skies’ in a lively performance which set toes tapping. Taylors’ Brass followed with a rousing version of Sousa’s famous march, ‘The Washington Post’ which filled the Hall with sound. The Piano Trio then played the third movement of Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor ‘Passacaille’. There was some superb ensemble playing in this ethereally beautiful piece. The Chamber Choir, conducted by Mrs Stubbs and accompanied on the organ by Mr Collins, Merchant Taylors’ Hall Concert This annual event is always a memorable occasion, combining a high standard of musicianship with the magnificent setting of the Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Some of MTS’ finest chamber groups performed to an appreciative audience alongside ensembles from Merchant Taylors’ Prep School and St John’s School. The Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Simon Couldridge, opened the evening with an elegant and stately rendition of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in which the performers did justice to this intricate and demanding piece with some really fine string playing. Mrs Stubbs joined the orchestra, playing the continuo part on a harpsichord kindly lent to