The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook has just unveiled it’s concert programme, including a festive visit from Emmerdale and Doctor Who star Frazer Hines.
More than 50 events will take place across the chapel, state-of-the-art recital auditorium and 800-seat assemble hall over the coming year. There’s everything from the hits of Ella Fitzgerald and organ recitals to a joint concert with Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.
Other highlights include the school’s production of the musical Guys and Dolls and a big band spectacular which sees three first rate groups collide, for one evening only, to stage a concert celebrating 75 years of swing and big band jazz.
The festive season also gets the RHS treatment with a Christmas Extravaganza featuring actor Frazer who will narrate the concert with festive readings and anecdotes. It features a programme based on the music of the school’s music patron, John Rutter.
There are the usual calendar stalwarts, including the always popular Gala Charity Concert, which involves all of the school’s musicians and helps raise thousands of pounds for local causes.
It’s 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 ahead to next year, the summer spectacular celebrates all things Baroque, including the virtuosic Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Vivaldi’s Gloria and offerings from Handel.
There’s also a multitude of educational events like the Sing Up! and Blast Off! days which involve hundreds of primary school children and a Come and Sing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang afternoon with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain’s director Ben Parry. The school orchestra will also perform a joint concert with the Community Light Orchestra. Pupils will get to work with the former bassist of One Direction, Sandy Beales, at a rock and pop workshop too.
William Saunders, RHS’ director of music, said the challenge to surpass previous seasons is greater each year.
“You will see a greater selection of concerts, recitals, masterclasses and workshops than ever before,” he added.
“We’re extremely proud of our music making and the huge breadth and variety we offer our pupils, as well as engaging with communities.”
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