On Saturday 17th November 2018, the Chamber Choir performed David Bednall’s Requiem in the Chapel of Merton College, Oxford, alongside 50 of its alumnae (2008-2017 leavers). The occasion marked the 10-year anniversary of the first performance of the piece (on 14th November 2008), and was a testament to the affection shared by all the girls for this music, and indeed for their time in the Chamber Choir.

The composer himself conducted the music, whilst the viola solos were played by Philip Dukes, and the organ by our own Chris Totney. The concert was attended by over 200 parents, siblings and supporters, and received tremendously positive feedback. Solos were performed by UVI Choral Scholar Emily, (Pie Jesu) and Celia (Hostias et preces tibi Domine). Mr Bednall commented: ‘what a wonderful night it was…the girls really did fantastically well’, while Mr Dukes remarked that ‘the choir sounded superb’. The event raised £2,500 for the Music Bursary Fund, which supports musical girls in the school who are in need of financial support to continue and enhance their studies.

Aside from the music, one of the other highlights of the day was the chance for girls to have supper in the Dining Hall at Merton, alongside some of its current students, giving them a (quite literal!) taste of university life. They also enjoyed the opportunity to briefly roam the streets of Oxford, and its impressive array of shops, between rehearsals.

The event has made memories to cherish: one recent leaver wrote afterwards to say ‘I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed singing with the choir again, especially that wonderful piece of music and in such a beautiful setting’, which sums up the evening perfectly.

Please click here to see a slideshow of pictures from the event.

Mrs Rebecca Cavill, Director of Music