PUBLISHED 15 October 2021
We were delighted to welcome back a live audience into our Senior Hall this week to watch our sensational Autumn Concert.
Year 12 students, Louis and Miranda hosted the evening, which opened with an energetic rendition of Siyahamba, a South African hymn with a catchy chorus in Zulu, sung by the Senior School choir. The programme continued with a mix of solo and group performances with a diverse mix of classical, jazz and modern pieces, including the hauntingly beautiful, Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush), sung by Miranda in Year 12 and Bruno Mars', Treasure performed by 8:fifteen. Soloists included violin, voice and piano and Louis (piano) was joined by Rosanna (bass) and Mr Hodder (drums) to play Corcovado.
It was also wonderful to see our chamber choir and string ensemble, along with our concert and swing bands back on stage again, with students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 performing together. In addition, we welcomed the Prep School choir who sang one of their favourites, We Are Young, before performing I'm Still Singing alongside the Senior School choir.
Mr Waterhouse concluded the evening by announcing that both our Prep School and Senior School have been shortlisted for Educate Awards which celebrate outstanding performing arts in the North West. They have been nominated for their virtual performances from the summer term - Learning to be Me (Prep School) and Encore Showcase (Senior School). Both shows are available to watch on demand on our dedicated performing arts playlist on YouTube.
The announcement set the scene for an emotional finale, From Now On, which incorporated the virtual performance alongside the Senior School choir singing live onstage in an audio-visual feast, leaving the apt refrain, ‘We will come back home’ resonating in our ears before they received a standing ovation.
Mr Waterhouse, Director of Performing Arts reflected on the evening, "I was thrilled to be able to welcome a live audience back into school for our first large-scale concert. I am always astounded by the incredible hard work our talented students put into their performances, and Tuesday's concert was a wonderful showcase of their abilities. With just five weeks of rehearsal time, AKS students once again put on an exceptional evening of entertainment, with soloists and ensembles performing at the very highest standard. The hall was alive with music and I am already looking forward to our next event."
Save the dates:
2nd December – Prep School Christmas Concert
8th December – Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band Concert – Christmas Spectacular
14th December – Carol Service
27th-29th January – Oliver!