On Monday 23rd July, the OAKS Hall came alive with an unforgettable evening of music and performance at the annual AKS Cabaret. This highly anticipated event brought together a dazzling array of student talent from across year groups and musical styles, creating an atmosphere of celebration, creativity, and joy.
The evening opened with powerful performances from the Concert Band, featuring selections from How to Train Your Dragon by John Powell and Across the Stars from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones by John Williams. These cinematic pieces set an epic tone for the night ahead.
Audiences were then treated to a series of captivating solo performances. Isaac B delivered a virtuosic rendition of Etincelles by Moritz Moszkowski on piano, while Oliver S showcased his own composition, Stillness Between Waves, demonstrating both musical and compositional skill.
The Swing Band brought rhythm and flair with On Broadway by Weil and Mann, followed by the electrifying Birdland by Joe Zawinul. The school band 8:Fifteen raised the roof with a crowd-pleasing performance of Queen’s Somebody to Love.
The Prep School Chamber Choir charmed with heartfelt renditions of Sisi Ni Moja by Jacob Narverud and History by One Direction, while Edward S gave a moving flute performance of the Schindler’s List Main Theme by John Williams.
Hugo F’s piano solo of Somewhere Over the Rainbow offered a moment of quiet nostalgia, while Sammy C stunned with a commanding performance of Der Hölle Rache from Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
The Chamber Choir followed with theatrical renditions of Dear Old Shiz from Wicked and Vuelie from Frozen, further highlighting their versatility.
A standout moment of the first half was Shadowland from The Lion King, featuring a powerful vocal solo by Eve C that resonated deeply with the audience.
After the interval, the second half began with a dramatic duet from The Phantom of the Opera performed by Sammy C and Finlay L. The emotional tone continued with Harriet A’s tender version of Secret Love and Henry C’s soulful rendition of Pure Imagination.
Penny D delivered a spirited performance of I Have Confidence from The Sound of Music, followed by a touching duet of For Good from Wicked by Anya K and Carly W. Elena B captivated with How Far I’ll Go from Moana, and Henry C returned alongside Maisie Mc for a heartfelt performance of Only Us from Dear Evan Hansen.
Hugo F impressed again, this time on saxophone with Your Song, while Eve C and Kirtika S brought vocal power to Let Me Be Your Star from Smash.
The evening drew to a close with a rousing medley from Les Misérables, performed by the Senior School Choir. Standout contributions from Anya K, James P, Finlay L, Carly W, Penny D, Henry C, Sammy C, and Jess A left the audience uplifted and inspired.
This year’s Cabaret also included a notable moment, as it marked the final performance by Director of Performing Arts, Michael Hodgkinson, before he moves on to a new position. Headmaster David Harrow shared:
“Tonight’s concert has been a fitting and spectacular tribute to all that Michael has done. Michael’s contribution to AKS has been exemplary, and he has helped to build up the reputation of music at AKS to a very high level indeed: every concert, and every event which he has led or to which he has contributed, have been outstanding. I know that you will join me in thanking Michael for all that he has done for Performing Arts at AKS, and for the profound difference he has made to a generation of students. We wish him every success as he moves onto his new position.”
Sincere thanks go to all performers, staff and the entire AKS Performing Arts department for crafting a truly exceptional evening.
The AKS Cabaret continues to shine as a testament to the school’s vibrant creative spirit.