On Monday 22nd June, AKS held its Summer Music Concert to a packed OAKS Hall, welcoming parents, staff, families and supporters of the school for an evening that celebrated the remarkable musical talent flourishing across both the Prep School and Senior School.
The concert opened in uplifting fashion as the Concert Band performed Pixar Movie Favourites, bringing together a collection of much-loved themes that immediately set the tone for an evening of outstanding music-making.
A varied programme followed, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available to young musicians at AKS. Maisie M, accompanied by Jacob B and Maxwell K, delivered a confident and engaging performance of Taylor Swift's Lover, while the Flute Ensemble brought elegance and warmth to The Rose.
The String Ensemble then transported the audience across the Caribbean with spirited performances of the traditional folk songs The Wreck of the Sloop John B and Mango Walk.
Musical theatre featured prominently throughout the evening. Darcey B, Rowan H, Esme N and Gabriella R brought energy and personality to The Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton, before the school band, Coast, featuring Lauren A, Katie D, Freddie J, Isla J, Freddie JL and Henry W, delivered a powerful rendition of Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere.
One of the standout moments of the first half came from the Chamber Choir's performance of Ave Verum Corpus, an original composition written by GCSE Music student Maxwell K as part of his coursework. Featuring a moving solo from Eve C, the performance was a wonderful example of the creativity and musical ambition being nurtured within the department.
The Chamber Choir later returned to perform the evocative Shadowland from The Lion King, again featuring a stunning solo from Eve C. Penny D and Kirtika S then combined for a beautifully performed duet of What About Love, showcasing both vocal maturity and emotional depth.
The first half concluded with a show-stopping performance from the Prep School Chamber Choir. Led by Head ofPrep Music, Dan Thomas, the choir brought tremendous energy, confidence and enthusiasm to a Hairspray Medley, earning warm applause from the audience.
The second half opened with the Swing Band, featuring Penny D on vocals, performing the timeless classic Rock Around the Clock before following it with the jazz favourite Get Happy.
A Reed Ensemble featuring Jacob B and Maxwell K impressed with the instantly recognisable Cantina Band from Star Wars, while Eva C gave a heartfelt and emotional performance of When It All Falls Down.
Jacob B followed with a thoughtful interpretation of Radiohead's NoSurprises, before Kirtika S delighted the audience with Almost There from Disney'sThe Princess and the Frog. Jen R then delivered a moving performance of Letter to My 13 Year Old Self, demonstrating both vocal sensitivity and maturity.
Later in the programme, Eve C, Jen R and Kirtika S combined beautifully for Ad Astra, creating one of the evening's most poignant moments. Eve C and Kirtika S returned to the stage to perform a touching duet of For Good from Wicked, bringing warmth and sincerity to the much-loved musical theatre classic.
The concert concluded with the Senior School Choir, accompanied by Oliver S, performing an uplifting Mary Poppins Medley. The joyful finale provided a fitting end to an evening that celebrated not only musical excellence, but also the confidence, creativity and commitment of AKS students.
Speaking after the concert, Headmaster David Harrow praised the performers and staff involved:
"In the years that I have been at AKS, this has been one of the finest Summer Music Concerts we have hosted. What stood out was the depth and breadth of talent on display across both the Prep School and Senior School. It was particularly encouraging to see so many new performers taking to the stage and performing with such confidence and skill. The evening was a wonderful reflection of the strength of music throughout the school."
Sincere thanks go to all of the performers who contributed to such a memorable evening, as well as to Chris Hodder, Dan Thomas, Adam Brown, David Hewitt and the school's dedicated team of visiting peripatetic music teachers for the expertise, encouragement and support they provide throughout the year. Their commitment continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of AKS musicians.
The Summer Music Concert once again demonstrated the vibrant musical culture at AKS and the wealth of opportunities available to students to develop their talents, express their creativity and perform with confidence.