Write a commentThe music department of St Colman’s College held its annual Spring Concert on Thursday evening, March 25 in the school assembly hall. The aura was festive on Violet Hill as the entire College community continued to enjoy the spirit of jubilation following the MacRory Cup team’s victory on St Patrick’s Day.
The concert opened with Forrest Gump Suite performed by the school orchestra. The orchestra, led by Conor Masterson, also played the very melodic Music from Evita featuring tunes from the musical such as Buenos Aires, I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You, You Must Love Me, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.
A primary aim of the evening always is promote the younger instrumentalists in the school. For some players in junior string orchestra it was a debut public performance in I Wish I Had the Shepherd’s Lamb from Irish Suite conducted by Mr Mark Doran. Similarly in junior band, beginner saxophonists, flautists, trumpeters and percussionists joined forces with seasoned players in Royal Alpine Fanfare.
The very large, supportive audience was treated to Jimmy Ward's Jig and The Dublin Reel from the traditional group. They offered a warm reception to the string quartets, brass quintet, jazz and big band music as well as hearing music from the flute trio and saxophone ensemble.
Participating students and audience alike were inspired by performances from a number of very talented soloists. Chengrun Shi (guitar), a past-pupil of St Joseph’s High School and currently a sixth year music student at St Colman’s College performed Bourée in E minor. Stephen Murphy performed Andante et Scherzo for trumpet by Busser. Conor Masterson (violin) performed Czardas by Monti. Cahal Masterson, who recently was soloist in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 3 with SELB South Ulster Youth Orchestra enthralled everyone with his performance of Chopin’s Scherzo No 2.
In keeping with tradition, the final performances of the evening were a celebration of choral work in the school. The boys’ choir once again drew great audience applause for their vibrant rendition of Waltzing Matilda while the famous Cradle Song by Brahms afforded them the opportunity to show their expertise in controlled legato singing. Their exceptional young accompanist was James Murphy, a very talented pianist who was nominated Most Promising Pianist in Warrenpoint Feis 2010. The full choir of St Colman’s College, drew the evening to a close with two a cappella pieces, Molly Malone and Lullaby, both arranged by Phillip Lawson for the King’s Singers.
Speaking during the concert, Head of Music, Miss Sinéad Frame remarked that while we were undoubtedly living in a technological age, it was important to continue to support those involved in the Performing Arts – this was happening in St Colman’s College. Dr Francis Brown thanked the students for having provided such a rich and varied programme of music. St Colman’s College indeed continues to be a centre of excellence.
