2025 – 2026 Highlights: Music

Music has once again been at the heart of life at Channing this year, bringing students together through a vibrant programme of concerts, tours, masterclasses and performances. Whether on stage, in rehearsal or performing abroad, students have continued to challenge themselves, support one another and share in the joy of making music, creating memorable experiences for performers and audiences alike.

Dr Cameron Roberts Masterclass

On Thursday 25 September, we were delighted to welcome Dr Cameron Roberts to Channing for a fascinating talk and masterclass on optimising musical practice. With the help of Kezia C (saxophone), Amber J (piano), Elizabeth S (violin) and Anna R-B (trumpet), who performed during the masterclass, Dr Roberts shared valuable insights into practising intelligently, reducing the risk of muscular injury and fatigue, and maximising musical progress.

Drawing on his own experience of studying both Music and Medicine, together with years of research culminating in his 2025 book Optimizing Pianism, Dr Roberts explored how musicians can make practice more effective by combining mechanical efficiency with strong mental strategies and imaginative musical thinking. He introduced his theory of the “3Ms” — Music (metaphor), Mechanics (movement) and Mental (memory) — explaining how successful performance depends on strengthening each of these elements and, crucially, the connections between them.

One particularly thought-provoking concept was his idea of Belief–Reality Malalignment: the reminder that musical progress depends not on what we believe about our abilities, but on developing effective habits, sound technique and purposeful practice. Throughout the masterclass, Dr Roberts used the performances of Amber, Kezia, Elizabeth and Anna-Rose to demonstrate concepts such as chunking, remaining faithful to the score, creating vivid musical imagery and identifying interpretative clues within the music itself.

It was an inspiring afternoon that challenged students to think differently about practising and provided valuable strategies they can continue to apply throughout their musical journeys.

Year 11 GCSE Concert

Thursday 9 October 2025 | Arundel Centre

Our Year 11 GCSE Music students opened the concert season in impressive style with an evening of assured and highly accomplished performances as they presented the solo works that form part of their GCSE performance portfolios.

The programme showcased an impressive range of musical styles and instruments, from Georgina V’s poised recorder performance of Handel’s Sonata in A minor to Becky R-A’s beautifully expressive double bass, Chileshe G’s heartfelt vocal performance of Homeward Bound and Renata R-A’s spirited interpretation of Mozart’s ever-popular Rondo Alla Turca. Highlights also included thoughtful piano performances by Ella B, Nia H and Imogen B, expressive string playing from Ane J and Darcy D, and memorable vocal performances by Chileshe G and Suzie D, whose captivating rendition of Cry Me a River brought the evening to an elegant close.

Throughout the concert, every performer demonstrated not only technical accomplishment but also genuine musical maturity, making this an excellent beginning to the year’s concert programme.

Our thanks go to Mr Boxall for accompanying the performers and to all our Year 11 students and their teachers for the dedication and preparation that made the evening such a success.

Croatia Music Tour

The destination for the 2025 Channing Music Tour was never really in doubt. Having enjoyed previous visits, the Music Department returned to Croatia, where familiar surroundings, excellent facilities and the stunning Adriatic coastline once again provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable week of music-making.

When they were not rehearsing Schubert’s Mass No. 2, orchestral arrangements from Gladiator or a selection of choral works, students immersed themselves in Croatian culture, exploring the beautiful city of Split, visiting the spectacular Klis Fortress and Krka National Park, and making the most of time together by the beach, around the hotel and, naturally, singing whenever the opportunity arose.

With performances of Hadestown approaching soon after half-term, rehearsals continued almost everywhere — even on coach journeys, where enthusiastic renditions of songs from the show regularly filled the bus. Alongside musical theatre, students found themselves singing everything from liturgical music to pop and country songs, reflecting the wonderfully varied musical life of the department.

The tour culminated in a performance at the magnificent Cathedral of St Domnius, where students performed to an appreciative audience of both local residents and visitors, with several Channing families making the journey to support them. The cathedral’s magnificent acoustics brought Schubert’s Mass vividly to life, providing a fitting finale to an exceptional week.

Above all, however, the tour was about shared experiences. For many Year 13 students it marked their final overseas music trip with Channing, creating memories that will stay with them long after they leave school. For future participants, it undoubtedly offers something very special to look forward to.

Autumn Concert

Thursday 13 November 2025 | St Joseph’s Church

The magnificent setting and superb acoustics of St Joseph’s Church once again provided the perfect backdrop for one of the highlights of the Autumn Term music calendar, as Channing’s orchestras, choirs and ensembles came together for an evening of outstanding music-making.

The concert opened with the Concert Orchestra’s energetic performances of Mission: Impossible and John Williams’ Film Music Trilogy, immediately setting an exciting tone. Throughout the evening, audiences were treated to an impressive variety of performances, from the expressive singing of Conabor Choir and Cantemus Chorus to the vibrant sounds of the Brass Ensemble, Cremona Strings and Senior Strings, whose performance of Vivaldi’s Winter, featuring Elizabeth S as solo violinist, was particularly memorable.

Another highlight came from Kezia C, whose beautifully expressive soprano saxophone performance of Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe, accompanied by Senior Strings, captivated the audience. The musicians who had recently returned from Croatia also shared highlights from their tour repertoire, including May It Be, the traditional Croatian song Oj Jelena and a vibrant Elton John medley arranged by Ms Zanardo.

The evening concluded with a thrilling performance of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, delivered with remarkable energy and confidence by the Symphony Orchestra and bringing a fitting close to an outstanding celebration of music.

Events of this scale rely on the dedication of many people behind the scenes. Our sincere thanks go to the backstage crew, team of helpers, visiting music staff and, above all, our students, whose commitment, enthusiasm and countless rehearsal hours made the evening such a memorable success.

Carol Concert | December 2025 | St Michael’s Church

The Chamber Choir’s candlelit procession, singing In Dulci Jubilo, provided a magical opening to this year’s Carol Concert at St Michael’s Church. Against the beautiful backdrop of the church, the entire Senior School gathered to celebrate the season through music, reflection and traditional carols.

From We Three Kings to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, the congregation sang with enthusiasm, while Annabel D (Year 7) delivered a beautifully poised solo performance of Once in Royal David’s City. Thought-provoking readings on the theme of love, carefully selected by Mrs Wilkinson, complemented the musical programme, while the Chamber Choir and Cantemus Chorus, directed by Miss Bacon, performed with their customary warmth and refinement. The youthful energy of the Conabor Choir and reflective bidding prayers led by Rev Kate Dean completed a memorable afternoon of music and celebration.

Together, these elements created a concert that perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas and brought the Channing community together in a truly special way.

Year 10 Concert | Tuesday 13 January 2026 | Arundel Centre

Sixteen talented musicians from the two Year 10 GCSE Music classes took to the stage for an evening that demonstrated both the breadth of musical talent within the year group and the remarkable progress students have already made in their GCSE studies.

Although seasonal illness unfortunately prevented a small number of performers from taking part, those who appeared delivered a wonderfully varied programme. The audience enjoyed everything from Telemann and Brahms to Bernstein, Nadia Boulanger, Cole Porter, Adele and music from Corpse Bride.

Particular highlights included Yasmin L’s confident and entirely memorised performance of Brahms’ Scherzo for violin, Hero K’s sparkling interpretation of Granados’ Andaluza following her recent Grade VIII Merit, Elene K’s beautifully poised flute performance of Nadia Boulanger’s Nocturne, and Sofia N D’s expressive concluding rendition of Londonderry Air on the cello.

The evening reflected the confidence, versatility and musicianship developing across the year group, providing an excellent platform for the performances that will form part of students’ GCSE portfolios.

Congratulations to every performer for contributing to such an enjoyable and inspiring concert.

Music Theatre Evening | Thursday 29 January 2026 | Arundel Centre

One of the highlights of the Spring Term calendar returned in spectacular fashion as students transformed the Arundel Centre into the world of musical theatre. As always, performers embraced not only the vocal challenges of their chosen numbers but also the dramatic storytelling that makes musical theatre such a compelling art form, arriving in costume, armed with imaginative props and fully immersed in their characters.

The programme celebrated an impressive range of musicals, from Wicked, Les Misérables and Hamilton to Waitress, Miss Saigon, Dogfight and Spring Awakening. Every performance brought its own personality to the stage, whether through heartfelt storytelling, comic timing or powerful vocal interpretation.

Among many memorable moments, Lily M’s imaginative performance of What Baking Can Do, complete with baking props and flying flour, delighted the audience, while Ellie M’s wonderfully comic interpretation of I Love Play Rehearsals provided one of the evening’s funniest moments. Maya C’s emotionally charged performance of Burn from Hamilton and Maika P-Y’s deeply moving rendition of I Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon demonstrated the emotional maturity of the performers.

The concert concluded with a beautifully balanced a cappella performance of Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise) by our Year 12 vocal quintet, bringing an evening of outstanding musical theatre to an elegant close.

Channing Chamber Music Evening | Thursday 12 March 2026 | Arundel Centre

The annual Chamber Music Evening once again celebrated one of the most rewarding aspects of music-making: the opportunity for musicians to perform in small ensembles, listening closely to one another and creating genuine musical conversations.

The programme ranged from Monteverdi and Haydn to Sibelius, Schubert, Joplin and Prokofiev, illustrating both the remarkable versatility of our students and the wide range of chamber ensembles flourishing within the department. Brass groups, string ensembles, flute groups, mixed chamber ensembles and the Chamber Choir all contributed to an evening of thoughtful and highly accomplished performances.

Particular highlights included the poised playing of the Year 10 String Trio, the vibrant energy of the Intermediate Flute Ensemble, the expressive performances by Cremona Strings and the Chamber Choir’s beautifully blended interpretations of The Water of Tyne and Give Us Grace. The concert concluded with impressive performances by the Mixed Septet and Mixed Sextet, bringing the evening to a satisfying close.

It is always heartening to see so many students choosing to participate in chamber music. Unlike performing in a large orchestra or choir, chamber music demands close listening, trust and collaboration between every performer — qualities that were evident throughout the evening.

Our sincere thanks go to our visiting music staff — Mr and Mrs Dodds, Miss Thomas, Ms Newton, Mrs Jolly and Miss Bacon — for preparing the ensembles, and to every student whose commitment to rehearsals made the evening such a success.

A Level Music Recital |Saturday 14 March 2026 | St Michael’s Church, Highgate

Our A Level musicians were delighted to perform once again as part of St Michael’s Church’s Saturdays at Six recital series, presenting an evening that showcased both the remarkable breadth of their musicianship and the high standard of performance they have achieved during their Sixth Form studies.

The programme reflected the versatility of the performers, with students presenting vocal and instrumental repertoire spanning several centuries. Audiences enjoyed works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Gershwin, alongside outstanding vocal performances from the operatic repertoire and musical theatre.

A particular feature of the evening was the number of students performing on more than one instrument, or combining instrumental and vocal performances. Eve C, Maika P-Y, Hana D and Elizabeth S all demonstrated impressive versatility, while every performer brought maturity, confidence and musical insight to their chosen repertoire.

We are immensely proud of all our A Level musicians for the commitment and artistry they demonstrated throughout the recital. Our sincere thanks go to their instrumental and vocal teachers for preparing them so thoroughly, and to Mr Paul Dean for once again making it possible for our students to perform in the beautiful surroundings of St Michael’s Church.

 

Channing at St Joseph’s | Thursday 19 March 2026 | St Joseph’s Church

Our Spring Concert once again transformed St Joseph’s Church into a magnificent concert venue as orchestras, choirs and soloists came together for one of the musical highlights of the year.

The Symphony Orchestra opened the evening with a stirring performance of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, before Conabor Choir and Cantemus Chorus joined forces with the Chamber Orchestra and an impressive team of vocal soloists to perform Schubert’s Mass in G. The scale of the work presented considerable musical challenges, all of which our students met with confidence, commitment and impressive musical maturity.

The concert continued with beautifully crafted performances from Senior Strings, Elizabeth S’s captivating interpretation of Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and Maika P’s moving performance of O Mio Babbino Caro.

A particularly memorable moment came with the world première of Light Shines and Light Dances, composed especially for Kezia C and Symphony Orchestra by former Channing teacher Ms Zanardo. The collaboration between soloist and orchestra resulted in a compelling and assured first performance of this new work.

The combined choirs returned later in the programme with spirited performances of Yesterday and Leaving on a Jet Plane, before the evening concluded in spectacular fashion with Saint-Saëns’ mighty Organ Symphony, featuring Mr Dean as organ soloist.

Concerts of this scale are only possible through the dedication of many people behind the scenes. We extend our sincere thanks to our visiting music staff, backstage team, helpers and, above all, every student whose commitment and enthusiasm made this memorable evening possible.

Jazz Night | Wednesday 25 March 2026 | Arundel Centre

The Spring Term concluded in style with the seventeenth Channing Jazz Evening, transforming the Arundel Centre into an atmospheric jazz club for an evening of outstanding live performance.

Led by saxophonist Theo Travis and his exceptional professional quartet, featuring Alan Brown (drums), Alex Keen (bass) and Andrea Vicari (piano), the evening celebrated the rich tradition of jazz through a wonderfully varied programme of ensemble and solo performances.

Alongside the professional musicians, Channing’s own vocalists demonstrated remarkable confidence and style, performing classics including Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Lullaby of Birdland, Just One of Those Things, Moon River, I Wish You Love, Besame Mucho, The Lady Is a Tramp and Spooky. Every performer brought their own personality to the stage, creating an evening full of warmth, character and musical flair.

The Jazz Band brought proceedings to a fitting conclusion with an exhilarating set that ranged from the swinging St Kilda Shuffle and Going for Broke to the beautifully lyrical A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and the ever-popular Miller Magic Medley. A rousing encore of Pick Up the Pieces sent the audience home buzzing after another unforgettable celebration of jazz at Channing.

Sixth Form Concert | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Arundel Centre

The Sixth Form Concert brought together another remarkable year of music-making while providing a heartfelt farewell to our Year 13 musicians before they embark on their A Level examinations and the next stage of their musical journeys.

The evening celebrated the extraordinary range of musical talent within the Sixth Form, combining vocal solos, instrumental performances, chamber music and musical theatre. From the opening a cappella performance of Mama Who Bore Me to moving duets from Waitress and Wicked, alongside music by Debussy, Mozart, Brahms, Liszt and Elgar, the programme reflected both the diversity of students’ musical interests and the exceptional standard they have achieved.

Among the many memorable performances were Maika P-Y’s dazzling interpretation of Liszt’s La Campanella, Kezia C’s breathtaking performance of Iturralde’s Pequeña Czarda, and the emotionally charged duet For Good from Wicked, which perfectly captured the significance of the occasion. By this stage of the evening there were more than a few tears in the audience, as students, staff and families reflected on the remarkable musical journeys that many Year 13 students have shared together over the years.

We congratulate every performer who contributed to such a special evening. To our departing Year 13 musicians, thank you for the talent, commitment and enthusiasm you have brought to the musical life of Channing. Your contribution has been immense, and you will be greatly missed.

Our thanks also go to the dedicated visiting music staff who prepared the performers and to Mr Boxall for his excellent piano accompaniment throughout the evening.