A-Level Music Students recital, St Michael’s Church Highgate, Saturday 14th March ‘26

(reviewed by CKO)

On Saturday 14th March, we had the pleasure of listening to our A-level Music students giving a solo recital as part of St Michael’s Church, Highgate, Saturdays at Six concert series.

The recital started off with Eve C. performing on the double bass and voice. First, she played B.Kelly’s Ariel from his two movement d.bass suite Caliban and Ariel, and then she sung with poise and elegance Quia respexit from JS Bach’s Magnificat and Batti Batti aria from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni.

Up next was Maika P-Y who also gave a double performance on the piano and voice. First she played Rachmaninov’s Piano Prelude in Eflat op.23, and then she sung Bizet’s Habanera aria from his opera Carmen. Maika finished her performance by giving a fluent rendition of the monumental Beethoven’s Piano Sonata, Pathetique, no.8 (1st movement).

Maya H-B took on the baton next, and sung four pieces with real character and conviction: My Funny Valentine by R.Rodgers, Saving All My Love by W.Houston, I’m Not That Girl from S.Schwartz music Wicked, and When He Sees Me from S.Bareilles’ musical Waitress.

Hana D. took to the stage next, giving a double performance too on the viola and voice. First, she sung in stye Domine Deus from Vivaldi’s ever popular Gloria, and then she played two pieces on the viola with real music integrity: the Courante from JS Bach’s Cello Suite no.3, and Elegie by H.Vieuxtemps.

Mei-Xing L-C was our next performer for the evening, giving effectively a short piano recital of three pieces, full of character and finesse: Beethoven’s Allegro from Sonata in E, op. 14, Chopin’s Waltz in Csharp minor, op.64, no.2, and a piano arrangement of G.Gershwin’s song The Man I Love.

The evening recital came to a close with Elizabeth S. performing on both viola and violin. First, she played with real conviction Y.Bowen’s Sonata no.1, op.18 for Viola (1st movement), followed by two pieces on the violin: the mesmerising 2nd movement Canzonetta from Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto in D, op.35 and J.Brahm’s ever popular and fiery Sonatensatz (Scherzo).

We are truly proud of all our A-level Music students that performed that evening demonstrating real commitment and genuine passion for their discipline.

We would like to thank the music teachers of our pupils that helped them prepare for the recital. We would also like to thank Mr Paul Dean organising for our students to perform in the beautiful setting of St.Michael’s Church which makes a wonderful concert venue.