On 21 March 2024, the Abbey Church was filled as members of our wider community gathered to listen to Downside’s Schola Cantorum and Downside’s Choral Society perform Haydn’s Creation.
Led by Alicia Carroll (soprano), Matthew Minter (tenor), Christopher Sheldrake (bass-baritone) and directed by Downside’s Director of Performing Arts, George Bevan, the audience were treated to an outstanding performance of The Creation (written in 1798 by Joseph Haydn, and considered by many to be one of his masterpieces). The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as narrated in the Book of Genesis which felt suitably fitting on the first day of Spring. The professional orchestra was led by Jamie Hughes and included pupil Paweł on the trumpet and Margot on the flute.
It was a wonderful opportunity for members of Downside’s Schola Cantorum (school choir) to sing such a complicated work and the evening also provided the chance for two of our pupils – Charlie and Ciara – to perform solos.
It was a truly exceptional concert and a huge thank you goes to Mr Bevan for bringing the whole evening together.