A night of musical colour: Musical Evenings Solo Performance
Families, friends, and music lovers gathered on Tuesday, May 20 at the Kildare Theatre to celebrate the talent and dedication of our music students at the much-anticipated Solo Performance Evening. The program was a wonderfully varied showcase of styles, instruments, and personalities, highlighting the musical diversity nurtured by our brilliant instrumental staff.
From the stirring strains of classical masterpieces to the familiar tones of contemporary hits, the evening was a journey through musical time and genre.
Allister Cox’s Clarinet and Saxophone students brought woodwind flair to the night.
- Violet B impressed with a poised rendition of Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith, a Baroque gem (accompaniment to be confirmed with pianist Emma Piera).
- Charlie G offered a delightful duet with Mr. Cox in Walking Home by James Rae.
- Hannah G spiced things up with Andy Firth’s jazzy Shaken, Not Stirred, performed with a vibrant backing track.
Emma Piera’s Piano students added emotional depth and stylistic range:
- Ksenia S played a haunting version of Mad World by Orzabal.
- Caitlin J charmed with Over the Rainbow, a timeless classic.
- Jasmine J delivered the funky Jive Turkey by Chua.
- Isabella E brought tenderness with Yann Tiersen’s Song of Another Summer.
- Edwina M moved the audience with Prayer by Hannan and captivated with La donna è mobile by Verdi.
- Makena B beautifully interpreted In Dreams from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
- Rymaux G showed precision and playfulness in Glinka’s Polka and later returned on violin to perform the traditional piece Viva Italia with piano accompaniment.
Claudia Bove’s contemporary vocal students showcased their contemporary talents with heartfelt performances:
- Sophie M delivered a powerful version of How Far I’ll Go from Moana.
- Abigail S gave a delicate and expressive performance of Wildflower by Billie Eilish.
- Tilly D rocked the house with Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran.
Mae Udarbe’s Violin students rounded out the evening with elegant string performances:
- Jacqueline K gave a touching rendition of Gounod’s Waltz from Faust, accompanied by Emma Piera.
- Livinia R performed the unaccompanied Romance No.18 by Mazas with sensitivity and skill.
- Finally, Livinia and Andrew R closed the night with a spirited sibling duet of Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N’ Roses – a crowd favourite!
A Celebration of Talent as Mrs Quinn said, the Solo Performance Evening was more than just a concert – it was a testament to the hard work, creativity, and joy that each student brings to their music. The variety of genres, instruments, and styles reflected the richness of our music program and the commitment of our teaching staff.
Congratulations to all performers and a heartfelt thank you to the teachers and families who support their musical journey. Bravo!
Marcia Howard
Music Program Leader
