In the serene ambiance of Dorchester Abbey, Wallingford, the Oxford High School Senior Concert took place on Thursday 14th March 2024. The abbey, with roots tracing back to AD 635, provided a fitting backdrop for an evening of musical exploration and emotional resonance.
Celebrating Senior Talent
The concert, a culmination of dedication and talent, showcased performances by the school’s larger senior ensembles. Year 13 music scholars Iphigenie, Alice, Haley and Gabi took center stage for solos to mark their final performances at OHS.
The evening commenced with a journey through time, as the audience was transported to the 17th century with Aphra Behn’s ‘Abdelazer’ from the String Orchestra. Following this the String Orchestra performed, Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Nulla in mundo, pax sincera’. Iphigenie’s solo mesmerised listeners, offering a glimpse into the soul-stirring melodies of the Italian Baroque era.
The highlight of the evening came with ‘Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo’, a poignant collaboration between Cecilia McDowall and poet Kevin Crossley-Holland, performed by the Senior Choir. Inspired by the indomitable spirit of Nujeen Mustafa, a Kurdish teenager with cerebral palsy who traversed continents in search of refuge. From haunting vocal solos to stirring choruses, Nujeen’s journey resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a testament to human fortitude in the face of adversity.
A Melodic Finale
The concert drew to a close with the Senior Orchestra’s rendition of Bedrich Smetana’s ‘Vltava’. As the final notes echoed through Dorchester Abbey, the Senior Concert left an imprint on all in attendance. Through a tapestry of melodies spanning centuries and cultures, the concert epitomised the transformative power of music to unite and inspire.
Future Musical Events
Baroness Warnock Concert – Wednesday 15th May, Music Hall
Lower School Concert – Wednesday 22nd May, Main Hall
Lower School Musical, Mary Poppins – Wednesday 26th June – Friday 28th June, Main Hall
