Shrewsbury's Baroque Concert

The Baroque concert in the Maidment, before Exeat, proved to be a small but beautifully crafted occasion, showcasing some of the department’s finest singers and instrumentalists. 

A particular highlight of the day was the collaboration with the professional ensemble Noxwode Baroque, whose players worked closely with the students in one-to-one sessions during the afternoon. This input was immediately evident in the evening’s performance: ensemble was tight, stylistic awareness sharpened, and there was a palpable sense of shared musical purpose between students and professionals.

The programme drew on some of the most cherished repertoire of the Baroque period, included performances from Octo Cantores singing Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Clara Mc Allister singing Quia respexit from the Bach Magnificat, alongside Bertie Shammas' 'pin-drop' performance of Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga. There were performances from instrumentalists too, such as oboist Ben Farquharson, whose interpretation of the slow movement of Albinoni's concerto in D minor was becalmed and exquisitely expressive. 

All students excelled and gave brilliant performances; a showcase of musicianship of the highest order; an excellent example of what can be achieved through close collaboration and high expectations.

Mr Richard Robbins, Head of Choral Music