We are all so proud of Balcarras Chamber Choir and Cantabile, who recently wowed the audience and the adjudicator (Mr Andrew Padmore) at the 100^th Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts at Cheltenham Town Hall!

Chamber Choir first of all performed in Japanese (‘Murasame No’ – The Mists of Evening)… a wonderfully ethereal portrayal of Autumn Mists rising off the fields of Cherry Trees. This was complete with rainsticks and a mark tree (the thing that makes a ‘zingy’ noise!) adding to the atmosphere, courtesy of Seb H (Y12) and Lowri J (Y13). It was an exquisite performance from everyone.

They followed this up with a delightful rendition of Un Az Der Rebe Zingt – a jolly, little folk-song, which they sang with musicality, charm and lots of humour!

Chamber Choir were then joined on stage by Cantabile – and together, they performed ‘Sweet, Silent Night’ by Andy Beck and ‘Loch Lomond’, (unaccompanied) arranged by Jonathan Quick. Both of these performances showed off impeccable four-part harmony and musical shaping... Bravo to Emma B from Y13 for her beautiful solos.

The adjudicator was completely bowled over by all of these performances and awarded Chamber Choir 89 marks (very high Honours) and the combined choir was awarded 91 (which is categorised as Outstanding and is very rarely awarded!).

Head of Music Mr Armstrong, Mrs Watts (conducting) and Mr Howell (accompanying) are all delighted with both choirs – and it was wonderful to have Mr Burke and Mr Mitchener (Chair of the Balcarras Local Governing Board) there as well as many parents (and grandparents!) cheering us on.

Excerpts from the adjudication:

‘This is a choir singing with musical integrity – beauty in tone, balance and sensitivity to text.’

‘This was singing of a very high standard : real tonal beauty and blend with excellent tuning’.

He said we should all be very proud of the quality of their singing… Well we certainly are!

Jane Watts

Head of Extra-Curricular Music