25 March 2026
In the past few weeks, audiences have been impressed and entertained by our ensembles, soloists and composers, both at school and in the very special setting of the Natural History Museum (main photo).
Last night’s Spring Concert was an evening of ensemble music making in the auditorium. the audience enjoyed hearing our choirs (Junior, Senior, Caritas and Amaris), Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonietta, Brandenburg Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Flutissimo and Friends perform a wonderfully varied programme, which ranged from Vaughan Williams’ English Folksong Suite to A-ha’s Take on me, and appropriately Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
Shortly before the end of the concert, Mr Hammond-Hall took the opportunity to say farewell to the brilliant musicians for whom this was their final concert at Woldingham, giving special thanks to outgoing Music Ribbon, Norien for all her support, often behind the scenes, of fellow musicians and the Music Department over the past year, as well as to violinist Lilico, who has given so many wonderful performances, both as a soloist and in numerous ensembles and orchestras.
As Mr Hammond-Hall promised, the evening concluded with music having the last word in the form of a super showcase from Norien, Lilico, fellow Upper Sixth musicians Hannah, Nancy and Sophie, with Year 10 singers Mathilda, Maya and Sophia, who performed Bob Dylan’s Like A Rolling Stone and Blur’s Charmless Man.
The previous week, it was the turn of more than 20 musicians to shine in the intimate surroundings of the Recital Room at our Soloist evening. Some students took the opportunity to practice pieces for their upcoming Trinity or ABRSM exams in public – and all our performers thoroughly impressed and entertained staff, family and friends.
A few days earlier, Woldingham singers performed in the stunning setting of the Natural History Museum at a fundraising event for Womankind Worldwide. Members of our choir that toured Malta last summer, they sang their signature song What Happens When a Woman Takes Power?, which felt very fitting.
Exactly a week before her Spring Concert showcase, Music Ribbon Norien organised and ran a fantastic new event to showcase the work of student composers.
A Celebration of Young Composers – Norien, Music Ribbon
This truly special evening, dedicated to composition – an art that is really flourishing here at school - celebrated the creativity and original musical work of Woldingham students.
Seven Year 11 students performed their GCSE compositions, showcasing an impressive range of styles and ideas. They were supported by Upper Sixth students, who accompanied and workshopped the pieces, helping to guide the composers in bringing their music to life.
We were also delighted to hear from Kiara in Lower Sixth, who spoke about her own music-making process, giving a fascinating insight into composing, alongside a demonstration of her orchestral film score.
The event featured a wide variety of compositions, from expressive works for clarinet and piano to pieces inspired by contemporary pop styles. This diversity made the evening engaging and showcased the individuality of each student composer.
Overall, it was a fantastic evening, full of music-making. I am incredibly proud of the Year 11 students who took part and made the event such a great success. It was a fitting and meaningful way to conclude my time as Music Ribbon.