2024 Course and Concert

Sunday 3 November 2024 - Cadogan Hall, London

Rehearsal before the 2024 Concert

Celebrating its 30th year, the English Schools' Orchestra delivered a transformative experience for young musicians across the UK, as the annual five-day course concluded with a stirring performance at Cadogan Hall on Sunday, 3rd November 2024. Established in 1994, the English Schools' Orchestra has long provided a platform for exceptional talent, and this year’s programme was no exception.

Participants engaged in a rigorous rehearsal schedule, navigating challenging repertoire in full and sectional rehearsals under the guidance of seasoned tutors. These young musicians rose to the occasion, bringing their skills to bear on pieces traditionally performed at prestigious venues like Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and the Barbican, with Cadogan Hall as this year’s iconic finale location.

From 30th October to 3rd November, students rehearsed intensively at Mount Grace School in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Each day included not only demanding rehearsals but also well-timed breaks, with refreshments and catered lunches to keep energy high. Residential students were accommodated at Lincolnsfield Residential Centre, where they enjoyed a warm, communal environment, complete with nourishing dinners and engaging evening activities that balanced the intensity of rehearsals with moments of relaxation and camaraderie.

2024 Rehearsal in Cadogan Hall

Concert Review

In the historic setting of Cadogan Hall, now in its 20th anniversary year, the English Schools' Orchestra delivered a stirring and resonant performance. Under the skilled guidance of their Musical Director, Lewis Gaston, the young ensemble presented a dynamic programme featuring Wagner’s Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Edward Gregson’s Tuba Concerto with soloist Charlie Jones, and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7.

The evening began with Wagner’s Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, an iconic piece brimming with warmth and heroism. The orchestra navigated its majestic fanfares and lush harmonies with poise, bringing out the festive spirit of the work. The brass shone, delivering Wagner's noble themes with clarity and grandeur. As the final chords faded, the audience was left in anticipation for the evening’s next highlight.

Gregson’s Tuba Concerto followed, featuring the remarkable talent of soloist Charlie Jones. Known for pushing the expressive range of the tuba, Gregson’s work gave Jones ample space to display both finesse and vigour. Jones's command of the instrument was clear from the lyrical passages to the rhythmic vitality of the finale. The orchestra supported him sensitively, drawing out the concerto’s contrasts and adding depth to Jones's outstanding solo performance.

Closing the concert was Bruckner's Symphony No. 7, a monumental work demanding both stamina and subtlety. The orchestra embraced Bruckner’s soaring melodies and complex structure, building tension with each movement. The adagio, often considered one of Bruckner’s most beautiful, was particularly notable for the exquisite tones of the Wagner tubas, which lent a resonant, almost otherworldly quality to the movement. The strings provided a lush foundation, while the brass and woodwinds played with restraint and power, giving weight to the work's climactic moments. The final movement brought the evening to a triumphant close, leaving the audience visibly moved.

Throughout, the English Schools' Orchestra displayed maturity beyond their years, with each section working in harmony to create a seamless and absorbing performance. This concert showcased not only the technical skill of these young musicians but their dedication to the craft. It was an evening of musical excellence, demonstrating the bright future that lies ahead for this talented ensemble.

2024 Programme

(Click titles for more details)

• Richard Wagner - Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

  Wagner's Overture from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" serves as a brilliant prelude to his comic opera masterpiece. Composed in 1867, the overture encapsulates the essence of the entire opera, providing a thematic preview of the unfolding drama. Bursting with energy and exuberance, it opens with a lively fanfare, setting the stage for the vibrant festivities within the narrative. Wagner ingeniously weaves together motifs representing various characters and plot elements, showcasing his thematic mastery.

  The spirited and rhythmic sections are balanced by moments of lyrical beauty, reflecting the opera's diverse emotional landscape. As the overture progresses, it builds to a majestic climax, hinting at the opera's triumphant conclusion. Wagner's use of orchestration and his innovative manipulation of leitmotifs make this overture a compelling and engaging musical journey. From its jubilant opening to its powerful conclusion, the Overture from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" stands as a testament to Wagner's ability to create rich and cohesive musical narratives.

• Edward Gregson - Tuba Concerto with soloist Charlie Jones

  Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto, composed in 1976, is a landmark work in the repertoire for tuba, showcasing the instrument's versatility and expressive capabilities. The concerto unfolds in three movements, each displaying Gregson's modern compositional style and keen understanding of orchestral colors.

  The opening movement introduces the tuba with a rhythmic and dramatic character, setting the stage for the soloist's virtuosic display. The second movement contrasts with a lyrical and introspective atmosphere, allowing the tuba to demonstrate its melodic capacities. The concerto concludes with a lively and rhythmic finale, featuring intricate dialogues between the soloist and the orchestra. Gregson's innovative use of harmony, rhythm, and orchestration elevates the tuba to a prominent and captivating role.

  The Tuba Concerto has become a cornerstone in the tuba repertoire, celebrated for its engaging blend of modernity and accessibility, making it a compelling showcase for both the soloist and the orchestra.

• Anton Bruckner - Symphony no. 7 in E Major

  Bruckner's Symphony No. 7, composed between 1881 and 1883, stands as a pinnacle of late Romantic orchestral brilliance. A testament to his admiration for Wagner, this work exudes grandeur and emotional depth. The symphony unfolds across four movements, with the expansive first movement marked by a majestic theme and intricate development. The contrasting Adagio showcases Bruckner's lyrical prowess, offering a sublime melody that unfolds with poignant beauty. The Scherzo dances with rhythmic vitality, while the Finale culminates in triumphant glory.

  Bruckner's signature use of expansive brass chorales, lush harmonies, and intricate counterpoint defines the symphony's sonic landscape. The work's monumental structure, blending German Romanticism and Austrian tradition, reflects Bruckner's mastery in creating a sonic journey that resonates with both power and introspection. Symphony No. 7 remains a testament to Bruckner's ability to weave emotional depth into the fabric of orchestral sound, inviting listeners into a world of profound musical expression.

Rehearsal and Concert Photos - Click here to see album.