Music to Our Ears! - Moreton Hall

Culture & Events

Music to Our Ears!

The Musical Soirée was a musical feast for the ears. The event captured what is truly magical about Moreton’s music department, showcasing the depth and breadth of creativity of the whole school.

The Musgrave, which played host to the much anticipated Soirée, was bathed in purple and blue light, round tables were dressed in crisp white tablecloths and accommodated friends, family, Old Moretonians and guests all of whom waited in anticipation for what was truly a wondrous occasion.

Both Dr James Hindson and Old Moretonian Vicky Barker attended the event, and, as they write below, had a fantastic time basking in the musical delights that Moreton had to offer.

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Wow! What a delightful way to spend an evening. The Musgrave dazzled with lights, the stage was set, and tables were beautifully laid for the friends and parents of Moreton for a delicious supper. The Musgrave was host to a superb sprinkling of musical Moreton Magic.

Morgan Darcy Rees-Deacon, an Old Moretonian who left in 2018, travelled all the way from Spain to perform two incredible solo pieces and join in with the Senior School Choirs. Alongside Morgan, other special guests included Dougie Graham and Diana Platts, who were a huge musical inspiration to all.

The Soirée was an inclusive celebration of individual and group musical ensembles from many of our Moretonians, from Moreton Prep to Upper Sixth. Moreton has not one but four different choirs: Stables, Show Choir, Senior School and the Chamber Choir and it was clear that there was a serious helping of hard work behind the scenes whilst the pupils juggled their revision for mocks, sports fixtures and, for the middle school, the upcoming school musical.

It was an emotional evening for some, with a few tears being shed by some of the Upper Sixth girls, their proud parents, and also the audience, as they sang their way through their final Soirée. It was wonderful for the younger girls, who look up and aspire to be like the older generation.

As an Old Moretonian and a current parent for 12 years, it was a delight to witness so many scenarios, where, with the joint expertise of Mrs Helen Rayner, Mrs Amy Lott, Mrs Eleanor Diack and the whole Music Department, they can take keen and willing Moretonians and help them be the best musical version of themselves.

The Soirée was another example of… “where there is a will, there is the Moreton way.”

Vicky Barker (Parent and Old Moretonian)

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Last Saturday, Moreton Hall parents and guests were treated to an evening of musical delights, with some of the best musicians in the school showing off their talent through two hours of musical excellence.

The programme was hugely varied, with some emotional, and note perfect, solo vocal performances from Amber, Kate, Emma, Bea and Gaia. Although I was left wondering why the love songs some sang were sad – things obviously didn’t work out – and why they always bring tears to my eyes!

The night continued with duets, a trio performance and then performances from the talented Chamber Choir. There were also piano solos from Lyn, Cathy, Jaime and Isabella as well as a violin solo from Yasmin. The Orchestra sounded the best I have heard (perhaps because I was not playing the second violin!) and the Stables Choir was also delightful. All the choirs then joined together to bring the concert to an end with the energetic ‘Rhythm of Life.’

It would be wrong to highlight individuals in what was a concert of a consistently high standard – the kind of concert I could sit back and enjoy the music without worrying whether anyone would go wrong – but it was great to hear the hugely talented old Moretonian Morgan Darcy Rees-Deacon sing again. She was one of three guest performers and gave a passionate rendition of two songs – with the Dvorak still ringing in my head! Other guests included Diana Platts who teaches piano at the school and Dougie Graham on the Trumpet and Flugelhorn, although not at the same time!

This musical feast was put together by the wonderful Music Department Team and it was great to hear members of the Chamber Choir give heartfelt thanks to Mrs Helen Rayner, Mrs Amy Lott, Mrs Ellie Diack and Mrs Clare Cocks. They were emotional in their gratitude to this amazing team who give freely their time and who are always willing to go that extra mile – or should the musical equivalent be that extra bar or phrase – to help students achieve their best.

The final thanks should go to Stephen Conroy and the Catering Team for the culinary feast that accompanied the musical one.

Dr James Hindson