An evening with Gresham’s in the Marble Hall at Holkham Hall
6 March 2026
Last Friday, Schola Cantorum, the String Ensemble, the Big Band and the Orchestra for Les Misérables had the honour of performing in the spectacular Marble Hall at Holkham Hall, by kind invitation of Lord and Lady Leicester. The magnificent Palladian stately home on the North Norfolk coast provided a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music.
The charity concert, held in support of Holt Youth Project and St Withburga’s Church, was a resounding triumph. It showcased the exceptional standard of musicianship at Gresham’s, reflecting countless hours of dedicated practice and the inspiring mentorship of staff.
Schola Cantorum opened the recital with Haydn’s Kyrie from the Nelson Mass, followed by Vivaldi’s Et Misericordia from the Magnificat and Mozart’s Dies Irae from the Requiem. Lily D then delivered an outstanding performance of the second movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. This was followed by Zinnia-Claire B and Sebastian C singing La ci darem la mano from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and a moving rendition of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata by Elie G on piano.
Kai S, Sophie D, Lucy D and Zinnia-Claire B delighted the audience with Mozart’s String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, and the String Ensemble, joined by Lucy D, presented the first two movements of Telemann’s Viola Concerto in G Major. Schola Cantorum brought the first half to a close with Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens (excerpt: O may we soon again renew that song) and Mozart’s Cum Sanctis Tuis from the Requiem.
After the interval, the Gresham’s Big Band energised the hall with bold brass classics including Take the A Train (Strayhorn), Tangerine (Mercer & Schertzinger), Caravan (Ellington, Mills & Tizol) and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Maschwitz & Sherwin), featuring Olivia E on vocals.
Ilana B gave a captivating performance of Sondheim’s On the Steps of the Palace from Into the Woods, followed by Hennie D’s powerful rendition of Kate Bush’s This Woman’s Work.
Henry J enchanted the audience with Hagan’s Harlem Nocturne on alto saxophone, and Schola Cantorum returned with spirited performances of Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Arlen’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
The finale brought together the Les Misérables orchestra and soloists, expertly directed by Mr Girling. Highlights included I Dreamed a Dream sung by Naomi HS as Fantine; Fantine’s Death & Confrontation performed by Seb C (Jean Valjean) and Dougie L (Javert); and a rousing Do You Hear the People Sing? featuring Kai S as Enjolras.
It was an extraordinary evening of musical excellence in truly outstanding surroundings.
