Mozart’s Requiem is a worldwide choral group favourite. The work has not been performed at Gresham’s for several years, however, Thursday’s performance by Schola Cantorum, singing both chorus and solo parts alongside a professional orchestra, reminded us all why this work should stay firmly within the School’s choral repertoire. 

The first half featured several standalone pieces, secular and sacred, old and contemporary, showcasing the musical ability of our pupils in both ensemble and solo format. Esenvalds’ rather ethereal Only in Sleep and Faure’s little heard Ave Maria duet provided the perfect platform for soloists Zinny B and Naomi H-S. Reva S was the soloist in the very listenable How do you keep the music playing. Crickets, the Sixth Form vocal group, performed three pieces, taking us up to the interval.

Having enjoyed refreshments supplied by FOGs, the audience settled down for what was a wonderful performance of the Requiem. From the opening bars of the 14-piece orchestra, the performers took us into the sound world of Mozart. Beautifully executed solos, and a performance paying full attention to the need for everchanging dynamics, the full force of the Dies Irae so well contrasted with the quieter, legato singing of the Hostias and the emotion of the Lacrimosa. 

Special mention must be made to the soloists – Ilana B, Tilly R, Mia W, Fergus R, Sebastian C, Reva S, Sophie L, Josh K, Kai S, Sophia P, Olga B, Benny S, Dougie L, Zinny B and Emily M and congratulations to all members of Schola for an exceptional evening in Chapel.

The final word goes to Matthew C in Year 9, who confidently sat in the Violin 2 seat for the Requiem surrounded by our professional players.