New Hall School's Music Department Presents 'Zimbe!': A Celebration of World Music

On Monday 3 July 2023, musicians from the Senior and Preparatory Divisions delivered a memorable evening of music drawn from traditions across the world. The Junior Orchestra began with an external-view of the world - Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra, followed by what may have been a New Hall first: an arrangement for full orchestra by Year 9 student Harry W of the well-known melodies The Blue Danube (Europe) and La Cucaracha (Latin America), bookending his own east-Asian inspired original composition.
The Brass Ensemble transported us to Spain with the famous Spanish Flea, followed by The Jazz Initiative’s interpretation of Toto’s Africa. The Senior String Ensemble, augmented by drum kit and piano, then offered a sultry rendition of Bossa Rojo by the American composer Bert Ligon, which included stylish solos by Max P (Year 10) and Year 9 students Isabella P, Amelie L and Yohji L. The first half was rounded off by the Senior Orchestra who performed two pieces by the American composer Robert Sheldon; Appalachian Morning and Danzas Cubanas, showcasing sustained lines and driving Latin rhythms.
The second half brought together our Senior Choir, the Preparatory Divisions’ Choir and a professional jazz quintet for a performance of Alexander L’Estrange’s epic choral cantata, Zimbe! The music incorporates melodies from across the African continent in languages from Akan to Xhosa taking the audience on a whirlwind tour of life in an African village. Thank you to our magnificent audience for supporting the event!
At New Hall, Music is an embraced and highly integrated part of our curriculum. Nearly half our students from Reception to Year 13 learn at least one instrument.
The other musical highlight of the past academic year was the Senior Choir’s tour to Prague where we sang Mass at St Vitus Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Basilica of St Ludmila.
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New Hall School is a leading Catholic independent boarding & day school for girls & boys aged 1-18. For more information about our School and our upcoming Open Mornings, please visit: www.newhallschool.co.uk/
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