School musicians perform Orchestral Concert

A full performance of Beethoven’s seventh symphony was among the highlights of Tonbridge School’s latest Orchestral Concert.

Pieces by Mozart and Arvo Pärt also made for an evening of highly impressive music making last Friday (16 March), bringing out the best in the school’s musicians and giving the audience a sublime listening experience. 

The Chapel of St Augustine was the venue for the concert, which attracted an enraptured audience of parents, staff, Tonbridge boys and the public.  

The concert opened with Mozart’s Divertimento for Strings, performed by the Chamber Orchestra. Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten was the second piece, performed by the Massed String Orchestra. Lastly there was Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 in A major, described as being ‘a favourite of musicians and composers’, and representing ‘Beethoven at his most optimistic and even light-hearted’.

Mark Forkgen, the school’s Director of Music, said: “It is a tribute to the calibre of musicians we have at the school that they were able to perform the full symphony by Beethoven, which requires great dedication and commitment. It was also a fine achievement that they performed the Mozart work without a conductor.

“The concert showcased the depth of talent we have, and the audience’s appreciation was truly gratifying for all involved.”

The concert was also streamed live on YouTube.