‘Thrilling and moving’: School’s Symphony Orchestra performs the Eroica

Tonbridge School’s Symphony Orchestra performed Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, the Eroica, in the Chapel of St Augustine on Friday evening (18 March).

More than 50 boys, from across all year groups, treated the audience to one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, in a concert conducted by Mark Forkgen, Director of Music. The hour-long piece is widely considered a landmark in the transition between the Classical and the Romantic era.

The Symphony No. 3, also known as the Eroica, or Heroic Symphony, is also often said to mark the birth of Romanticism.

Mr Forkgen said: “The Eroica is a considerable challenge for any orchestra. It demands high levels of concentration, instrumental skill and, above all, musicianship in order to get to the heart of the work. The orchestra truly absorbed the piece, going beyond notes on the page, and gave a performance that was thrilling and moving in equal measure.”

Other orchestral concerts in recent years have included Shakespeare in Symphony, A Viennese Symphony and Holst’s The Planets.

* The latest Good Schools Guide writes about Music at Tonbridge in glowing terms. Its comments include: “Wide range of orchestras, bands and ensemble groups for all musical styles including flourishing jazz and pop groups and thriving choral music. Numerous opportunities to perform … Octagon concerts feature a different instrument each week.” The full review can be read on the Good Schools Guide and Tonbridge websites.