The Sixth Form College Farnborough

Friday night in the Prospect Theatre was the final concert given by the second year musicians: a bitter-sweet occasion for all who have enjoyed the talents of this extraordinary ensemble over the past two years.

The soloists, supported by peers coming towards the end of their first year in College, were magnificent, performing a rich blend of classical and modern, weaving sumptuous romantic pieces with jazz, pop and folk to create a gorgeous musical extravaganza relished by all.

Rachel Mills, Hart Young Musician of the Year, began the evening in confident style with Debussy, followed by a Fauré nocturne played beautifully by Katy Nagle (cello) accompanied by Rachel Ueckermann. A glimpse of Mozart, captured with intensity and power by Guy Murgatroyd, preceded a scintillating rendition of Sinding’s Fruhlingsrauschen by Chris Eager.

Chris remained at the piano to accompany Madeleine Sakakini for the evening’s opening vocal solo: an elegiac, wistful song by Ivor Gurney. Rachel Ueckermann’s stunning interpretation of Finzi’s Eclogue rippled through the Theatre, before Rob Pritchard (euphonium) and Guy provided a subtle version of Softly as I leave you. Ralph Wyld, percussionist extraordinairé, made his first appearance of the evening at the marimba before the first half concluded with the NCE performing a sumptuous, evocative tango by Piazolla.

The second half of the evening opened with the lovely voice of Isabella Stocchetti singing I’m still here. Then something quite new – Farnborough’s answer to The Corrs! The Folk Folk (aka Lauren Spicely, Kate Willets and Ruby Appleby on violin, helped out by Richard Hammond, abandoning percussion duties to show his abilities as a guitarist, the ubiquitous Ralph and first year cellist Eberechi Anucha) provided a spirited set to get the toes tapping . 

Jess Mabin, accompanied on acoustic guitar and vocals by Humphrey Sitima, captivated the audience with their exquisite version of Song Bird, before the tempo kicked up a gear as the Big Band (and stripped down Little Big Band!) brought the evening to a close with the soaring sounds of jazz and swing. Rod Oughton’s own composition Happy Hour, dedicated to ‘turbulent times’ by Rod, launched into Zawinul’s Birdland, arranged by Alex Warren. 

Nature Boy, featuring the amazing vocal range of Kate Willets and the tenor sax of first year Bennett Soundy, was a brilliant prelude to an original piece by Alex before the band stormed into a Prospect favourite, Have you seen them cakes. This lively number accentuated the talents of trumpeter Mike Woods, of trombonist Dom Woods and Issie, this time on flute.

Like gunfighters, percussionists Ralph and Richard joined for the last time by Pete Watson, slugged it out for bragging rights in Drumtime, before this fabulous evening of eclectic music – something for everyone here – came to a fitting end with a racy, pacy, thrilling stomper: the theme to The Incredibles.

The Leavers’ concert provided a suitable finalé to showcase the excellence of a remarkable cohort of student musicians. They leave many unforgettable memories of their outstanding contributions, their unflagging commitment, good humour and dedication to the College but most of all their ability to combine individual brilliance with loyalty and inspirational teamwork: incredible. We thank them, and they leave with our very best wishes for the next stages of their lives and musical careers.