Monday saw 140 Junior and Senior School students make their way to the historic Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square for our 150th Anniversary Concert. Following weeks of practice and a full day of rehearsals, Angellica Bell – NHEHS Alumna, TV and Radio Producer, 150th Bursary Appeal Ambassador and host for the evening – welcomed guests and invited Hester Goodsell – Director of Music to the stage. 

The Symphony Orchestra opened the evening with Beethoven – Movement 1, Symphony No.1 in C major, followed by Year 13’s Ariella performing Frederic Chopin’s Movement 2, Concerto No.2 in F minor, described as ‘nine minutes of bliss’ by Lewhat, Head Girl and A Capella lead. 

The Junior School Year 5-6 Chamber choir delighted the audience with ‘Jazz Man’ and ‘Old Abram Brown’ from Songs from Friday Afternoons in collaboration with the Year 7 Chamber Choir.

To commemorate the special occasion, leading British composer, Kerry Andrew was commissioned to create ‘Shooting Stars,’ which would have its world première at the concert. For inspiration, Andrew explored the school’s archive and came across an intriguing alumna, Violet Hunt, who was a poet and novelist with a rich and exciting social life. Kerry decided to use her poem ‘Shooting Stars’ as a starting point for a piece about connection and ambition. Senior and Junior Choirs came together with the Chamber Orchestra to perform ‘Shooting Stars’ to rapturous applause. 

Our musical alumnae joined the students to perform Gabriel Fauré’s requiem uniting our community and creating new NHEHS memories. 

After the interval Angellica Bell spoke movingly of her own school days, how her bursary was a lifeline and how the belief of her teachers and support of her friends gave her the confidence she has today. 

Next up was Peggy Lee’s ‘Fever’ which was delivered with passion and perfection by Vox, A Cappella and the Advanced Jazz Band, including stunning solo performances by sisters Lewhat and Salem. Salem also arranged the opening section of the piece. 

The evening ended on an uplifting note with all our performers coming together to perform Cy Colman’s ‘The Rhythm of Life.’

Congratulations to all our performers and the Music department for creating such a memorable evening!