Spring Concert takes place in Cirencester

On Friday evening, the Parish Church of St John the Baptist rouse with wonderful music as the Dean Close School Spring Concert unfolded for the first time in Cirencester.

The concert showcased exceptional talents of Dean Close School pupils, as well as both current and past members of Dean Close Foundation staff, Old Decanians, and members of the Choral society. From orchestral pieces to solo performances, the evening offered a diverse array of musical expressions that captivated the audience.

Frankie Knight, an esteemed Old Decanian and Dean Close Foundation Trustee, penned a heartfelt review, encapsulating the spirit of the evening's tribute:

I hadn’t been to a Dean Close Spring Concert since my time at school and, having not been particularly musical as a pupil, I had never fully appreciated its significance. This Spring Concert, however, held in the beautiful Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester, was a time to appreciate the ambition of the Music Department and the incredibly high standards of talent of current

Decanians.

The first half of the evening involved a series of pieces performed by the school Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Sinfonia with solos from current pupils. It was fantastic to see the courage and confidence with which Decanians performed and to witness the sense of mutual support and congratulation amongst them, eagerly willed on by their music teachers and other members of staff.

The second half was a performance of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem. Even to my untrained ear, it was an ambitious and formidable piece of music, impressively sung by over 100 members of the Chapel Choir and Choral Society, made up of many from the Dean Close Community from teachers, pupils, former staff, current governors and parents, and accompanied by a professional orchestra. A particular highlight was the return of Old Decanian, Stephen Whitford, to sing one of the solos.

It was an evening that not only showcased the talent of all those involved but also celebrated the strong sense of community and warm support that often characterizes a Dean Close event. I now see the Spring Concert as a highlight of the school calendar. Well done to all those involved!

The concert was dedicated to the memory of Diana Walkley, one of Dean Close School's earliest peripatetic singing teachers, who was honored for her very generous bequest she left for the school's music department. The lasting legacy of her contribution will continue to inspire our music pupils.