I experienced a real treat at Forest School, Epping, on Wednesday evening. An invitation to the Orchestral and Choral Concert lifted me to another place.
Not feeling much in the mood for entertainment, this week, what with my father’s anniversary and the first time my mum isn’t around for, saw me a bit maudlin. I put my best face on however and we headed off.
They say music is food for the soul and goodness knows, after just over two hours of choral and orchestral elation, I returned home transformed.
My piece Into Their Future commissioned by the Forest School for the Martin Centre for Innovation.
Year 7 pupils lifted the roof with Scottish folk song Mairi’s Wedding, a favourite of my father’s, who loved to sing. I felt they were singing it for him and with moist eyes, I joined in!
James Sanderson, Director of Co-Curriculum, I wish you a speedy recovery from your stair topple and Flow My Tears, you did! Tenor soloist Angelo Fallaria excelled himself while Alex Coombs was sorely missed and I wish him well in his flu recovery.
The highlight of the evening for me would have to be the requiem by Gabriel Faure… the Choral society and senior chapel Choir comprising of a diverse range of pupils, teachers, parents and supported by the Symphony orchestra blew my mind. I am no aficionado of requiem, however, the performance transported my soul to another realm and more than once I shed a tear for both my parents Tommy and Mary Boyle and my loss and felt through the music (cellos and violas have a propensity to resonate with the soul) a revival of my spirit and a gentle acceptance and farewell.
The love these pupils have for their talents and their teachers is obvious. Hours and hours of hard practise and rehearsal must go on to achieve what I and others experienced on Wednesday night. Forest School can boast third place in London after St Paul’s and Westminster for it’s chamber, symphony, choral and contemporary ensemble.
Thank you, thank you, amazing Forest School.
