MORE than 200 musicians from Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools presented an exceptional evening of music-making at the prestigious Wyastone Concert Hall.

A vibrant programme, including music by Schubert, Khachaturian and Kodaly left the audience enthralled on March 27.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mrs Amy Clouter, opened with Schubert’s fabulous Allegro Moderato from Symphony No.8 (‘Unfinished’).

The musicians dazzled with Khachaturian’s Masquerade Waltz and then performed a medley of John Williams’ Soundtrack Highlights with music from Harry Potter, A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) and The Patriot.

The platform was then taken by soloists Christian Loizou, and Jemima Gray, sixth form students from Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth School for Girls, respectively.

Under the baton of Mr David Lawson, Christian sang Copland’s The Boatman’s Dance, Long Time Ago and Simple Gifts.

Jemima, a soprano, performed Vaughan Williams’ Linden Lea, Michael Head’s Sweet Chance That Led My Steps Abroad and the traditional Irish air The Lark in the Clear Air.

The pair came together for a duet of Copland’s I Bought Me A Cat which added a true sense of fun to the successful gala concert.

Mr Lawson directed The Wye Sinfonia as all Year 7 and Form 1 pupils from Monmouth School for Girls and Monmouth School for Boys combined to great effect.

The children were also joined by Monmouth School for Boys’ Choral Society and Chamber Choir and Monmouth School for Girls’ Chamber Choir.

Rounding off an entertaining and memorable evening, the massed choir sounded delightful as they sang Kyrie, Credo and Benedictus (Missa Brevis) and Kodaly’s Gloria in Excelsis, Sanctus and Agnus Dei.